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Hollow Knight Silksong Cogwork Core Guide

Hollow Knight Silksong Cogwork Core Guide

The **Cogwork Core** in Hollow Knight Silksong is a perilous mechanical labyrinth filled with timed obstacles, combat trials, and critical upgrades. Master its challenges to claim the **Architect’s Melody**, a pivotal item for late-game progression.

How to Enter the Cogwork Core

  • **Defeat the Cogwork Dancers** in the Choral Chambers.
  • Drop through the arena’s floor into the mechanized underbelly.

This area serves as a hub connecting multiple Citadel zones, but its ultimate reward lies at the summit.

Cogwork Core Map Location

  • Upon entering, head left into the glowing structure.
  • **Spin the wheel** to summon a Bench.
  • Climb the wall and **activate the pressure plate** to reveal the map.

West Gauntlet and Mask Shard

  • Descend the main shaft and take the **left exit**.
  • Survive waves of enemies on shifting platforms while avoiding saw blades.
  • **Reward**: A Mask Shard and a shortcut back to the Choral Chambers.

Spool Fragment Location

  • From the central shaft, maneuver southeast past saw traps.
  • Battle the **Cogwork Clapper**:
    • Lure it using the nearby wheel and attack from the corridor.
  • Progress through steam vents to claim the **Spool Fragment** and activate a shortcut lever.

Central Gate Shortcut

  • Ascend the right side of the shaft by **pogoing off saws**.
  • Strike the ceiling wheel to unlock the gate for faster traversal.

Reaching the Summit

  • Use **Clawline hooks** and rotating platforms to climb.
  • Solve the trapdoor puzzle:
    • Reattach hooks mid-air and time swings to bypass moving hazards.
  • Defeat Cogwork Defenders to access the peak.

Pillar Puzzle Solution

  • Align the **rotating sections** on four pillars to form matching patterns.
  • Successful alignment causes pillars to sink, revealing a pressure plate.
  • Use the **Needolin** on the plate to learn the **Architect’s Melody** (required for Act 2 progression).

Whispering Vaults Entrance

  • Descend and take the lower right exit missed earlier.
  • Defeat a Vaultkeeper and unlock a wheel-activated path to the Choral Chambers.
  • Enter the **Whispering Vaults**, a new sub-region within the Citadel.

FAQ

How do you get the Cogwork Core map?

  • Spin the wheel in the glowing building near the entrance, then activate the pressure plate after climbing.

Where is the Mask Shard in Cogwork Core?

  • Complete the west gauntlet’s combat challenge.

How do you solve the pillar puzzle?

  • Rotate pillar sections until all patterns match, causing them to sink.

What reward do you get at the top?

  • The **Architect’s Melody**, essential for accessing Act 2’s final areas.