In standard mode, Hornet respawns at the last Bench or checkpoint she used, while the Rosaries she was carrying are left in a Cocoon at the place she died. Find and destroy that Cocoon to recover them. Die again before recovering it, and the original Cocoon and its stored Rosaries are lost. Steel Soul mode is different: death ends the run.
What happens after Hornet dies in standard mode?
- At zero masks, Hornet leaves a Cocoon. It appears where she died and holds the Rosaries she was carrying.
- She respawns at her last used Bench or checkpoint. The Cocoon remains at the death location.
- Return to the Cocoon and destroy it. This recovers its Rosaries, restores nine Silk, and re-enables any unlocked Spool upgrades that were temporarily disabled by the death.
The Spool upgrades are temporarily unavailable while the Cocoon remains; they are not permanently erased. If Hornet dies again before the original Cocoon is recovered, that Cocoon and its stored Rosaries are lost.
Which resources do you lose?
| Resource | What happens on death |
|---|---|
| Rosaries carried by Hornet | Stored in the Cocoon. Recover the Cocoon before another death to get them back. |
| Rosaries attached to a string | Protected from death loss, but unavailable to spend until the string is broken. |
| Rosaries with the Dead Bug’s Purse | The tool retains half of the carried Rosaries on death; the rest are left in the Cocoon. |
| Shell Shards | GamesRadar+ reports they are not lost on death. They are used to refill tools at rest points. |
Rosaries are used for purchases and tolls, including some Benches, Bellways, and Ventrica stations. Shell Shards are a separate resource, so the Cocoon’s Rosary penalty does not mean every resource or tool is lost.
How does Steel Soul mode change the result?
Steel Soul is the permadeath exception: a death ends the run instead of sending Hornet through the standard respawn-and-Cocoon recovery loop. PC Gamer reports that reopening the save can bring up an overwrite prompt, so take care when selecting a save after a Steel Soul death.
#1 Best Overall
![Hollow Knight: Silksong Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51mOgOC8xEL._SL160_.jpg)
- Discover the fallen insect kingdom of Pharloom! Explore mossy grottos, gilded cities and misted moors as you ascend to the shining citadel at the top of the world.
- Engage in lethal acrobatic action! Wield a huge suite of deadly moves as you dance between foes in swift, beautiful combat.
- Craft powerful tools! Master an ever-expanding arsenal of weapons, traps, and mechanisms to vanquish your enemies and explore new heights.
- Solve shocking quests! Hunt down rare beasts and solve ancient mysteries to grant the wishes of the downtrodden and restore the kingdom’s hope.
- Face over 200 ferocious foes! Beasts and hunters, monsters and knights. Defeat them all with bravery and skill!
Can you reduce the risk of dying?
Hornet can use Bind to heal by spending silk. Team Cherry described the ability in a 2019 development update as wrapping her wounds, and said a starting Bind can heal three masks. That description reflects the update at the time; it should not be treated as confirmation of every later balance change. Healing before a dangerous encounter can help preserve a run—and, in standard mode, avoid having to retrieve a Cocoon.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
![Hollow Knight - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51nXCF+sf5L._SL160_.jpg)
- Classic side-scrolling action, with all the modern trimmings.
- Forge your own path! The world of Hallownest is expansive and open. Choose which paths you take, which enemies you face and find your own way forward.
- Evolve with powerful new skills and abilities! Gain spells, strength and speed. Leap to new heights on ethereal wings. Dash forward in a blazing flash. Blast foes with fiery Soul!
- Equip Charms! Ancient relics that offer bizarre new powers and abilities. Choose your favorites and make your journey unique!
- An enormous cast of cute and creepy characters all brought to life with traditional 2D frame-by-frame animation.
Rank #3
- Classic side-scrolling action, with all the modern trimmings.
- Tightly tuned 2D controls. Dodge, dash and slash your way through even the most deadly adversaries.
- Explore a vast interconnected world of forgotten highways, overgrown wilds and ruined cities.
- Forge your own path! The world of Hallownest is expansive and open. Choose which paths you take, which enemies you face and find your own way forward.
- Evolve with powerful new skills and abilities! Gain spells, strength and speed. Leap to new heights on ethereal wings. Dash forward in a blazing flash. Blast foes with fiery Soul!.Equip Charms! Ancient relics that offer bizarre new powers and abilities. Choose your favourites and make your journey unique!.An enormous cast of cute and creepy characters all brought to life with traditional 2D frame-by-frame animation..
Rank #2
- Hollow Knight: Silksong is the epic sequel to Hollow Knight, the award winning action-adventure.
- Journey to all-new lands, discover new powers, battle vast hordes of bugs and beasts and uncover secrets tied to your nature and your past.
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