Silksong Tools & Guides
Silksong

Sister Splinter – Silksong Boss Guide

Shellwood location, thorns & minions management, safe punish windows

Sister Splinter boss in Hollow Knight: Silksong, Shellwood upper branches
Shellwood
Upper Branches · Major Boss
THORNS & MINIONS
AREA CONTROL

QUICK REFERENCE

  • Location: Shellwood upper branches (from Bellhart or Greymoor)
  • Strategy: Clear minions first, then attack during recovery windows (1-2 hits max)
  • Key tools: Thread Storm for area control, Silk Spear for precision
  • Reward: Cling Grip ability (essential for wall climbing)

REWARDS

CLING GRIP ABILITY
Hunter's Journal Entry
Access to Upper Shellwood

LORE & DESCRIPTION

A tree-like guardian that nests in the upper reaches of Shellwood. Sister Splinter controls the battlefield through thorn barriers and minion summons, creating a complex arena management challenge. Defeating her unlocks the essential Cling Grip ability needed for vertical exploration.

MOVESET

⬇️
TRIPLE SLAM
Range:Targeted
Startup:Slow
Recovery:After each slam
Damage:High

Three consecutive slams that destroy thorns in their path. Stay underneath and attack during recovery windows (1-2 hits per slam).

↔️
SWEEP ATTACK
Range:Wide arc
Startup:Medium
Recovery:After sweep
Damage:Medium

Horizontal sweep that clears thorns in its path. Jump over or dash through, then counter during the brief recovery (1 hit).

👹
MINION SUMMON
Types:Flying & Ground
Priority:Flying first
Clear method:3 hits or boss friendly fire
Threat:High

Summons Splinterbark minions that restrict movement. Use Thread Storm for area control or let the boss's attacks clear them.

🌿
THORN WALL
Phase:Phase 3
Destruction:3 hits
Priority:Blocking routes only
Boss help:Yes

Creates thorn barriers that restrict movement. Only clear thorns blocking essential routes - the boss's attacks will destroy many for you.

BATTLE STRATEGY

Clear-First Priority

  • Priority 1: Flying minions (restrict movement)
  • Priority 2: Thorns blocking main jump routes
  • Priority 3: Ground minions (boss can clear these)

Safe Punish Windows

  • After each slam in the triple sequence
  • During sweep attack recovery
  • When minions are cleared and space is open

Tool Management

Common Mistakes

  • Trying to clear all thorns instead of just blocking ones
  • Getting too close when boss is down (collision damage)
  • Ignoring flying minions in favor of attacking boss

RECOMMENDED BUILDS

🌿

Area Control

Focus on clearing minions and thorns efficiently with area damage tools and precise targeting.

View Build →

Silk Economy

Optimized silk management with faster regeneration and improved bind success rates.

View Build →
🛡️

Defensive Sustain

Reactive playstyle with strong defensive options and healing capabilities.

View Build →

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Combat Demonstration