Hollow Knight: Silksong, the highly anticipated sequel to Hollow Knight, promises to expand the world of Hallownest with a new protagonist, Hornet, and entirely fresh mechanics. Among the many mysteries waiting to be uncovered is one of the game’s most intriguing quest items — the Heart of the Wild, also referred to as the Hunter’s Heart.
This guide takes you through everything you need to know about the Heart of the Wild: what it is, where to find it, what requirements you’ll need before you set out, and a step-by-step process to successfully claim it. Whether you’re playing Silksong for the challenge, lore, or sheer thrill of discovery, this walkthrough ensures you won’t miss out on one of the game’s key objectives.
What Is the Heart of the Wild (Hunter’s Heart)?
The Heart of the Wild is a quest-related item tied to Hornet’s progression and story development in Silksong. It is sometimes referred to in the community as the Hunter’s Heart because of its connection to lore elements that echo the original Hollow Knight’s Hunter.
Here’s what makes the Heart of the Wild special:
- Lore Significance – Acquiring the Heart sheds light on Hornet’s relationship with the Far Fields, a distant and mysterious region in Silksong. It expands the narrative and connects deeper themes of survival and instinct.
- Gameplay Rewards – Beyond lore, the Heart may grant Hornet a tangible upgrade — such as increased vitality, enhanced resilience, or a new ability.
- Quest Progression – To trigger the quest, you’ll interact with NPCs known as Snail Shamans, who provide cryptic clues about the Heart’s location and significance.
The Heart of the Wild represents more than just a collectible — it is both a rite of passage for Hornet and a moment that enriches Silksong’s immersive worldbuilding.
Where to Find the Heart of the Wild
The Heart of the Wild is located in the Far Fields, one of Silksong’s most expansive and dangerous regions. Specifically, it lies in the far eastern zone of the area, tucked away behind environmental challenges and guarded pathways.
To reach the Heart, you’ll need to:
- Navigate across the Far Fields, which is filled with dense wilderness, aggressive enemies, and hidden platforms.
- Interact with Snail Shamans, who act as quest givers and hint-givers. They will guide you toward the general direction of the Heart.
- Explore secret chambers, concealed walls, or hard-to-reach ledges that only open up once you have the necessary traversal abilities.
Unlike standard upgrades or charms, the Heart of the Wild isn’t marked directly on your map. Instead, it requires keen observation and persistence. The region itself emphasizes exploration — rewarding players who backtrack with new abilities.
Requirements Before Attempting the Quest
Before setting out to claim the Heart of the Wild, ensure Hornet is adequately prepared. Attempting too early may result in wasted time or frustration.
1. Traversal Abilities
You’ll need advanced movement tools such as:
- Double-jump or wall-jump abilities to reach higher ledges.
- Dash or aerial boosts to cross wide gaps.
- Wall-breaking tools to smash through fragile walls concealing secret passages.
2. Combat Readiness
Enemies in the Far Fields are relentless. Prepare Hornet with:
- Upgraded weapons or silk-based abilities.
- Ample health and resource management (healing silks, charms, etc.).
- Awareness of attack patterns of local enemies, since ambushes are common.
3. Map Familiarity
The Far Fields is a sprawling zone with confusing layouts. Acquire maps from cartographer NPCs or use fast-travel points to ease navigation.
4. Patience & Exploration Mindset
Expect hidden paths, misleading dead-ends, and areas only accessible with later upgrades. Success often comes after revisiting old zones with new abilities.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get the Heart of the Wild
Here’s a structured walkthrough to help you secure the Heart of the Wild efficiently.
Step 1: Trigger the Quest
- Speak with the Snail Shamans located in the Far Fields.
- One Shaman will provide cryptic dialogue hinting at the “Heart beating deep within the wild.”
- Accepting this clue formally starts the quest.
Step 2: Gather Traversal Tools
- Make sure you’ve unlocked your mid- to late-game mobility upgrades.
- If you encountered previously unreachable areas in the Far Fields, now is the time to revisit them.
Step 3: Head Toward the Far East
- From a recognized landmark or fast-travel point, move eastward.
- Look for environmental hints like cracked walls, odd formations, or areas densely populated by enemies. These often guard hidden paths.
Step 4: Locate the Hidden Chamber
- The Heart is concealed in a secret chamber accessible via a platforming challenge.
- Expect multiple hazards such as spikes, collapsing platforms, or moving enemies during traversal.
- Stay observant for false walls or breakable surfaces.
Step 5: Face the Guardians or Puzzle
- Upon nearing the Heart, you may encounter:
- A mini-boss or elite enemy guarding the chamber.
- A puzzle sequence, such as activating switches, aligning mechanisms, or surviving waves of enemies.
- Defeat the guardian or solve the puzzle to unlock access to the Heart.
Step 6: Claim the Heart of the Wild
- Once inside, interact with the Heart. This may trigger:
- A cutscene or dialogue sequence revealing lore about Hornet and the Far Fields.
- A stat upgrade or ability reward tied to progression.
- Depending on the quest design, return to the Snail Shamans afterward to complete the cycle.
What You Gain from the Heart of the Wild
The reward for this quest is twofold: lore significance and gameplay benefits.
- Lore Expansion
- You’ll uncover hidden truths about Hornet’s role in the wilderness and her survival instincts.
- It ties into Silksong’s broader narrative, connecting Hornet’s destiny to forces greater than herself.
- Gameplay Enhancements
- The Heart could grant increased maximum health, stronger resilience, or silk-based boosts.
- Unlocks new areas gated behind its possession.
- May contribute to late-game quests or alternative endings.
- Achievements & Collectibles
- Finding the Heart of the Wild could unlock special achievements or trophies.
- Completionists will need it to reach 100% game completion.
Tips for Success
- Stock Up Beforehand – Carry plenty of healing options and silk reserves before entering the eastern Far Fields.
- Observe Enemy Patterns – Guardians in this region are tougher than average foes. Learn their moves before committing to combat.
- Use Environmental Cues – Cracks in walls or unusual terrain often mark secret passages. Strike suspicious walls to test for hidden routes.
- Revisit with Upgrades – If you can’t progress, don’t force it. Return later with new movement or combat upgrades.
Why the Heart of the Wild Matters
The Heart of the Wild is more than just another collectible — it encapsulates Silksong’s design philosophy: rewarding curiosity, persistence, and growth.
- For lore lovers, it provides deeper insight into Hornet’s journey.
- For gameplay enthusiasts, it represents a tangible reward that strengthens Hornet for tougher battles ahead.
- For completionists, it’s a milestone achievement on the path to fully experiencing the game.
Ultimately, acquiring the Heart reflects Hollow Knight’s enduring theme: strength through resilience and discovery.
Final Thoughts
The Heart of the Wild (Hunter’s Heart) quest in Hollow Knight: Silksong is both a challenge and a reward. Hidden deep within the Far Fields, it requires preparation, keen exploration, and determination. Players who succeed are rewarded with a mix of lore revelations and gameplay upgrades that push Hornet’s journey forward.
By following this complete guide, you’ll not only secure the Heart but also gain a deeper appreciation for Silksong’s intricate world design. So sharpen your skills, prepare your tools, and venture into the wild — the Heart awaits.
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