As of 2026, Hollow Knight: Silksong players are still discovering the quirks of Loddie, the shopkeeper tucked into a corner of The Marrow. He offers Hornet a straight pin throwing challenge. It looks simple, but it is a classic case of easy to learn, hard to master. Loddie does not explain the rules until they are broken, which is a sneaky move that trips up unsuspecting players. The challenge costs 25 Rosary Beads per attempt, so every mistake has a price. This guide breaks down how Loddie's knife throwing challenges work, what rewards are on the line, and how to complete both the 15-hit and 25-hit trials without burning through a mountain of rosaries.



The Two Rules That Matter ⚠️

Loddie's challenge has only two rules, but they are absolute.

Do not move past the red marker on the ground.

Do not miss three times.

If Hornet crosses the red marker or misses three pins, the challenge ends immediately. The player must pay another 25 Rosary Beads to re-enter. A miss counter appears directly behind Hornet's shooting spot, so there is no hiding from failure. The red marker is the invisible fence; step over it and Loddie pulls the plug. Three misses? Same deal. It is brutal, but fair enough once you know the score.



Loddie's 15-Hit Knife Throwing Challenge ?

The first test asks Hornet to hit the target bug 15 times with throwing pins. The target's movement changes in phases, and learning those phases is the key to victory.

Hits
Target Behavior

1-5
The target stays completely stationary.

6-8
It starts moving up and down, slowly at first, then faster.

9-12
It moves in a fixed wave pattern.

13-15
It teleports between three static locations in a cyclical, fixed pattern.

A good way to find the right rhythm is to aim only when the target gets low to the ground. Hornet's jump animation is not slow, but there is still a small delay between pressing jump and reaching maximum height. Aiming at a high-moving target is therefore riskier than aiming low. The target bug's movement is not random; it follows a set pattern. Since there is no timer, players can pause for a few seconds before each throw to study the movement. Do not rush. Rushing is how rosaries get donated to Loddie's retirement fund.

Loddie's 25-Hit Knife Throwing Challenge ?

The second challenge is a big step up. Hornet must hit the target 25 times, and the target bug moves faster and more erratically. The first half feels like a sped-up version of the 15-hit challenge, but the later phases demand more focus.

Hits
Target Behavior

1-3
The target stays completely stationary.

4-9
It moves up and down with increasing speed.

10-12
It moves in a fixed wave pattern.

13-17
It moves erratically in either a wave or a diagonal pattern.

18-25
It teleports between three or four fixed spots with increasing speed.

The wave and diagonal phases are less predictable, but the target still moves within a fixed area. It just moves more often. When the target starts blinking during the final phase, the challenge actually becomes easier in a weird way. All the player has to do is memorize the three or four teleport spots and throw the pin where the target will appear next.



It is best to aim at teleport spots nearer to Hornet than those far away. The straight pin's throwing animation has travel time, so by the time the weapon reaches a distant spot, the target may already have blinked away. Account for that delay before committing to a throw.

Rewards for Completing Loddie's Challenges ?

Loddie's challenges are not just for bragging rights. The 15-hit challenge opens the door to the second trial and offers its own reward. The 25-hit challenge rewards the Heavy Rosary Necklace, a useful trinket for players who want to stack up rosaries. Since the entry fee is 25 Rosary Beads, it is worth treating each attempt like a real investment. Practice the patterns, stay calm, and the payout will come.



Tips and Tricks to Save Rosaries ?

Here are some practical tips to avoid losing the challenge in a fit of gamer rage.

Respect the red marker. It is not a suggestion. It is a hard boundary.

Count your misses. Two misses is a warning. Three is a reset.

Aim low. The target is easier to hit when it is close to the ground.

Pause and observe. There is no timer, so use that breathing room.

Memorize teleport spots. The final phase is a memory game, not a reflex test.

Aim near, not far. Pin travel time can make a good shot miss.

Do not get greedy. A steady rhythm beats a flashy rush every time.

Keep a cool head. The challenge is designed to punish panic.

Loddie may be a cheeky shopkeeper, but his challenges are a solid test of patience and pattern recognition. With the right approach, Hornet can walk away with the Heavy Rosary Necklace and a story worth telling. In Silksong, rosaries do not grow on trees, so make every pin count.

Just as every rosary spent at Loddie's stall is an investment, so too is every dollar you put into your gaming hobby. If you want to make those investments stretch further, keeping an eye on curated deals can help. DealNest gathers discounts on games, gear, and subscription services, so you can save on the titles you're eager to play next.

Whether you're hunting for a sale on Silksong's soundtrack or a budget-friendly controller to practice your pin throws, a quick check before you buy can be worth the effort. Think of it as applying the same patience and pattern recognition you use in the challenge—only this time, the reward is real-world savings.

Hunter's March in Hollow Knight: Silksong is the area that broke me. Not literally—my controller survived—but spiritually? Absolutely shattered. ? It's early in the game, yet it's packed with enemies that hit like a truck and a movement mechanic that feels like trying to pat your head and rub your belly while juggling chainsaws. And of course, you don't even have a map when you first stumble in. Because why would you? That would be too kind.

I spent my first hour here dying to the same red ants and missing the same pogo jumps. But after many, many trips back to the bench (and a few choice words at my screen), I finally cracked it. So here's everything I wish I'd known before setting foot in this nightmare garden.

Pogo Jumping: Your New Best Friend (and Worst Enemy)

See that withered orange fruit hanging over a bed of spikes? That's your first lesson. If you've played Hollow Knight, you might recognize the technique. If not, welcome to pogo jumping.

Here's the drill: find a safe platform. Imagine your thumbstick is a compass. Jump, and while Hornet is airborne, point the left stick either southwest or southeast, then press attack. She'll sail downward with her needle pointed out in a diagonal slash. Hit an orange bulb or fruit with that attack, and she'll bounce off with a little upward boost. Chain these together to cross wide gaps.

In Hunter's March, you'll need to pogo across multiple gaps and bulb clusters. My advice? Don't rush. If you're struggling, adjust your position in the air so you're directly diagonal from the bulb you want to bounce off. And mash that attack button faster than you think you need to.



The first gap is a warm-up. Then you'll face three bulbs, then a larger group that requires a diagonal ascent. I died here at least a dozen times. But eventually, you'll land on a platform with a patrolling red ant. Beat it—or push it into the spikes—then pogo right again. Jump over the bigger enemy, pogo over the distant bulb, and exit right.

Finding Shakra and the Hunter's March Map

After another set of pogo jumps, you'll enter a battle arena. And who joins you? None other than Shakra, the map merchant. She's a lifesaver, but first you have to survive multiple waves of enemies together. This fight is brutal. I got sent back to the bench more times than I care to admit. My strategy: focus on the aerial enemies first. Their projectiles are a nightmare when you're trying to dodge ground attacks. For the fifth and final wave, I just focused on dodging while Shakra did the damage.

Once you win, Shakra opens up shop right there. Buy the Hunter's March map for 70 Rosaries. Trust me, it's worth every single one.



All the Important Stuff in Hunter's March

Once you have the map, you can actually plan your suffering. Here's what's worth grabbing:

Location
What You'll Find
Tips

Bench
Respawn point
It's trapped! Break the left wall and flip the lever before sitting.

Bottom-right passage
Memory Locket
Adds an extra crest slot. Follow the vertical room's bottom-right exit to the end.

Above Memory Locket
Savage Beastfly
Defeat it for the Beast Crest.

Top-left chamber
Curveclaw tool + gauntlet fight
Another tough battle, but the tool is handy.

Top-right chamber
Gilly
Meet for story context.

Second passage down on left
Mottled Skarr
Merchant selling various tools.

The bench is tricky to reach without the glide or double jump ability. It's in the big vertical room on the east side of the map. Pogo up until you reach the third corridor down on the left. And remember: that bench is trapped. Break the wall to the left, flip the lever, then sit. Otherwise, you'll get a nasty surprise.



Other than the Memory Locket and the Beast Crest, most loot in Hunter's March is replaceable elsewhere. So don't tear your hair out trying to 100% this area. I learned that the hard way. ?

Final Thoughts (and a Warning)

Hunter's March is a gauntlet. It's early, it's mean, and it will test your patience. But with pogo practice and a map from Shakra, you can make it through. My biggest tip? Get the map first. Don't be a hero. I tried to explore blind and ended up in a spike pit more times than I can count.

Also, don't feel bad if you need to take a break. This area is notorious for a reason. But once you master the pogo and unlock that bench, you'll feel like a god. A very tired, slightly traumatized god. But a god nonetheless. ?

If you're the kind of player who grinds through brutal areas like this one, you probably appreciate getting good value out of the games you play. Whether you're picking up Silksong for the first time or filling out your library with other tough-as-nails metroidvanias, it helps to know where the discounts are hiding before you hit the checkout button. That's where a site like DealNest comes in handy — it aggregates current offers so you don't have to hop between storefronts hunting for a better price.

Worth a look next time you're ready to expand your backlog: check game prices on DealNest. It's a quick way to see what's on sale right now, so your Rosaries (and your real money) go a little further.

As someone who played the original Hollow Knight at launch and has logged countless hours since, I've always regarded it as the pinnacle of the Metroidvania genre. Its charm, tight design, and exploration were unmatched. So when Hollow Knight: Silksong finally arrived, I was both excited and apprehensive. Could a sequel improve on near-perfection? After spending dozens of hours in Pharloom, I can say it does—and one of the most surprising improvements comes from a character who replaces one of Hollow Knight's greatest icons: Cornifer the cartographer.

In Hollow Knight, Cornifer was pure comic relief. His timid, naive enthusiasm contrasted sharply with the Knight's silent resolve. I still remember the relief of hearing his humming in Deepnest, a soothing presence in a terrifying area. He was lovable, yes, but his role was limited: he sold only the map of the area you were in, and map markers were sold separately by his wife Iselda in Dirtmouth. This meant unnecessary backtracking in a game already full of it. Cornifer was a map dispenser, not a merchant.



Shakra, his replacement in Silksong, is a different beast entirely. She is a formidable, solemn warrior who believes cartography is a way to hone her spirit. Our rapport with her evolves throughout the game, and she feels like a true ally rather than a quirky NPC. She trades Cornifer's paper scraps for metal chakrams, a clear signal of Pharloom's alien danger. More importantly, she is a one-stop shop: she sells maps, map markers, and other helpful items. She effectively combines Cornifer and Iselda into one convenient, dynamic character. She even assists Hornet in specific battles, deepening their connection and endearing herself to me through sheer practicality.



I recall my first encounter with Shakra in Deep Docks. I was low on health, lost, and frustrated. Her stoic demeanor and the soft clink of her chakrams were oddly comforting. When she later joined me in a fight, I felt a surge of gratitude. This is what Silksong does so well: it takes familiar systems and reinvents them with deeper narrative and mechanical integration.



To illustrate the differences, here's a quick comparison:

Aspect
Cornifer (Hollow Knight)
Shakra (Silksong)

Personality
Timid, comic relief
Solemn, warrior-spiritual

Role
Map seller only
Full-service merchant (maps, markers, items)

Combat
None
Assists in specific battles

Story
Light, humorous
Evolving rapport with Hornet

Convenience
Requires backtracking to Iselda
One-stop shop

This table makes it clear: Shakra is not just a replacement; she's an upgrade. She fits Pharloom's dangerous, alien nature perfectly, and her presence feels organic rather than forced. Cornifer will always have a place in my heart, but Shakra has earned my respect.

In 2026, as I look back on my time with Silksong, I appreciate how Team Cherry wasn't afraid to change a beloved formula. Shakra embodies that boldness. She's a warrior, a cartographer, and a companion—all in one. If you're still hesitant about Silksong's changes, let me assure you: Shakra is a worthy successor, and perhaps even better than the original. ??️⚔️

If Shakra's practicality taught me anything, it's that convenience matters more than nostalgia — and that principle applies just as much to how I shop for games as it does to how I navigate Pharloom. Chasing down scattered storefronts for a decent price on a title I want feels a lot like backtracking to Dirtmouth just to buy a map marker. Lately I've been using DealNest to keep that hunt in one place, and the one-stop-shop logic holds up nicely.

It's the same instinct that makes Shakra such a welcome presence: fewer detours, more time actually playing. Whether I'm hunting down a discount on a metroidvania I've been eyeing or stocking up on something entirely different, having a single reliable hub beats bouncing between a dozen tabs. Give it a look the next time you're weighing a purchase — you might find the trip was shorter than expected.

Introduction About Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana

Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana is a footballer who makes the right wing his stage. With a left foot that can curl, strike, and slide passes into dangerous areas, he turns isolated duels into opportunities and gives his team a constant outlet on the flank. Even at a young age, he plays with a composure that suggests he belongs among senior professionals.

A product of Barcelona’s youth system, he rose through La Masia before establishing himself in the first team. As a right winger, his strengths are easy to see: nimble footwork, acceleration, vision, and the confidence to take on defenders. He can hug the touchline, cut inside to shoot, or deliver an early cross, making him difficult for opponents to predict and contain.

For Spain, he has already contributed on major stages, bringing energy and invention to the attack. Whether for club or country, his best work comes from the right, where he stretches defenses and creates moments of brilliance. Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana is therefore not just a promising talent but a genuinely effective right-wing player, one whose future appears exceptionally bright.

Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana's card

Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana’s 90-rated Right Wing card stands out as an elite attacking option, combining 86 pace, 84 shooting, 87 passing, and an exceptional 93 dribbling rating. While his 38 defense and 61 physicality reflect his attack-first profile, his technical quality makes him a constant threat in the final third. As a winger, Yamal can burst past full-backs, weave through tight defensive lines, and create decisive chances with either a dangerous pass or a composed finish, helping you break open stubborn defenses and secure crucial goals.



How to Obtain Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana's Player Card

To obtain Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana's card in FC 27, there are several methods, each with its own drawbacks. The first method is to purchase card packs and try your luck, but the chances of getting the card are relatively low and uncertain. The second method is to complete SBC (Squad Building Challenges) tasks, which may reward you with Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana's card, though the reward is not guaranteed. The third method is to directly purchase the card from the transfer market, where the current market price is set at around 0.17 million FC 27 Coins, making it quite expensive.



Fastest Ways to Earn FC 27 Coins



Common methods to earn FC 27 Coins include selling player cards from your club, completing weekly objectives, and playing various game modes for rewards, but earning fc coins this way has clear limitations because progress depends heavily on skill or luck. If you are saving for a player card such as Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana, its high price can mean spending a lot of time and still not making enough.

Fortunately, LootBar.com offers a faster route as a trusted trading platform where you can buy fc 27 coins at the safest and cheapest rates, with a 10% discount for newly registered users and regular special offers. The purchased FC 27 Coins arrive quickly through a secure trading method that protects your account and avoids bans, so if you would rather buy fifa coins from a reliable source than keep grinding, you can head to LootBar and get the Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana card you want right away.

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Introduction About Salma Celeste Paralluelo Ayingono



Salma Celeste Paralluelo Ayingono is a Spanish footballer born on November 13, 2003, in Zaragoza, Spain. Playing for FC Barcelona’s women’s team, she has established herself as one of the most exciting left-wing talents in the modern game. Her pace, direct running, technical ability, and attacking instinct make her a constant threat down the left side.

Paralluelo has already enjoyed remarkable success at both youth and senior international level. She helped Spain win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup before contributing to the senior national team’s historic Women’s World Cup triumph on August 20, 2023. Her ability to deliver in major tournaments reflects her confidence, maturity, and quality on the biggest stage.

At club level, she continued to add important trophies with Barcelona, winning the Copa de la Reina in May 2024 and the 2023–24 UEFA Women’s Champions League later that month. In recognition of her outstanding performances, she finished third in the 2024 Women’s Ballon d’Or voting and was named in the FIFA Women’s World Best XI in December 2024.

Salma Celeste Paralluelo Ayingono's card

Salma Celeste Paralluelo Ayingono’s 87-rated Left Wing card is built to make a decisive impact in attack, boasting outstanding 93 pace alongside 84 shooting, 79 passing, 85 dribbling, 46 defending, and 78 physicality. As a rapid and technically gifted winger, she can burst beyond full-backs, carry the ball into dangerous areas, and create immediate pressure on the opposition’s defensive line. Her combination of explosive speed, agile dribbling, and reliable finishing makes her an excellent option for tearing open wide spaces, cutting inside to threaten goal, and seizing key scoring opportunities to help secure the result.



How to Obtain Salma Celeste Paralluelo Ayingono's Player Card

To obtain Salma Celeste Paralluelo Ayingono's card in FC 27, there are several methods, each with its own drawbacks. First, you can purchase card packs and try your luck, but the chances of getting the card are relatively low and uncertain, so this method can waste coins without any guarantee. Second, you can complete SBC (Squad Building Challenges) tasks, which may reward you with her card, although this approach requires submitting squads that meet specific requirements and may cost time, coins, or valuable players before you receive the reward. Third, you can directly purchase the card from the transfer market, where the current market price is set at around 0.26 million FC 27 Coins, making it a reliable but quite expensive option. In short, you can try pack luck, grind SBCs, or pay the market price, but each route involves either uncertainty, effort and squad costs, or a high coin cost.



Fastest Ways to Earn FC 27 Coins



Selling player cards, completing weekly objectives, and grinding game modes are the usual ways to earn fifa coins, but they can be slow and heavily dependent on your skill, pack luck, and available playtime. If you are saving up for a high-value card such as Salma Celeste Paralluelo Ayingono, collecting enough fc coins through these methods may take far longer than expected.

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Okay, let me be honest with you. I thought I had seen everything the night could throw at me. I had beaten Night Aspect, I had farmed my share of relics, and I had started to feel... comfortable. That was my first mistake. Deep of Night does not reward comfort. It smells it, grins, and turns the lights off.

Deep of Night is a high-difficulty challenge mode designed for seasoned players who have navigated through the night many times. It first began on Thursday, September 11th, at 18:30 PDT (9/10), 3:30 CEST, and 10:30 JST. As of 2026, it remains one of the most punishing online experiences I keep coming back to. The mode is not a side activity. It is a full-body test of patience, build knowledge, and emotional control. The night knows your habits. It knows you will panic when the terrain shifts, and it knows you will greed for one more hit. That is why I love it and hate it in equal measure.

Here is the deal. In Deep of Night, the enemies that appear are stronger than usual. You cannot specify the target Nightlord. Ongoing terrain changes are not reflected. Special items such as Depths Relics exclusive to Deep of Night and weapons with multiple additional effects but with detrimental effects will appear. The difficulty increases according to the depth. Your rating will fluctuate based on wins and losses, and that rating affects your depth. So every expedition is not just a fight. It is a gamble with your progress.

To play Deep of Night mode, you must have defeated the Nightlord named Night Aspect. That is the gate. If you have not put that monster down, the mode will not open for you. It is also online mode exclusive content. If you started in offline mode, select LOGIN from the title menu to connect to the online servers. In online mode, you can commence expeditions with between 1 to 3 players. You can also commence expeditions with your friends using your platform's invite system or using Multiplayer Passwords. In multiplayer mode, players of similar depth level will generally be matched. That last part matters more than it sounds. You cannot easily drag a fresh friend into depth 5 and expect a happy ending.

Now, the rating system. In Deep of Night mode, successfully defeating Nightlord targets will increase your rating while failures will decrease it. The amount by which your rating decreases upon failure varies depending on the progress of the session. Rating changes are the same for both single and multiplayer modes. If you disconnect or quit the game during a multiplayer session, you will incur a penalty and your rating will decrease. Returning to the session immediately after disconnecting will remove any penalties incurred at the time of disconnect, and the rating at the time of disconnect will not be recorded. Trust me, I learned that the hard way. One bad router moment can undo an hour of careful play if you do not jump back in fast.

Depth
What I feel
What it demands

1-3
Tense, but fair
Learn enemy patterns, respect terrain, stop rushing

4-5
Endless battle
Perfect builds, team synergy, nerves of steel

Failure
A punch to the rating
Come back fast, or the penalty sticks

Honestly? The Depths Relics are the most interesting part for me. They are exclusive to Deep of Night, and they can bend a run in strange directions. The weapons with multiple additional effects but detrimental effects are a trap and a toy at the same time. I have used a weapon that made my damage absurd but drained my stamina like it was drinking through a straw. I have also watched a teammate turn a bad modifier into a clutch victory. That is the beauty of this mode. It forces you to adapt, not just execute.

Here is my personal checklist for anyone trying to surpass depth 3:

Do not chase rating. Chase survival. Rating follows survival, not the other way around.

Treat Depths Relics as tools, not trophies. If a relic does not fit your plan, leave it.

Test detrimental weapons in low-pressure fights before you bet a deep run on them.

In multiplayer, communicate the moment terrain or objectives look weird. Ongoing terrain changes are not reflected, so your memory can betray you.

If you disconnect, return immediately. The penalty removal window is not a suggestion.

Remember that players of similar depth level will generally be matched. Use that to learn from people who are stuck at the same wall.

Depth 3 is the first real test. Depth 4 to 5 is where the mode stops pretending to be fair.

I know some people will read this and think, that sounds miserable. And yeah, it can be. But the moment you finally drop a Nightlord target after a brutal session, the rating climbs, and the depth opens a little wider, the misery turns into something else. It becomes proof. Proof that you did not just get lucky. Proof that you learned the night's language.

Deep of Night is a gripping high-difficulty mode, an arduous adventure. Challenge yourself in your own playstyle to surpass depth 3. Depths 4 to 5 will present an endless battle for those seeking even greater thrills. So sharpen your build, pick your partners carefully, and do not let the darkness rush you. The night is patient. Be patient back.

One thing that surprised me after my first real push past depth 3 was how much the rest of my setup started to matter outside the match itself. I used to treat gear and builds as a purely in-game decision, but when a run depends on synergy and the right relic combinations, the argument for planning your loadout before you even queue gets stronger. That is where something like check game prices on DealNest becomes genuinely useful — it is a straightforward way to see what different titles and editions actually cost before you commit, which matters when you are weighing whether a new purchase is worth folding into your rotation.

It is not a shortcut to better play, and nothing will replace time spent learning the night's patterns. But knowing where to look for accurate pricing saves the kind of small, avoidable frustration that eats into your focus before a long session. DealNest keeps that part simple, so the energy you would have spent comparison shopping can go back where it belongs: into the run.

Alright, fellow masochists—I mean, Silksong players. If you're stuck in The Slab, staring at locked doors like a raccoon trying to open a jar of pickles, you need the Key of Apostate. And let me tell you, getting this key is like trying to find a specific grain of sand on a beach while seagulls dive-bomb your head. But I did it, and I'm here to spare you some of the agony.

First, the key isn't even in The Slab. It's in Putrified Ducts. Of course it is. Because why make things simple? You'll need Clawline and Double Jump. No exceptions. If you don't have those, go get them. I'll wait. ?️

Where to Find the Key of Apostate

There are two routes to Putrified Ducts. I tried both. One made me question my life choices; the other made me question the developers' childhoods.

Route
Starting Point
What You Need
Vibe

Upper
Memorium
Find a secret opening in the ceiling, climb, break a rock
Like sneaking into a VIP lounge through a vent

Lower
Bilewater
Defeat a boss
Like paying full price for a movie then realizing you left your wallet at home

I took the upper route first. From the top of Putrified Ducts (accessed from Memorium), I had to find a secret opening in the ceiling. Pro tip: it's in one of the rooms, and you'll need to walk to the end of Memorium, climb a wall, and destroy a breakable rock. Easy, right? No. It's like trying to find a light switch in a dark room while wearing mittens.

Once inside Putrified Ducts, the real fun begins. Start from the Bellway and climb up using Double Jump. You'll eventually reach Shakra's location. Use the vertical platforms as shields from enemy ranged attacks. I felt like a turtle hiding in its shell, except the shell was a floating platform and the turtle was a bug with a needle.



Then you Clawline your way across, cling to walls, and jump higher. There are green bulbs—use them. They're like nature's grappling hooks. Platform your way up, avoid spikes, shoot enemies with Clawline, and eventually you'll reach a room with temporary platforms over water. Don't fall. I fell. Twice. The water is not a jacuzzi. ??

After more climbing, Double Jumps, and Clawline shenanigans, you'll reach a boss fight. Prepare yourself. You'll first fight flying enemies that shoot from afar. Use Clawline to reach them and deal damage. Then Groal appears. He dives into the water and jumps up high, plunges, and shoots multiple projectiles. It's like fighting a caffeinated dolphin with a grudge. Once you win, go left, cut a rope to create a shortcut, and jump up to Putrified Ducts. Use the platform to go higher, enter a left tunnel, and beware of a big enemy in the dark. Deal with it or sneak past, jump to the left platform, destroy the glowing object, and claim the Key of Apostate. You can also start the Broodfeast quest here.

Where to Use the Key of Apostate

Now you have the key. Congratulations! You're still not done. The key can be used on two locks in The Slab. One unlocks a new area; the other reveals a puzzle.

First Lock: Enter The Slab Without Being Kidnapped

From The Slab Bellway, go up and turn right. Go through the door, go up to open a shortcut, then slide down. Proceed right into a room with lore tablets. Look up and combine Double Jump and Clawline to climb a tunnel. Enter the door at the end, keep going left until you see the Heretic Lock. Use the key. Now you can roam freely and gather the remaining keys. No more kidnapping. That's a win in my book.

Second Lock: The Puzzle

From the Heretic Lock, head up to find a bench sign. Continue climbing to the top to reach the second lock. Inside, there's a puzzle. Solve it to get a mask shard. Here's how:

Press the button four times to spawn four wheels. ?

Double Jump onto the platform above.

Wait for a wheel to come closer, then use it to jump higher and cling to the left wall.

Climb higher to easily jump on the two wheels and cling to the right wall.

Wait for one wheel to approach the ledge, then jump on it to reach the platform.

Grab the mask shard. ?



And that's it. You've done it. You've beaten the game's attempt to make you pull your hair out. I celebrated by eating a whole pizza and questioning why I play games like this. But hey, that mask shard is worth it. Probably.

So there you go. The Key of Apostate, found and used. May your Clawline always latch and your Double Jumps always land. ??️

If you're anything like me, finishing a guide like this usually means you're already eyeing your next challenge. Whether that's another Metroidvania or a completely different genre, the real boss fight is often the price tag. That's where game price tracker comes in—DealNest keeps an eye on discounts across stores so you don't have to camp on a dozen tabs waiting for a sale.

I've started checking DealNest before buying anything, and it's saved me from overpaying more than once. It's not flashy, just useful. If your backlog is already scary, at least you can fill it without draining your wallet.

After seven long years, I finally got my hungry hands on Hollow Knight: Silksong, and let me tell you, it was worth the wait. Team Cherry's shadowy successor to 2017's Hollow Knight had impossible shoes to fill—three developers, one monumental indie hit, and a fanbase that had been foaming at the mouth since the first teaser. Silksong didn't have the luxury of a quiet launch. It arrived under a microscope, and every design choice has been dissected, debated, and occasionally dunked on. But here's the rub: it's not a sophomore slump. It's a fantastic evolution, carving its own path instead of just rehashing the old one. The narrative and mechanical delights are still there, but Hornet's adventure feels distinct. That fearless ingenuity is a boon. However, it also caused a bit of strife—specifically with the Rosary economy, which Team Cherry is already looking to address.



I've been playing since launch, and I've seen the discourse. Sure, there are the usual contrarians, rage-baiters, and trolls who hate on anything beloved just for a reaction. But even measured fans have offered constructive notes. The currency system is the lightning rod. In Silksong, there are two major currencies: Shell Shards and Rosaries. Shell Shards are for crafting tools at rest points. Rosaries are for purchasing items and activating certain mechanisms. If you played the first Hollow Knight, think Geo—but much rarer. In the original, killing just about any standard enemy or boss would drop Geo. In Silksong, only certain foes drop Rosaries. Most enemies only drop Shell Shards, and bosses often drop neither. That conservative approach hampers a game that is otherwise well-paced. Players felt the pinch, and the backlash was real.



The Rosary Riddle: A Tale of Two Currencies

Let's break it down. I love a good risk-reward economy, but Silksong's initial setup had me grinding more than I'd like. Here's a quick table from my own playthrough notes:

Currency
Primary Use
Drop Sources
My Experience

Shell Shards
Crafting tools at rest points
Most enemies
Plentiful, but not what you need for big purchases

Rosaries
Buying items, activating Bellways and Bell Benches
Select foes, side quests, miscellaneous tasks
Scarce, high demand, constant anxiety

That scarcity made every Bellway and Bell Bench decision feel like a wallet check. I found myself hoarding Rosaries like a dragon, avoiding fast travel because I wasn't sure if I could afford the next upgrade. It wasn't a skill issue—it was an economy issue. And I wasn't alone. The debate heated up fast.

Team Cherry's Timely Fix

Just as the Rosary debate was reaching a fever pitch, Team Cherry announced the game's first post-launch patch. Credit where it's due: the studio didn't bury its head in the sand. The patch aims to increase Rosary rewards for side quests and other miscellaneous tasks, while reducing the cost of Rosary-enabled mechanisms like Bellways and Bell Benches. Ideally, this leads to a smoother, more satisfying, but no less challenging experience. That's the sweet spot. I don't want Silksong to become a cakewalk. I want it to respect my time. There's a difference between difficulty and tedium, and Team Cherry seems to get that.



It's a bit surprising that Team Cherry needed to issue these changes after Silksong's long gestation. You'd think seven years would be enough to iron out the economy. But game development is a beast, and Silksong has a lot of moving parts. Most of them perform perfectly. If tweaking the in-game economy helps the combat, exploration, and boss fights shine even brighter, then such changes can't come soon enough. I'd rather have a responsive dev team than a stubborn one. At the end of the day, Team Cherry is listening, and that's the bee's knees.

Why This Matters for 2026

Now that we're in 2026, I can look back at the launch window and say this: Silksong is more than just Hollow Knight 1.5. It's a bold sequel that embraces the unknown. The Rosary economy was a misstep, but it was a fixable one. Team Cherry's willingness to adapt is a boon for the franchise. I've seen too many studios dig in their heels while their games slowly bleed players. Not here. The patch is a sign of good faith, and it makes the overall package stronger.



If you bounced off Silksong because of the grind, I'd say give it another shot. The core game is phenomenal. The music, the atmosphere, the tight controls—it's all there. The Rosary fix doesn't dumb anything down; it just removes a speed bump. And if you're a veteran who already mastered the economy, you can still challenge yourself with self-imposed restrictions. That's the beauty of it.



Long story short, Hollow Knight: Silksong had the weight of the world on its shoulders, and it mostly stuck the landing. The Rosary economy was a wobble, not a fall. Team Cherry's first post-launch patch is a step in the right direction. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that future updates continue to refine the experience. For now, I'm back to exploring Pharloom, one Bellway at a time. And yes, I'm still hoarding Rosaries—old habits die hard. ?

Whether you're diving back into Pharloom after the patch or finally picking up a copy for the first time, there's a decent chance your backlog is already groaning under the weight of other Metroidvanias and soulslikes you meant to get to. That's the thing about a game like Silksong—it has a way of pulling you back toward the whole genre, and before you know it you're eyeing titles you missed over the past few years. If that sounds familiar, it can be worth doing a little homework before you hit the buy button, especially since prices for older releases and indie darlings tend to swing pretty wildly depending on the storefront and the week.

Sites that aggregate deals across multiple platforms make that part of the hobby a lot less tedious, and DealNest is one of the more straightforward options out there—it gathers discounts and price drops in one place so you're not tab-hopping between a dozen storefronts. Handy if you're trying to stretch a gaming budget across several purchases instead of sinking it all into one full-price release. Next time something on your wishlist goes on sale, or you just want to check game prices before committing, it's a reasonable first stop. Saving a few Rosaries here and there never hurts, in-game or otherwise.

As a longtime Elden Ring Nightreign player, I do not just skim patch notes—I test them. So when update 1.02.4 arrived across PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam, I gathered my co-op crew and went straight back into the Deep of Night. What I found was not a flashy content drop, but something arguably more important for a multiplayer-focused experience: a repair job aimed at the bugs that quietly ruin runs. In 2026, when players expect fast, meaningful fixes, this patch feels like a direct answer to the co-op community's most persistent complaints.

The Headline Fixes

Patch 1.02.4 targets several specific issues, and each one matters more than it might first appear. Here is what the update addresses:

Deep of Night progress carryover: Fixed a bug where progress from a disconnected Expedition in the Deep of Night mode—if no victory or defeat was reached—could sometimes carry over into the next expedition and be reflected in the subsequent session's results. As someone who has lost connection mid-run, I can confirm this was maddening. A clean slate matters.

Expedition launch status: Fixed a bug where the 'launched an Expedition into The Deep of Night' status was not correctly applied to some party members when launching a multiplayer Expedition in the Deep of Night mode. If you have ever wondered whether your friends were actually flagged as ready, this one is for you.

Relic display mismatch in multiplayer: Fixed a bug where Relics shown on the status menu for other players did not always match what they had equipped when starting an Expedition. This matters because builds are built around Relics, and a mismatched menu can lead to bad tactical calls.

Dormant Power Helps Discover XXX: Fixed a bug in multiplayer where the 'Dormant Power Helps Discover XXX' Relic Effect was not triggering when equipped, or would trigger even when the player did not have the relevant Relic equipped. Yes, that could make exploration feel inconsistent and unfair.

Disconnect cascade: Fixed a bug in multiplayer where enemies would stop spawning, Graces could not be interacted with, and other session-breaking issues occurred if a player disconnected. Have you ever watched a Grace refuse your input while the map went silent? I have, and it is the opposite of fun.

Version Numbers and Platform Notes

The title screen version after this update is simple to verify. The lower right corner should show:

Version type
Number

App Ver.
1.02.4

Regulation Ver.
1.02.4

On PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X and S versions, Regulation files can be downloaded by logging in to the server. If the Regulation Ver. listed in the lower right corner of the title screen is not 1.02, select LOGIN and apply the latest regulation before enjoying the game. Online play requires the player to apply this update. After downloading the update file, restart the game and apply the update. These steps are not optional if you want to join friends in 2026.

My Field Test After 1.02.4

After downloading the update, I restarted the game as instructed and checked the lower right corner of the title screen. The version read App Ver. 1.02.4 and Regulation Ver. 1.02.4. If yours does not, stop and fix it before you queue. There is nothing worse than loading into a Deep of Night run only to discover that your client is out of sync.

During my first post-patch run, I deliberately recreated some of the old failure states. I joined a friend who had been disconnected during a Deep of Night expedition. Previously, that ghost progress could haunt the next run. This time, the session started clean. I also checked party member Relics in the status menu. The icons matched their equipped gear. That is a small UI fix on paper, but in practice it is huge for coordinated builds. How many runs have been lost because a teammate's displayed Relic made you expect a buff that was not there? Too many.

Then we tested the 'Dormant Power Helps Discover XXX' Relic Effect. In the old version, it could trigger without the relic or fail when equipped. Now it behaved consistently. Is that the kind of fix that makes headlines? No. But it is the kind of fix that makes a 40-minute expedition feel fair.

Finally, we simulated a disconnect. In the past, the session could fall apart: enemies stopped spawning, Graces became inert, and the run was effectively dead. After 1.02.4, the remaining players could continue. I will not pretend every edge case is gone forever, but the improvement is obvious. For a mode that depends on teamwork, this is the most valuable change in the patch.

Why This Patch Matters in 2026

In 2026, multiplayer games live or die by their patch cadence. Elden Ring Nightreign is no different. Players invest time, build synergy, and plan routes through the Deep of Night. When a disconnect can erase that investment—or when a Relic effect lies to the entire party—trust erodes. Patch 1.02.4 does not add new bosses or weapons, but it rebuilds trust in the systems that support every expedition.

What should players do now? Download the update, restart the game, log in to the server, and confirm Regulation Ver. 1.02.4 on the title screen. Then gather your party and test the fixes yourself. If you are on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S, or Steam, the update is waiting. Online play requires it, so there is no reason to delay.

Further updates will be distributed in the future so players can continue to enjoy ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN more comfortably. As a player, I am glad to see this level of attention. The Deep of Night is already punishing enough. It should be the enemies that defeat us, not the bugs. After 1.02.4, I can finally say that feels true more often than not. I will keep testing, keep exploring, and keep hoping the next patch is just as focused.

That same logic applies when you are thinking about how you spend money on games. A patch can rebuild trust in a live service, but it cannot rebuild a bad purchase. If you are still deciding whether to jump into Nightreign, or you are waiting on the Shadow of the Erdtree-style DLC roadmap before committing, it helps to know what the game has actually been selling for across PS5, Xbox, and Steam rather than trusting a single storefront's "sale" banner. I have been using this price tracking tool to watch how prices move between storefronts, and the difference in timing can be genuinely surprising—a discount that looks permanent on one platform often gets undercut somewhere else a week later.

For a title like Nightreign, where the value proposition depends on how long the developer keeps patching and how many of your friends stay active, price history is worth more than a launch-day discount. Check where the game sits today, set an alert for the platform you actually play on, and let the numbers decide when it is worth adding another expedition to your rotation.

Wuthering Waves 3.1, titled "For You Who Walk in Snow," is set to launch in early February 2026, and it promises to be one of the most significant updates in the game's history. The update will introduce two new 5-star Resonators, fresh outfits for Rover, and a host of other content that has the community buzzing with excitement. For players eager to dive in, here is a comprehensive guide to the release date, maintenance schedule, and everything else you need to know.



Release Date and Time

Wuthering Waves 3.1 will go live on February 5, 2026, at 10:00 AM CST for most regions, while North American servers will get access a bit earlier on February 4, 2026, at 07:00 PM PST. To help players plan their login times, here is a quick overview of the release timings across major time zones:

Region
Local Time

New Delhi, India
7:30 AM IST on February 5, 2026

Tokyo, Japan
11:00 PM JST on February 5, 2026

California, USA
07:00 PM PST on February 4, 2026

Beijing, China
10:00 AM CST on February 5, 2026

Toronto, Canada
10:00 PM EDT on February 4, 2026

Rome, Italy
04:00 AM CET on February 5, 2026

Melbourne, Australia
12:00 PM AEST on February 5, 2026

Auckland, New Zealand
02:00 PM NZST on February 5, 2026

As always, players should double-check their local time to avoid missing the launch. The update will be available on all platforms where the game is supported.

Maintenance Schedule and Compensation

Before the update goes live, Kuro Games will take the servers offline for maintenance. For NA servers, maintenance begins at 01:00 PM PST on February 4, 2026. For the rest of the world, it starts at 04:00 AM CST on February 5, 2026. The maintenance is expected to last approximately six hours, though it could end one to two hours early, as has happened in previous updates.

During this downtime, players will be unable to log in. To compensate for the inconvenience, Kuro Games will distribute 300 Astrites and 2 Crystal Solvents to all players who have unlocked the mail feature before the maintenance begins. These rewards will be sent via in-game mail, so players should claim them promptly.

New Characters and Outfits

The headline addition in version 3.1 is the introduction of two new 5-star Resonators: Aemeath and Luuk Herssen. Both characters have already become fan favorites, thanks to their powerful kits and compelling designs. Aemeath is expected to bring a new dynamic to team compositions, while Luuk Herssen offers a fresh playstyle that many players are eager to explore.

In addition to the new characters, the update will also add new outfits for Rover, the game's protagonist. These cosmetic items will allow players to customize their Rover's appearance, adding a personal touch to their journey through Solaris-3.



Banners and Featured Characters

When version 3.1 launches, the banners will feature a lineup of popular characters. According to the official announcement, the featured characters are Aemeath, Luuk Herssen, Chisa, Lupa, and Galbrena. This diverse roster gives players plenty of options to pull for, whether they are looking for meta-defining DPS units or support characters that can enhance their existing teams.

Players should plan their pulls carefully, as resources like Astrites and Lustrous Tides are limited. Those who have been saving for Aemeath or Luuk Herssen will finally have their chance to add them to their roster.

Preload and Countdown

As of the latest information, the preload for Wuthering Waves 3.1 has not yet been released. Once it becomes available, players will be able to download the update files ahead of time, reducing the wait on launch day. The preload size and other details will be shared by Kuro Games closer to the release date.

A countdown timer for the update has been a popular tool for players to track the exact moment the servers go live. While the timer has now expired, the excitement remains high. For those who missed it, the update is either live or just moments away, depending on when this article is read.

What to Expect on Launch Day

On launch day, players can expect a smooth rollout if previous updates are any indication. Kuro Games has a track record of delivering major content drops with minimal issues, and the team has been working hard to ensure version 3.1 meets expectations. The update will bring new story quests, events, and exploration content, though specific details are still under wraps.

As with any major update, it is advisable to log in early to avoid potential queues and to claim compensation rewards before they expire. Players should also keep an eye on official channels for any last-minute announcements regarding maintenance extensions or hotfixes.

Final Thoughts

Wuthering Waves 3.1 is shaping up to be a landmark update for the game. With two highly anticipated characters, new outfits, and a wealth of content, it offers something for both veteran players and newcomers. Whether you are pulling for Aemeath, exploring the snowy landscapes of the new version, or simply enjoying the fresh cosmetics, there is plenty to look forward to.

So, mark your calendars, prepare your Astrites, and get ready to dive into "For You Who Walk in Snow." The snow is falling, and the adventure is about to begin. ❄️?

Once the launch-day excitement settles and you're waiting for daily resets or the next banner, it can be nice to have something else to browse. If you also play PC games outside of Solaris-3, keeping tabs on seasonal discounts is an easy way to make your gaming budget go further.

That's where DealNest's steam sale tracker comes in handy. It lets you follow ongoing and upcoming Steam promotions in one place, so you can spot deals on titles you've been meaning to try without refreshing store pages every day.