Wondering how to reach the Putrified Ducts in Silksong? Given its rather uninviting name, it’s completely understandable if you’ve hesitated to venture into this area. However, your decision to explore it now is excellent, as this region holds significant rewards.
Located discreetly in the upper-right section of the game map, the Putrified Ducts are technically an optional zone. Despite this, it’s home to some of the most useful items you can acquire, particularly if you haven’t yet faced the challenges of Bilewater’s harsh swamps. While it’s certainly one of Hollow Knight Silksong’s most unforgiving locales, we highly suggest visiting it as soon as you feel prepared. Let’s dive into how to find the Putrified Ducts in Silksong.
Reaching the Putrified Ducts
You have two primary paths to reach the Putrified Ducts: one involves ascending through Bilewater, and the other leads from Memorium, located to the east.
Although traveling through Bilewater offers an earlier way to access this area, we strongly suggest waiting until you’ve progressed to Memorium in Act 2. There are good reasons for this: the Putrified Ducts house the Wreath of Purity, an item crucial for neutralizing the troublesome maggots in Bilewater. Additionally, by Act 2, you’ll likely have acquired key abilities like the Silksong double jump and Clawline, which will make traversing the ducts much less challenging.
The Bilewater Approach
Attempting to reach the Putrified Ducts through Bilewater requires a lengthy journey, starting from either Sinner’s Road or the Bellway if it’s already accessible to you, and then navigating upwards through the entire region. The bench located on the far right of Bilewater is a vital checkpoint, uncovered by destroying a hidden wall along the path. However, be wary of the ‘bench’ marked on the left side of the map – it’s a trap, so avoid it completely.
Furthermore, this route demands you defeat Groal, the region’s formidable boss (and no, not the Foo Fighters drummer). This encounter can be particularly challenging without the Wreath of Purity. Once Groal is vanquished, the path to the Putrified Ducts will open. Unless you’re seeking an extreme challenge or possess exceptional skill, we strongly advise against this difficult approach.
The Memorium Path
The alternative, and more advisable, route to the Putrified Ducts requires two key items: the Clawline and the Faydown Cloak. Both of these can be obtained during Act 2. Once acquired, they will grant you access to hidden passages, typically indicated by star markings, providing a much smoother entry into the Putrified Ducts.
Starting from the bench, proceed directly to the room on the far right of the area. From there, use your double jump to ascend into a concealed passage in the ceiling, emerging into an open space. Traverse the rooftop until you hit a wall. Another precise double jump (this might take a few tries, so be patient!) will lead you to a breakable section. After smashing through, you can continue directly into the Putrified Ducts. Upon entering the main vertical chamber, you’ll immediately spot the Bellway marker.
Within the Putrified Ducts, beyond the Wreath of Purity, you will also discover the Apostate Key, which is essential for unlocking The Slab. This area also serves as the permanent sanctuary for the Silksong fleas, known as the Pale Lake. Once you’ve thoroughly explored the area and gathered a sufficient number of fleas, you can relocate their caravan to establish Fleatopia. Later, during Act 3, Fleatopia becomes the source for the final Pale Oil required to fully upgrade Hornet’s needle.
That covers your journey to the Putrified Ducts in Hollow Knight Silksong! Should you ever find yourself low on currency, consider exploring effective Rosary farming locations or even diving into some of the excellent mods available to generate passive income effortlessly.