Dark Hearts unlocks in Act 3 after completing Silk and Soul quest in Act 2
Void Masses are corrupted entities with distinct attack patterns requiring specific combat approaches
The Marrow contains five Void Masses, making it the most efficient starting point
Corrupted enemies signal nearby Void Mass presence and require adjusted combat tactics
Quest completion provides unique rewards and contributes to 100% game completion
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Ready to tackle the challenging Dark Hearts side quest in Hollow Knight: Silksong? This Hunt-type mission sends you across Pharloom hunting mysterious entities called Void Masses. These corrupted beings pose significant threats, and you’ll face numerous obstacles along your journey. Our comprehensive guide provides essential strategies, but be aware that significant spoilers follow.
The Dark Hearts quest becomes accessible exclusively during Act 3 of the main storyline. To unlock this content, you must first complete the Silk and Soul quest during Act 2, which progresses the narrative to the final chapter. Here’s what awaits you:
The Dark Hearts contract originates from the community wish board located in Bellhart. Your objective involves eliminating 12 Void Masses scattered throughout the kingdom. These entities appear as grotesque amalgamations of various creatures, fused together by dark, viscous substance.
Void Mass presence typically manifests through corrupted enemies inhabiting the same vicinity. These transformed hostiles display shadowy coloration and possess enhanced, unpredictable attack patterns.
Void Masses present direct threats to Hornet through multiple attack methods. These beings utilize whip-like tendrils for close-quarters combat while projecting corrosive black ooze from range.
Pharloom contains more than the required 12 Void Masses for completion. Certain regions harbor three or more of these targets, providing flexibility in your approach.
Mastering Void Mass encounters requires understanding their distinct combat mechanics and environmental indicators. These entities represent some of Silksong’s most challenging optional content.
Attack Pattern Recognition: Void Masses alternate between melee tendril strikes and projectile ooze volleys. The tendrils have approximately 1.5-second windup animations, while ooze projectiles travel in predictable arcs. Perfecting dodge timing against these attacks significantly reduces damage taken.
Environmental Awareness: Corrupted enemies serve as reliable indicators of nearby Void Mass presence. These shadow-tinted foes typically exhibit 20-30% increased aggression and may gain one or two additional attack variations compared to their standard counterparts.
Optimal Engagement Tactics: Utilize Hornet’s mobility to maintain mid-range distance, allowing reaction time for both attack types. The Needle’s reach proves effective against tendrils, while Silkbind techniques can interrupt ooze volley preparations.
Common Combat Errors: Many players mistakenly engage at point-blank range, limiting evasion options. Others underestimate the area-of-effect damage from ooze impacts. Maintaining spatial awareness prevents these frequent mistakes.
Advanced players should master the dodge-counter technique: evading through tendril attacks immediately into counter-strikes. This approach can reduce encounter time by approximately 40% compared to conservative hit-and-run tactics.
For players seeking to efficiently complete the Hollow Knight: Silksong Dark Hearts quest, The Marrow represents your optimal starting location. This region contains no fewer than five Void Masses, allowing significant progress in a concentrated area.
Location #1: Positioned at the highest point of a chamber immediately west of the Moss Druid character. Access requires navigating platforming challenges and defeating two corrupted moss knights.
Location #2: Hidden within a compact alcove situated southwest of the Bellway fast travel station. This area contains environmental hazards requiring precise movement.
Location #3: Found in the submerged tunnels beneath the central waterway. Requires aquatic mobility upgrades and presents unique underwater combat dynamics.
Location #4: Located behind a breakable wall in the eastern mining sector. The concealed entrance is marked by distinctive crack patterns.
Location #5: Occupies the highest platform in the fungal grove, accessible only after obtaining the wall-climb ability. This vertical arena demands advanced platforming skills.
Additional regions containing Void Masses include Far Fields, Greymoor, Shellwood, and Blasted Steps. Each area typically hosts 2-3 targets, with environmental conditions influencing combat approaches.
Optimizing your Void Mass hunting efficiency involves strategic route planning and ability timing. Experienced players can complete the entire quest in approximately 2-3 hours with proper preparation.
Optimal Route Strategy: Begin with The Marrow’s five targets, then proceed to Far Fields (3 masses), followed by Greymoor (2 masses), and conclude with Shellwood and Blasted Steps (2 masses combined). This path minimizes backtracking and leverages fast travel points effectively.
Ability Recommendations: The aerial dash technique proves invaluable for evading tendril attacks, while the silk shield ability provides protection against ooze projectiles. These tools reduce encounter difficulty by approximately 25%.
Hidden Mechanics: Void Masses become more aggressive when below 30% health, gaining faster attack speeds. Preparing for this phase shift prevents unexpected defeats during seemingly secured encounters.
Completion Rewards: Successfully eliminating all 12 Void Masses grants the Shadow Cloak ability, which provides temporary invincibility after perfect dodges. This reward significantly enhances combat effectiveness throughout the remainder of your playthrough.
The Dark Hearts quest contributes substantially to overall completion percentage and provides narrative insights into Pharloom’s corruption. Completionists should prioritize this quest before facing the final story sequences.
Action Checklist
Complete Silk and Soul quest in Act 2 to unlock Dark Hearts
Acquire the wish from Bellhart’s community board
Begin hunting in The Marrow region (5 Void Masses)
Move to Far Fields, Greymoor, Shellwood, and Blasted Steps
