Hollow Knight: Silksong - The Ultimate Guide to the "Passing of the Age" Quest

Embarking on the "Passing of the Age" quest in Hollow Knight: Silksong presents a notable challenge, requiring players to meticulously track the Mushroom Sage's various hiding spots throughout Pharloom. Similar to the "Great Taste of Pharloom" quest, this adventure demands extensive map exploration to uncover the elusive fungi in diverse, often secluded, environments. Access to this quest is contingent upon acquiring the Silk Soar ability, unlocked during Act 3 via The Dark Below quest. Once this prerequisite is met, head to the eastern side of the Pale Lake in the Putrified Ducts, ascend the platforms, and utilize Silk Soar to reach a hidden passage where the quest-initiating riddle awaits.

Your journey to find the Mushroom Sage spans seven distinct locations, each presenting its own unique navigational puzzle. The initial spot lies within Moss Grotto, specifically the Moss Mother boss arena, situated east of the Chapel entrance from Bone Bottom. Here, playing your Needolin near the glowing spores will summon the Sage, prompting him to move to the next area. Subsequently, the Sage can be found in the upper-right section of Bone Bottom, at Shakra's former map-selling post. Continue your search to the Far Fields, where the third location is an accessible platform near the entrance of Weavenest Cindril. As the quest progresses, the Sage's locations become more intricate. The fourth spot is above Greymoor's Chapel of the Reaper; you'll need to scale a neighboring structure to reach it. The fifth encounter occurs beside the First Sinner's cage in The Slab, an area that requires both the Apostate Key and the Heretic Key to fully explore. The sixth destination brings you to the summit of Mount Fay, a climb made considerably easier with the Silk Soar ability. Each interaction with the Sage, after playing your Needolin, advances him to his next hidden spot, gradually unraveling the quest.

The quest culminates in the seventh and most demanding location: The Cradle. To reach this final challenge, return to the Choral Chambers and use Silk Soar to re-enter The Cradle. Ascend to the platform where Grand Mother Silk's severed arm is bound. Above this point lies a narrow passage, accessible only through precise use of Silk Soar. Navigating this area leads to a series of challenging jumping puzzles, ultimately revealing the Sage's final position. A video walkthrough can guide you through this difficult section, demonstrating optimal routes and strategies for silk farming to aid in healing and recovery. After conversing with the Mushroom Sage one last time, the quest concludes. Remember to explore beyond the Sage's final location for a secret reward and a memento, found by playing your Needolin near a body in the area.

This quest, demanding keen observation, precise movement, and strategic ability usage, truly embodies the spirit of adventure and perseverance. By meticulously following the Sage's cryptic clues and mastering the platforming challenges, players not only complete a significant in-game task but also deepen their understanding of Pharloom's intricate landscape. Each discovery brings a sense of accomplishment, reinforcing the value of exploration and dedication in the face of daunting obstacles.