🤖 AI Summary
Master the treacherous Mount Fay region and obtain the game-changing Faydown Cloak (double jump). This comprehensive guide covers survival strategies for the frigid environment, optimal platforming routes, step-by-step instructions to reach the summit monument, essential tips for navigating cold damage mechanics, and detailed walkthroughs for all challenging sections including the warming lantern locations.
Mount Fay Overview
Mount Fay is one of the most challenging areas in Hollow Knight: Silksong, located in the northwestern region of Pharloom. This frigid mountain environment tests players' platforming skills while offering the game-changing Faydown Cloak ability - the coveted double jump that opens up the entire world of Silksong.
The mountain's extreme cold is your primary enemy, dealing continuous damage that accelerates over time. Success requires careful planning, precise execution, and mastery of all your movement abilities.
⚠️ Critical Warning
Mount Fay's frigid environment deals continuous cold damage. You have approximately 20 seconds before taking your first damage, then damage accelerates rapidly every ~3 seconds. Always plan your route between warming lanterns!
Prerequisites
Before attempting Mount Fay, ensure you have these essential abilities:
- Clawline (Grappling Hook): Essential for navigating Mount Fay's vertical sections. Obtained in The Cauldron area of the Underworks.
- Swift Step (Air Dash): Required for crossing large gaps and avoiding environmental hazards.
- Drifter's Cloak (Glide): Helps with precision platforming and extending jump distance.
- Wall Jump: Necessary for climbing vertical sections and accessing hidden areas.
Getting to Mount Fay
Access to Mount Fay requires a specific sequence of events that many players miss:
Step 1: Get Captured
You need to be captured by a Wardenfly enemy in the top-right section of Deep Docks. Allow the enemy to trap you in sticky globules - this is intentional and the only way to access Mount Fay!
Step 2: The Slab Prison
You'll be transported to a prison area called The Slab. Navigate through this area to escape and reach Mount Fay. The transition is automatic once you complete the prison sequence.
💡 Pro Tip
Don't fight the Wardenfly when it tries to capture you. Let it happen - this is the only way to access Mount Fay! Many players waste time fighting it unnecessarily.
Surviving the Cold
Mount Fay's extreme cold is your primary enemy. Understanding the damage mechanics is crucial for success:
Cold Damage Mechanics
- Initial Grace Period: 20 seconds before first damage tick
- Accelerating Damage: Approximately 3 seconds per tick after first hit, getting faster
- Water Hazard: Submerged areas cause faster damage accumulation
- Warming Sources: Lanterns and fireplaces provide temporary relief and reset the timer
Survival Strategy
Plan your route carefully between warming sources. Never attempt long platforming sequences without a clear path to the next lantern. Speed is essential - hesitation can be fatal in the later stages of cold exposure.
The Path to the Summit
The ascent to Mount Fay's summit involves several distinct sections, each with unique challenges:
Lower Slopes
Begin your climb using basic platforming skills. This section introduces the cold mechanic and teaches you to identify warming sources. Take your time here to understand the damage timing.
Mid-Mountain Challenges
Complex grappling hook sequences become essential. You'll need to chain together clawline swings while managing cold damage. Look for hidden warming lanterns in alcoves.
The Final Ascent
The most challenging section requires perfect execution of:
- Complex grappling hook sequences with precise timing
- Wall jumping on crumbling platforms that collapse quickly
- Avoiding spike traps while managing accelerating cold damage
- Perfect timing between warming lanterns with no room for error
Obtaining the Faydown Cloak
The Faydown Cloak awaits at Mount Fay's summit, housed within an ancient monument that has stood for centuries.
The Summit Monument
At the summit, you'll find an ornate altar surrounded by mysterious symbols. Approach the monument and interact with it to trigger a beautiful cutscene.
The Blessing Ceremony
A majestic bird will descend from the sky and bestow upon Hornet the Faydown Cloak. This touching moment grants you the double jump ability that fundamentally changes how you explore Silksong.
💡 After Obtaining the Cloak
With double jump unlocked, you can now access previously unreachable areas throughout Silksong. Consider revisiting earlier locations like Moss Grotto and Deep Docks for new secrets and collectibles that were impossible to reach before!
Advanced Strategies
For experienced players looking to optimize their Mount Fay run:
Speedrun Route
Advanced players can complete Mount Fay in under 15 minutes by:
- Skipping optional warming lanterns when health is sufficient
- Using precise clawline momentum to skip certain platforming sections
- Memorizing the exact timing windows for each challenging sequence
No-Damage Strategy
It's possible to complete Mount Fay without taking any cold damage by:
- Planning every movement between warming sources
- Using the 20-second grace period optimally
- Knowing the location of every hidden warming lantern
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Rushing without planning: Always scout ahead for the next warming source
- Ignoring the grace period: Use the initial 20 seconds to position optimally
- Poor clawline technique: Practice your grappling hook timing in safer areas first
- Missing hidden lanterns: Some warming sources are concealed behind breakable walls
⚠️ Important Note
If you die in Mount Fay, you'll respawn at the entrance and must restart the entire climb. There are very few checkpoints, so patience and preparation are key to success.
Rewards and Collectibles
Beyond the Faydown Cloak, Mount Fay contains several valuable items:
- Memory Crystal: Located in a hidden alcove near the mid-mountain rest area
- Mask Shard: Found behind a breakable wall in the lower-left section
- Area Map: Available for purchase from Shakra's shop near the entrance
- Rosary Cache: Hidden throughout the mountain for dedicated explorers
Mount Fay represents one of Silksong's greatest challenges, but the reward - the freedom of double jump - makes every moment of struggle worthwhile. Take your time, learn the patterns, and don't be discouraged by initial failures. Every attempt teaches you something new about this beautifully crafted but unforgiving environment.