Hollow Knight Silksong: Cling Grip & Wall Jump
Yes, you can unlock and use the Cling Grip to wall jump in Hollow Knight: Silksong. It is a movement ability that lets Hornet cling to vertical surfaces and then leap off them, and it is essential for exploring the game’s later areas. This article explains exactly how the Cling Grip works, where you get it, and how it compares to the original game’s wall jump.
What Is the Cling Grip?
The Cling Grip is a movement ability in Silksong that lets Hornet attach herself to a wall and stay there. While clinging, you can slide down slowly, and crucially, you can push away from the wall to perform a wall jump. It is not the same as the Mantis Claw from the first game, which let the Knight stick to walls and jump off them; the Cling Grip is a more deliberate action that requires you to hold a button to stay attached.
How to Unlock the Cling Grip
You unlock the Cling Grip by defeating a boss in the game. Based on the demo and pre-release footage, the ability is obtained after defeating the Garmond boss, which is found in the Fungal Wastes area. This is a mid-game encounter, so you will need to progress through the first few areas of the game before you can get it. The exact location and boss name may change in the final release, but the ability is confirmed to be a boss reward.
How to Use the Cling Grip
Once you have the Cling Grip, using it is simple:
- To cling: Jump toward a wall and hold the Focus button (the same one used for healing). Hornet will grab the wall and stick to it.
- To slide: While clinging, press down on the directional pad to slide down the wall slowly.
- To wall jump: While clinging, press the jump button. Hornet will push off the wall and leap in the opposite direction.
- To release: Let go of the Focus button to drop off the wall.
Note that you cannot cling to every wall. Only certain surfaces, usually marked with a visual texture or a subtle glow, are clingable. You will need to look for these surfaces to traverse vertical sections.
Key Differences from the Mantis Claw
If you played Hollow Knight, you might expect the Cling Grip to work like the Mantis Claw. Here are the main differences:
- Button input: The Mantis Claw was automatic—you just touched a wall and stuck to it. The Cling Grip requires you to hold a button to stay attached.
- Wall sliding: In Hollow Knight, you could slide down walls by holding down. In Silksong, you slide down by pressing down while clinging, but you must still hold the Focus button.
- Jump direction: The Mantis Claw allowed you to jump off a wall in any direction you pressed. The Cling Grip’s wall jump is a fixed horizontal leap away from the wall, though you can control your aerial movement afterward.
- Clingable surfaces: The Mantis Claw worked on any vertical surface. The Cling Grip only works on designated clingable walls, which are often marked with a distinct pattern.
Common Problems and Tips
Players often struggle with the Cling Grip because it requires a different mindset than the Mantis Claw. Here are some common issues and how to avoid them:
- Not holding the button: If you just touch a wall, you won’t cling. You must hold the Focus button while in the air near a wall.
- Sliding too fast: If you press down, you slide quickly. To descend slowly, just hold the cling button without pressing down.
- Wall jump timing: You can wall jump as soon as you cling, but if you wait too long, Hornet will lose her grip and fall. Practice the timing to chain wall jumps.
- Missing clingable walls: Not every wall is clingable. Look for walls with a rough, textured surface or a slight shimmer. If you try to cling to a smooth wall, nothing will happen.
Why the Cling Grip Matters
The Cling Grip is not just a convenience; it is a core movement tool that opens up new areas. Many of the game’s platforming challenges are built around it, and you will need to master it to reach certain collectibles and bosses. It also allows for more precise vertical movement than the Mantis Claw, which fits Hornet’s more acrobatic style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wall jump without the Cling Grip?
No. In Silksong, wall jumping is only possible after you unlock the Cling Grip. Before that, you cannot jump off walls at all. This is a significant change from Hollow Knight, where the Mantis Claw was also required for wall jumping, but it was the only way to stick to walls.
Is the Cling Grip the same as the Mantis Claw?
No, it is a different ability. The Mantis Claw was automatic and worked on any wall. The Cling Grip requires you to hold a button and only works on specific walls. It also allows for a more controlled slide, which the Mantis Claw did not have.
Can you cling to ceilings?
No, the Cling Grip only works on vertical walls. There is no ceiling cling in the game. For horizontal surfaces, you will need to use other abilities like the Silk Bindings or the Down Slash.
Do you need the Cling Grip to finish the game?
Yes, it is required to progress through certain areas. While some optional paths may be accessible without it, the main story will require you to use the Cling Grip to reach new areas and fight certain bosses.
Can you use the Cling Grip in mid-air after a dash?
Yes, you can cling to a wall immediately after a dash, as long as you hold the Focus button. This is useful for chaining movement abilities to traverse large gaps.
Does the Cling Grip consume silk?
No, the Cling Grip does not use any resource. It is a free ability, unlike some of Hornet’s silk-based tools that require silk to use. You can cling as long as you hold the button, without any cost.
Related
Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.