What is Cling Grip (Wall Jump) in Hollow Knight: Silksong?
Cling Grip is one of the most essential movement abilities in Hollow Knight: Silksong, granting Hornet the power of wall jumping and wall climbing. This Ancestral Art fundamentally changes how you navigate Pharloom's vertical spaces, opening countless new paths and making previously impossible platforming sequences accessible. Unlike many games where wall jumping feels like an afterthought, Silksong's Cling Grip is intricately woven into the level design, becoming essential for both exploration and combat positioning.
Key Features:
- Wall adhesion - Stick to walls temporarily for positioning
- Wall jumping - Spring off walls to chain vertical movement
- Directional control - Precise control over jump angles and timing
- Universal compatibility - Works on most wall surfaces throughout Pharloom
Overview
Cling Grip is the Ancestral Art that grants wall jumping and wall climbing abilities in Hollow Knight: Silksong. You'll find it at a shrine in upper-central Shellwood, but reaching it requires defeating the challenging Sister Splinter boss who guards the path. This ability transforms vertical exploration and is required for accessing many areas throughout your journey.
Quick Facts
- Ability Name: Cling Grip (Ancestral Art)
- Location: Upper-central Shellwood at a shrine
- Boss Requirement: Must defeat Sister Splinter to access
- Controls: Jump toward wall to cling, Jump again to spring off
- Prerequisites: Access to Shellwood via Far Fields → Greymoor progression
- Difficulty: Moderate - Boss fight can be challenging for new players
Prerequisites and Preparation
Story Progression Requirements
- Reach Shellwood via the main progression route from Far Fields → Greymoor
- Basic combat skills - Sister Splinter requires solid attack timing and pattern recognition
- Movement fundamentals - Comfortable with basic jumping and dashing
Essential Preparation
- Full health - Sister Splinter can deal significant damage
- Healing items - Carry multiple healing consumables for safety
- Combat upgrades - Any available needle upgrades or damage-boosting charms
- Bench access - Locate and unlock nearby benches for checkpoint creation
Boss Preparation Tips
Sister Splinter Strategy Overview:
- Attack patterns - Learn her movement cycles and safe windows
- Positioning - Use the arena's white blooms for defensive positioning
- Patience - Don't rush; wait for clear openings
- Healing timing - Only heal when she's in longer attack animations
Exact Location Guide
Finding the Shrine in Shellwood
The Cling Grip shrine is located in the upper-central area of Shellwood, positioned as the reward at the end of a challenging vertical platforming sequence. The shrine itself is a small, distinctive altar that teaches the Ancestral Art when you interact with it.
Visual Landmarks:
- Distinctive shrine design - Ornate stone altar with Ancestral Art symbols
- Central positioning - Located in the heart of Shellwood's upper regions
- Post-boss placement - Positioned as a clear reward after defeating Sister Splinter
Navigation Context
- From Shellwood entrance - Head east (right) and prioritize upward routes
- Vertical progression - The path consistently trends upward through platforming challenges
- Sister Splinter gate - The boss serves as a mandatory checkpoint before the shrine
Step-by-Step Route Guide
Phase 1: Shellwood Navigation
- Start from Shellwood bench - Begin with full health and preparation
- Drop and head left - Locate the lift room for potential shortcut creation
- Activate the lift - Create a shortcut for easier returns if needed
- Return to main route - Head back to the primary eastward path
Phase 2: Vertical Ascent
- Move east and climb - When paths split, always prioritize upward routes
- Use white blooms strategically - Pogo across thorn gaps to gain height
- Navigate platforming challenges - Master the timing for bloom-to-bloom movement
- Approach Sister Splinter arena - Prepare for the mandatory boss encounter
Phase 3: Sister Splinter Boss Fight
- Enter the boss arena - Engage Sister Splinter with full preparation
- Execute boss strategy - Use learned patterns and safe positioning
- Defeat Sister Splinter - Open the path forward to the shrine area
- Rest and heal - Recover after the fight before continuing
Phase 4: Final Approach
- Continue left after victory - Follow the opened path past the boss arena
- Climb the next vertical section - Navigate platforms and white blooms through thorns
- Take the top-right exit - Exit the final shaft via the upper-right passage
- Locate and interact with shrine - Find the altar and learn Cling Grip
Route Optimization Tip: Unlock any paid benches you encounter along the route. These serve as invaluable checkpoints if you need to retry the boss fight or fall during platforming sections.
Sister Splinter Boss Strategy
Understanding Sister Splinter
Sister Splinter is a mobile, aggressive boss that guards access to the Cling Grip shrine. Her attacks focus on rapid movement and area denial, making positioning and timing crucial for victory.
Core Attack Patterns
Pattern 1: Charge Attack
- Warning signs - Brief pause before rapid horizontal movement
- Counter strategy - Jump over or wall-cling to avoid
- Damage window - Brief vulnerability after missing her target
Pattern 2: Area Slam
- Warning signs - Rises up before slamming down
- Counter strategy - Move to arena edges during wind-up
- Damage window - Extended recovery time after impact
Pattern 3: Projectile Burst
- Warning signs - Positioning at arena center
- Counter strategy - Use white blooms as cover
- Damage window - Focus on positioning rather than damage during this phase
Winning Strategy
- Patience over aggression - Wait for clear damage windows
- Use arena features - White blooms provide both offense and defense
- Maintain positioning - Stay mobile but avoid getting cornered
- Heal strategically - Only during her longest animation sequences
Controls and Mechanics
Basic Wall Jump Controls
Platform-Specific Controls:
- All Platforms: Jump button (same as regular jump)
- Cling activation: Jump directly toward a wall surface
- Wall jump execution: Press Jump again while clinging to spring off
Advanced Control Techniques
Directional Control:
- Neutral wall jump - Jump straight off the wall
- Angled departures - Hold direction for diagonal movement
- Momentum preservation - Chain wall jumps without losing speed
Timing Mastery:
- Cling duration - Limited time window before sliding down
- Chain timing - Optimal intervals between wall jumps
- Emergency clinging - Quick wall grabs during falls
Wall Jump Mechanics
Wall Surface Compatibility:
- Standard walls - Most wall surfaces accept Cling Grip
- Smooth surfaces - Some polished walls may not be grippable
- Environmental factors - Ice, moisture, or special coatings may affect grip
Physics and Movement:
- Gravity effects - Temporary suspension of fall momentum
- Directional momentum - Preserve horizontal speed through wall jumps
- Height limitations - Each wall jump provides consistent height gain
Advanced Wall Climbing Techniques
Efficient Vertical Climbing
The Zig-Zag Method:
- Jump to first wall - Initiate wall cling
- Spring to opposite wall - Cross-shaft wall jumping
- Repeat alternating pattern - Maintain rhythm for maximum efficiency
- Conserve momentum - Don't pause between wall jumps
Speed Climbing Strategies
Momentum Conservation:
- Continuous movement - Avoid full stops during climbing sequences
- Optimal timing - Release wall clings at peak effectiveness
- Directional planning - Plan your route to minimize direction changes
Advanced Techniques:
- Wall slide control - Manage sliding speed for precise positioning
- Combat wall jumps - Use walls for positioning during enemy encounters
- Emergency escapes - Quick wall climbing to avoid ground-based threats
Integration with Other Abilities
Combo Techniques:
- Dash + Wall Jump - Extend reach to distant walls
- Wall Jump + Attack - Aerial combat positioning
- Glide + Wall Jump - Extended aerial control (with later abilities)
After Unlocking Cling Grip
Immediate Benefits
Exploration Opportunities:
- Shellwood revisit - Access previously unreachable high platforms
- Vertical shortcuts - Faster navigation through familiar areas
- Hidden areas - Many secrets require wall jumping to access
Progression Integration
Required for Advancement:
- Story progression - Some main path areas require wall jumping
- Collectible access - Many mask shards and upgrades need vertical mobility
- Combat advantages - Superior positioning in boss fights and enemy encounters
Practice Recommendations
Skill Development Locations:
- Shellwood training grounds - Use the area where you learned the skill
- Familiar vertical shafts - Practice in safe, known environments
- Combat scenarios - Gradually integrate into enemy encounters
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Technical Errors
- Button mashing - Wall jumping requires precise timing, not rapid inputs
- Wrong surfaces - Not all walls accept Cling Grip; learn to identify compatible surfaces
- Momentum loss - Avoid full stops between wall jumps; maintain fluid movement
- Panic climbing - Stay calm during vertical sequences; rushed inputs lead to falls
Strategic Mistakes
- Overconfidence - Don't attempt extremely challenging sequences immediately
- Ignoring alternatives - Sometimes ground-based routes are safer or more efficient
- Poor boss preparation - Don't underestimate Sister Splinter; come prepared
- Checkpoint neglect - Always rest at benches to create safe restart points
Navigation Errors
- Route confusion - Learn the Shellwood layout before attempting the shrine route
- Backtracking mistakes - Plan your approach to minimize unnecessary travel
- Arena unfamiliarity - Study Sister Splinter's arena before engaging
Tips for Mastery
Fundamental Techniques
- Practice basic wall jumps in safe environments before tackling challenges
- Learn wall surface identification to quickly spot grippable walls
- Master timing intervals for consistent wall jump chains
- Develop spatial awareness for planning complex climbing routes
Advanced Applications
- Combat integration - Use wall positioning for tactical advantages
- Speed optimization - Chain wall jumps for maximum vertical speed
- Emergency techniques - Quick wall escapes from dangerous situations
- Exploration efficiency - Combine with other movement abilities for complex navigation
Frequently Asked Questions
Unlock Questions
Q: Is Wall Jump missable in Hollow Knight: Silksong? A: No, Cling Grip is a fixed shrine unlock in Shellwood. As long as you can reach Shellwood through normal progression, the ability will always be available.
Q: How early can I get Wall Jump? A: You can obtain Cling Grip as soon as you can navigate to Shellwood and defeat Sister Splinter. This typically occurs in the early-to-mid portion of the game, depending on your exploration path.
Q: Do I need other abilities to reach the Cling Grip shrine? A: Basic movement abilities are sufficient, but having dash and fundamental combat skills makes the journey much more manageable. No advanced abilities are strictly required.
Technical Questions
Q: Why is it called "Cling Grip" instead of "Wall Jump"? A: Cling Grip is the official name of the Ancestral Art in Silksong. Wall Jump/Wall Climb describes what the ability allows you to do, but "Cling Grip" is the canonical ability name.
Q: Do all walls work with Cling Grip? A: Most walls throughout Pharloom are compatible with Cling Grip, but some special surfaces (ice, certain metals, or magically treated walls) may not accept the ability. Visual and contextual cues help identify grippable surfaces.
Q: Can I wall jump indefinitely? A: Each wall cling has a limited duration before you slide down, but you can chain wall jumps between surfaces indefinitely. The key is maintaining momentum and timing your movements.
Strategy Questions
Q: What's the best way to beat Sister Splinter? A: Focus on patience and positioning. Use the arena's white blooms for both offense (pogo attacks) and defense (cover from projectiles). Wait for clear damage windows rather than rushing attacks.
Q: How do I improve my wall jumping accuracy? A: Practice in safe environments first. Focus on consistent timing rather than speed, and gradually build up to more complex sequences. The Shellwood area where you learn the ability is excellent for practice.
Q: Can wall jumping help in boss fights? A: Absolutely! Wall jumping provides superior positioning options in many boss encounters, allowing you to attack from unexpected angles and escape ground-based attacks quickly.
Integration with Other Abilities
Movement Synergies
Current Abilities:
- Dash integration - Extend wall jump reach and escape options
- Combat positioning - Use walls for aerial attack advantages
- Exploration efficiency - Access previously unreachable areas
Future Ability Synergies:
- Advanced movement - Wall jumping combines powerfully with later mobility upgrades
- Combat techniques - Enhanced positioning for advanced combat strategies
- Sequence optimization - Complex movement chains become possible
Exploration Applications
Immediate Benefits:
- Shellwood secrets - Access hidden areas and collectibles
- Vertical shortcuts - Faster navigation through tall areas
- Combat advantages - Better positioning in enemy encounters
Long-term Value:
- Progression requirements - Essential for accessing certain late-game areas
- Completion goals - Required for many collectibles and 100% completion
- Speedrun techniques - Critical for optimized routing and sequence breaking
Related Guides
- Sister Splinter Boss Fight Strategy
- Complete Shellwood Guide
- Far Fields Navigation
- Early Game Movement Guide
Interactive Map Preview
Open Interactive Map
Opens the full interactive Silksong map in a new tab.
Sources
- Video guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwQ5OnOU250
- Community route optimization and Sister Splinter strategies
- Official ability mechanics and control documentation
Open Interactive Map (All Areas)
Opens the full interactive Silksong map in a new tab.