Learn how to unlock and use the Needolin skill in Hollow Knight: Silksong. Complete guide to opening locked gates, beating the Widow boss, and accessing hidden areas.
Have you been wandering around Pharloom wondering what those mysterious circular gates with musical note symbols are for? Or maybe you’ve spotted “Needolin” in your control settings and scratched your head trying to figure out what it does? You’re not alone – this musical ability is one of Silksong’s most intriguing progression gates, literally and figuratively.
The Needolin skill transforms Hornet into a one-bug orchestra, letting her play haunting melodies that unlock secrets throughout the world. But getting your hands on this ability requires conquering one of the game’s most atmospheric boss encounters first.
What Exactly is Needolin?
Think of Needolin as Silksong’s version of a magical skeleton key, except instead of metal and teeth, it’s made of silk and song. This Ancestral Art allows Hornet to play melodies using her needle as a violin bow, creating music that resonates with ancient mechanisms throughout Pharloom.
The ability serves multiple purposes:
- Opens locked circular gates scattered across the world
- Summons Bell Beasts at Bellway stations for fast travel
- Triggers special NPC interactions for unique dialogue and rewards
- Unlocks hidden areas called Weavenests that contain valuable upgrades
It’s not just a utility skill – Needolin represents Hornet’s connection to the musical heritage of Pharloom, making it both mechanically important and narratively significant.
Prerequisites: Building Up to the Big Moment
Before you can claim Needolin, you’ll need to complete several progression milestones. Most importantly, you must unlock the Cling Grip ability (wall jumping) first. This skill is essential for navigating the path to Bellhart and the Widow boss.
If you haven’t gotten wall jumping yet, check out our wall jump unlock guide to get caught up.
You should also consider:
- Upgrading your health with HP silk upgrades before the boss fight
- Stocking up on healing items and currency
- Practicing your combat skills on easier enemies
The Widow isn’t the toughest boss in Silksong, but she’s no pushover either.
Step-by-Step: Journey to Bellhart and the Widow
Getting to Bellhart
Starting from the Shellwood bench (assuming you’ve already unlocked Cling Grip):
- Use the elevator near the bench to ascend, or wall jump to the top of the bench room
- Head right until you hit what appears to be a dead end
- Climb the platforms and use wall jumping to continue right
- Enter Bellhart – you’ll know you’re there when the environment shifts to a more urban, bell-tower aesthetic
Finding the Widow
Bellhart initially appears cursed and empty – this is intentional. The town’s residents are trapped by silk and shadow until you break the curse.
- Descend through Bellhart – explore downward through the various platforms and rooms
- Look for a room with a bell icon – this marks the entrance to the Widow’s domain
- Prepare for battle – make sure you’re at full health and have healing items ready
Pro Tip: The path to the Widow teaches you important navigation skills you’ll need throughout Bellhart, so take your time and familiarize yourself with the town’s layout.
Boss Battle: Confronting the Widow
The Widow fight is one of Silksong’s most atmospheric encounters. This boss uses silk-based attacks and teleportation, creating a fight that feels both elegant and dangerous.
Key strategies:
- Watch for silk projectiles – they follow predictable patterns but can overwhelm you if you’re not paying attention
- Use the environment – platforms provide safe spots between attack phases
- Be patient – rushing leads to unnecessary damage
- Focus on positioning – staying mobile is more important than aggressive attacking
After defeating the Widow, you’ll automatically learn Needolin and witness Bellhart’s curse breaking. The town transforms from a silk-shrouded nightmare into a bustling community full of helpful NPCs and merchants.
Story Impact: This victory marks your transition into Act 2 of Silksong, making it a mandatory progression point rather than an optional side quest.
Mastering Needolin: Controls and Mechanics
Needolin uses dedicated buttons across all platforms:
- PC: D key (default)
- PlayStation: Triangle button
- Xbox: Y button
How it works:
- Hold the button near a compatible target
- Watch Hornet play – she’ll draw her needle across silk strings like a violin bow
- Wait for the effect – gates open, creatures respond, or special events trigger
- Monitor your Silk – the ability consumes this resource, so use it strategically
Important: Unlike some abilities, Needolin requires you to hold the button for the full duration of the song. Releasing early cancels the effect and wastes your Silk.
Where to Use Your New Musical Powers
Locked Circular Gates
These mysterious barriers appear throughout Pharloom, often blocking access to valuable areas:
Moss Grotto (Bone Bottom): Contains Weavenest Atla, where you’ll find upgrade opportunities and mysterious NPCs who can enhance Hornet’s abilities.
Far Fields: Houses Weavenest Cindril, another hidden area with unique rewards and lore.
These Weavenests aren’t just treasure rooms – they’re deeply connected to Silksong’s story and offer some of the game’s most powerful upgrades.
Bellway Stations
Fast travel points throughout Pharloom can be activated using Needolin to summon Bell Beasts. These creatures provide quick transportation between discovered locations, dramatically reducing backtracking time.
Special NPC Interactions
Some characters throughout Pharloom respond uniquely to Needolin music, offering:
- Exclusive dialogue that provides lore and story context
- Hidden quests not available through normal conversation
- Special rewards including rare items and upgrades
Keep an eye out for NPCs who seem musically inclined or mention ancient songs.
Strategic Tips for Needolin Usage
Silk Management: Since Needolin consumes Silk, plan your usage carefully. Don’t waste it on experimentation when you’re low on resources.
Exploration Priority: Use Needolin gates early in areas to maximize the benefit of any upgrades you find inside.
Combat Preparation: Never use Needolin when enemies are nearby – the animation leaves you vulnerable to attacks.
Area Familiarity: Before using Needolin in a new area, explore thoroughly to make sure you understand the local threats and escape routes.
The Bigger Picture: Why Needolin Matters
Beyond its mechanical uses, Needolin represents Hornet’s growing connection to Pharloom’s cultural heritage. The ability to create music from silk speaks to deeper themes about art, tradition, and the power of cultural expression.
As you progress through Silksong, you’ll discover that music plays a central role in the kingdom’s history and identity. Needolin isn’t just a tool – it’s Hornet’s way of participating in an ancient tradition that connects her to the land and its people.
The skill also serves as a perfect example of Silksong’s interconnected design philosophy. What starts as a simple gate-opening tool evolves into a complex system that touches transportation, social interaction, and story progression.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Applications
Once you’re comfortable with Needolin’s basic functions, start experimenting with creative applications:
- Sequence breaking: Some areas can be accessed earlier than intended using clever Needolin usage
- Hidden interactions: Try using Needolin near unusual environmental features
- Lore discovery: Many of the game’s deeper story elements are locked behind Needolin-gated areas
Remember that map navigation becomes much easier once you have both Needolin and the various movement abilities, so prioritize unlocking the full suite of skills.
Experience the musical magic of Hollow Knight: Silksong on Steam, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation, Xbox, or visit the official website for more information.
