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Cling Grip (Wall Jump)

The Cling Grip is a game-changing Ancestral Art in Hollow Knight: Silksong that grants Hornet the ability to cling to and jump from vertical surfaces. This skill is the key to vertical exploration in Pharloom, opening up countless new paths, secrets, and shortcuts that were previously impossible to reach.

This guide details the exact path through Shellwood, the strategy for the guardian boss, and tips on mastering the wall jump to navigate the world like a true acrobat.

Ancestral Art
Cling Grip icon

Cling Grip

"Cling to sheer surfaces and leap to rapidly scale heights."

Location: Shellwood

The Cling Grip is earned after proving your strength. It is found at the very top of the Shellwood region, guarded by a formidable foe. Cling Grip Skill in Action

  1. Start from West Shellwood Begin your journey from a Bench located in the lower west part of Shellwood. From here, you will be heading east and then primarily upwards. Heading Towards Bench Next to Bench with Elevator Visible

  2. Ascend the Platforms Proceed east past a signpost. You will encounter a series of platforms that lead straight up. Continuously climb to the top. Climbing the Platforms

  3. Navigate Past the Elevator Further ahead, you will see an elevator. Go to the right of the elevator shaft to find an edge where you can jump to reach a higher platform.

  4. Boss Fight: Sister Splinter Once you reach this upper platform, keep going left. This path will lead you directly into an arena where you must face the boss, Sister Splinter. Be prepared for a fast-paced fight. Facing Sister Splinter Boss

  5. Claim Your Reward After defeating Sister Splinter, the path forward will be linear. Navigate the final obstacles to reach the top, where you will find the altar that grants the Cling Grip. Next to the Altar

Cling Grip introduces two simple, yet profound, mechanics to your moveset.

To cling to a wall, simply hold the directional stick or movement keys towards the wall while airborne. Hornet will grab onto the surface and slowly slide down.

While clinging to a wall, press the Jump button to leap away from it. You can immediately cling to an opposite wall to climb vertical shafts.

PC: Jump (SPACE) while clinging PlayStation: Jump (X) while clinging Xbox: Jump (A) while clinging Switch: Jump (B) while clinging

The Cling Grip, especially when combined with other abilities, unlocks Hornet’s true acrobatic potential.

Section Icon Exploration Tips

  • The Ultimate Combo: The most important movement synergy in the game is Wall Jump + Air Dash (Swift Step). Leap from a wall and immediately dash in the opposite direction to cover massive horizontal and vertical distances. This is required for many secrets.
  • Saving Falls: Misjudged a jump? If you’re near a wall, you can often save yourself from a long fall or landing in hazards by grabbing onto the wall at the last second.
  • Vertical Puzzles: Many areas are designed as vertical shafts with alternating walls. Master a steady rhythm of jumping between walls to ascend quickly and efficiently.

Section Icon Combat Tactics

  • Aerial Advantage: Use walls to stay off the ground, avoiding ground-based attacks and enemies entirely. You can attack with your needle as you leap off the wall.
  • Stalling for Time: Clinging to a wall can be a great way to pause for a moment during a chaotic fight, allowing you to observe boss patterns and plan your next move.
  • Dodging: A well-timed wall jump can be used as a very effective dodge, launching you up and away from a charging enemy or a wide, sweeping attack.