Twisted Bud is a strange item in Hollow Knight: Silksong, one that seems to be a nuisance at first. This guide will go over what it's actually used for.
The Twisted Bud is an item you can get in Bilewater, in a room shortly after you drop down into the area from the Whispering Vaults. You're not given much of an explanation as to what it's supposed to do, but now you'll hear crying whenever you access the menu (even more if you select the bud in your inventory.)
Getting Rid of the Twisted Bud
Removing it from your inventory is the simplest part, as the NPC you need to hand it over to is one you may have already met. Greyroot, the character in Shellwood that gives you the Rite of the Pollip Wish, is the one you'll have to head over to. If you've completed the previous Wish, then they'll gladly take the Twisted Bud off your hands.
However, it's the next step that you should watch out for. Make sure you're not planning on doing anything else for a little bit before accepting the next Wish, Rite of Rebirth, when asked — we'd recommend doing it after increasing your max health by a few points.
Rite of Rebirth
If you accepted Rite of Rebirth, then congratulations! You're now host to a parasite that has disabled both your ability to heal and equip Crests. Furthermore, you're now stuck in a part of the Greenwood without access to the Compass.
After attacking to break free from the vines, head left. In the next section, you can head down for a save point, or up to reach the normal part of Shellwood. Your goal here is to find someone that can help remove the parasite. Note that the only way you'll be able to heal is through save points, so avoid taking any unnecessary damage.
Your goal is a bellhome in Greymoor, reached by heading left after taking the elevator next to Halfway Home. After calling out, you can enter and encounter Yarnaby. They're more than happy to operate on you, once you've obtained the required equipment.
Infestation Operation
From Greymoor, head over to Sinner's Road. In the top right of the wide room represented on the map with a bunch of cages, you'll run into Crull and Benjin. Realising that you're the one that needs the Steel Spines, they'll extort you for 260 Rosaries. If you're short on money, the enemies nearby drop around 10-or-so Rosaries each.
With Steel Spines in hand, you can head back to Yarnaby and have the parasite removed (or at least suppressed.) However, there's one caveat to keep in mind. If you manage to defeat the final boss while under the parasites affliction, you get a unique ending. This ending (and the achievement "Twisted Child") tied to it can not be obtained on that save file after having the parasite removed.
Should you choose to remove it, you'll be free from the parasite's downsides. In fact, it will unlock the Witch Crest, which features the same attack style without the healing penalty.
That's everything there is to know about the Twisted Bud in Hollow Knight: Silksong! Make sure to check out our other guides below.
Isaac is a Staff Writer at TechRaptor, handling guides — and the occasional review — for games throughout many genres. Some of his more extensive work at… More about Isaac
