Silksong Best Charms: The Tools That Define Your Build

Hollow Knight: Silksong reworked the original's charm system into a more dynamic tool and equipment system. Hornet's loadout includes craftable tools, passive bonuses, and equipment that fundamentally changes how she fights and explores. The right combination transforms difficult encounters into manageable ones.

How the tool system works

Unlike Hollow Knight's charm notch system where you equip passive effects, Silksong's tools are more active — craftable items with specific combat and traversal applications. You find recipes and materials throughout Pharloom and craft tools at workbenches.

Tool slots are limited. You can equip a set number of tools at once. Choosing which tools to bring to different areas is a strategic decision.

Tools cost Silk to use. Every tool activation draws from your Silk meter (which also fuels healing). This creates a fundamental tension — use tools aggressively and you can't heal as much, or save Silk for healing and underutilize your toolkit.

Some tools are situational. A traversal tool that's essential in one area might be useless in another. Swap tools at workbenches based on what you're about to face.

Combat tool priorities

Ranged tools give Hornet options the Knight never had. Throwing tools and projectile abilities let you deal damage from safety during boss recovery animations.

Trap tools create persistent damage zones. Place them where bosses path through and they deal free damage while you focus on dodging.

Mobility tools that provide aerial resets or directional dashes are always useful — they expand your dodge options and create new attack angles.

Exploration tool priorities

Traversal tools unlock new areas. Some are mandatory progression tools (like the Dream Nail in Hollow Knight), while others are optional but open shortcuts and secrets.

Resource-finding tools help locate crafting materials and hidden items. Valuable for completionist exploration.

Bench-related tools — anything that creates temporary save points or rest areas is invaluable in Silksong's intentionally sparse bench placement.

Build philosophies

Aggressive build: Equip combat tools that deal damage and generate Silk through aggressive play. Minimize healing reliance by killing threats before they can hurt you.

Defensive build: Equip tools that provide shields, distance, or area denial. Create safe spaces in boss arenas and outlast opponents.

Exploration build: Equip traversal and resource-finding tools when exploring new areas. Swap to combat tools before boss encounters.

Balanced build: One ranged tool, one mobility tool, one defensive option. Covers most situations without excelling at any.

General equipment tips

Upgrade tools when possible. Enhanced versions of tools deal more damage, last longer, or cost less Silk. Prioritize upgrading your most-used tools.

Don't hoard crafting materials. If you have enough to craft or upgrade something useful now, do it. The upgrade you make today gets you through today's challenge.

Experiment at every workbench. When you find a new workbench, check what's available to craft. New tools change your approach to the next area.

What we make at Choost

Granny's Rampage has weapon and upgrade choices that shape your playstyle — simpler than Silksong's tool system but same "your loadout defines your approach" philosophy.

For more Silksong content, the silksong tips, games like Silksong, and games like Hollow Knight posts have more.

The shortest version

Tools cost Silk (your healing resource) — balance offense and survival. Swap loadouts at workbenches based on what you're facing. Prioritize one ranged combat tool, one mobility tool, and one traversal tool. Upgrade your most-used tools first. Don't hoard materials. Aggressive builds work because attacking generates Silk to fund more attacking. Experiment constantly — Silksong rewards players who use their full toolkit.