Drifter's Cloak (Glide)
The Drifter’s Cloak is a crucial Ancestral Art in Hollow Knight: Silksong that grants Hornet the ability to glide. This skill is essential for navigating the wide, open spaces of Pharloom, allowing you to cross massive gaps, perform precise landings, and uncover secrets hidden just out of a normal jump’s reach.
This guide covers the exact location of the Seamstress, the steps to complete her Flexile Spines wish, and how to master the glide for both exploration and combat.
Drifter's Cloak
"Flare the cloak to ride strong winds or glide gracefully."
How to Get Drifters Cloak
Section titled “How to Get Drifters Cloak”Unlike other Ancestral Arts found at altars, the Drifter’s Cloak is a gift. You must find a special NPC, the Seamstress, in the Far Fields region and complete her request.
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Locate the Seamstress in Far Fields Journey to the Far Fields, a wide, windy region. Look for a unique, balloon-like home floating gently. Inside, you will find the Seamstress, who will give you the “Flexile Spines” wish (quest).
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Accept the “Flexile Spines” Wish The Seamstress will ask you to collect a special item for her. The task is to gather 25 Spine Cores.
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Hunt Hokers for Spine Cores These cores are harvested from the floating, jellyfish-like enemies native to the Far Fields known as Hokers. To get a core, you must bait a Hoker into shooting its spike. When the spike becomes lodged in the ground, strike it with your needle to break it and collect the Spine Core.
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Return to the Seamstress Once you have collected all 25 Spine Cores, return to the Seamstress in her home. As a reward for fulfilling her wish, she will gift you the Drifter’s Cloak.
How to Use Drifter’s Cloak
Section titled “How to Use Drifter’s Cloak”The Drifter’s Cloak allows for graceful aerial movement. The controls are simple and intuitive.
How to Glide & Float
Section titled “How to Glide & Float”To glide, simply press and hold the Jump button while in mid-air. Hornet will flare her cloak and her descent will slow dramatically.
Directional Control
Section titled “Directional Control”While gliding, use your movement keys or analog stick to steer Hornet left or right. This allows you to control your trajectory and cover long horizontal distances.
Usage Tips
Section titled “Usage Tips”The glide is more than just a tool for crossing gaps; it’s a fundamental part of Hornet’s advanced movement kit.
Exploration Tips
- Maximum Distance: For the longest possible glide, use your double jump (if you have it) and air dash (Swift Step) first, then activate the glide at the peak of your momentum.
- Precise Landings: The glide gives you exceptional control over your landing. Use it to safely descend onto small platforms or into areas filled with hazards like thorns.
- Breaking Falls: If you fall from a great height, you can activate the glide just before hitting the ground to prevent taking fall damage (if applicable in that area).
- Sequence Breaking: In true Metroidvania fashion, clever use of the glide can allow you to reach certain areas or platforms earlier than intended.
Combat Tactics
- Aerial Repositioning: During chaotic boss fights, use the glide to hover in the air, buying precious time to observe patterns and plan your next move.
- Baiting Attacks: Float just above an enemy’s reach to bait out their ground-based attacks, leaving them vulnerable to a pogo-style downward strike.
- Avoiding Hazards: Many arenas feature environmental hazards on the ground. The Drifter’s Cloak allows you to stay airborne for extended periods, keeping you safe while you attack from above.