I still remember the first time I set foot inside the Citadel. After finally toppling The Last Judge and leaving Act 1 behind, I thought the worst was over. Then I met the Clawmaidens. It did not take long for these twitchy, needle-fingered nightmares to become the bane of my existence. They would appear without warning during tense platforming sections or chaotic battles, and before I knew it, my precious silk was gone, stolen to fuel a devastating attack against Hornet. Silk is the lifeblood of Silksong’s combat, and having it ripped away mid-fight felt like an unfair punishment. If you are reading this in 2026, you have probably felt the same gut-wrenching panic. But here is the good news: you can wipe the Clawmaidens from the Citadel entirely, and I am going to tell you exactly how.

The terror of the Clawmaidens

Before we dive into the solution, let us talk about why this matters so much. Clawmaidens are not just annoying—they are genuinely stressful. They spawn from odd angles, often when you are already juggling multiple threats. The moment one locks onto Hornet, a disturbing chittering sound fills the air, and a glowing line connects the enemy to your silk counter. In a game where every strand of silk counts, the feeling of helplessness is real. I have lost count of how many times I was about to land a decisive heal or a critical tool attack, only to have a Clawmaiden vacuum up my resources and launch a homing needle straight into my face. The Citadel is already a masterpiece of haunted beauty and tight level design, but these enemies turned exploration into a chore.

A secret discovered deep in the High Halls

The breakthrough came from the Hollow Knight community, as it so often does. YouTuber WikiWitIT uncovered a hidden chamber that most players—including myself—had walked right past. What they found changes everything about navigating the Citadel’s second act. I followed their footsteps and can confirm: there is a way to permanently banish Clawmaidens from the game, and it is shockingly simple once you know where to look.

To reach this sanctuary, you must first make your way to the High Halls, an opulent yet crumbling area located deep within the Citadel. The Halls are filled with towering bookshelves, broken chandeliers, and the ever-present hum of distant machinery. I recommend clearing out the immediate threats before you begin searching. In one of the larger rooms, you will spot a nondescript metal cart pushed against a wall. At first glance, it seems like simple background decoration. But Silksong’s developers love hiding secrets in plain sight, and this cart is the key.

Step-by-step: How to erase the Clawmaidens forever

Here is the exact process I followed. Grab a notebook if you like, but it is easier than it sounds:

1. Locate the cart room. From the High Halls main checkpoint, head east until you see a chamber with a collapsed balcony and a lone cart resting on a stone floor. The atmosphere will feel slightly quieter here, almost suspiciously so.

2. Push the cart. Hornet can interact with certain objects, and this cart will slide with a satisfying screech. Shove it directly beneath a faintly glowing ledge that you cannot normally reach with a single jump.

3. Double jump to the secret entrance. With the cart in place, perform a double jump from its top. You will land on a crumbling archway that leads into a hidden corridor. If you miss, just keep trying—the cart stays where you left it.

4. Follow the path into the Clawmaiden lair. The hidden corridor quickly opens into a surreal space. You will see dozens of Clawmaidens skittering in the background, weaving silk and chittering among themselves. They will not attack here, as if they believe themselves safe.

5. Climb higher and destroy the nest. Continue upward using wall jumps and your grappling thread. At the very top, you will encounter a massive, pulsating Silk Nest. Strike it with your needle. A single hit is enough. The entire structure unravels in a burst of light and silk threads, and the ambient chittering falls silent.

That is it. From that moment on, every Clawmaiden in the Citadel simply ceases to exist. They vanish from the map and never respawn again. Trust me, the relief is immediate. I wandered back through previously infested rooms and felt an almost eerie peace. No more stolen silk. No more frantic scrambles to recover lost resources mid-battle. The Citadel suddenly became one of my favorite areas to explore.

Important considerations before you hit ‘delete’

Hold your needle for a second, though. There are a couple of crucial things you need to know before you commit to mass extinction.

• This is an Act 2 exclusive. The secret room and the nest only become accessible after you have defeated The Last Judge and entered the Citadel’s second act. If you are still in Act 1, do not waste time searching—you will find nothing but frustration.

• Complete your Hunter’s Journal entry first. Silksong has a marvelous bestiary system, and Clawmaidens have their own journal entry. You need to defeat a specific number of them to unlock all the lore and the associated completion rewards. Once you destroy the nest, they are gone for good on that save file. I recommend hunting them aggressively until the journal entry is full, then going for the nest. Otherwise, you risk locking yourself out of 100% completion.

• No turning back. The erasure is permanent. There is no in-game way to undo it short of starting a new playthrough. Make sure you are truly done with these silk-stealers before you swing your needle.

A kinder Citadel awaits

Since discovering this secret, my relationship with Silksong’s second act has transformed. I used to dread every corner, every distant chitter. Now I can appreciate the Citadel’s haunting soundtrack, its mournful architecture, and the brilliant combat encounters without constantly glancing at my silk count. The Clawmaiden elimination turned a stressful gauntlet into a rewarding challenge. It is a testament to the depth of Team Cherry’s design that such a game-changing secret could remain hidden for so long.

So go ahead. Venture into the High Halls, find that cart, and reclaim your peace of mind. The Citadel will thank you—and so will your sanity. Just don't forget to scribble down those Hunter’s Journal notes first. Happy hunting, and may your silk always be full. 🕷️

As you embark on this silk-threaded journey in Silksong, remember that gaming doesn't have to be an expensive affair. There are numerous resources available to help you discover the best deals on your favorite titles. Whether you're looking to expand your gaming library or simply want to keep up with the latest releases without breaking the bank, exploring options for game deals can be a valuable strategy.

One such resource is DealNest game deals, a platform that offers a wide array of discounts and promotions on various games. It's worth checking out if you want to stay updated on the best bargains in the gaming world. With the right deals, you can enjoy more adventures and uncover hidden secrets in your favorite games without worrying about the cost. Happy gaming, and may your collection always be rich with thrilling experiences!