Pharloom Unveiled: The Definitive Guide to Hollow Knight Silksong’s Map, Area Progression, and Shakra Locations

Wondering about the map locations in Silksong? As Hornet, the nimble hunter, you’ll journey through Pharloom, a sprawling and interconnected world. Your quest involves defeating malevolent insects that threaten to overrun the land. Successfully navigating this vast map is as vital as mastering combat, so knowing your way around is key to your success.

Just like in the original game, you’ll frequently consult your map as you unlock new abilities, which grant access to previously unreachable areas within Hollow Knight Silksong. We’ve meticulously compiled all known information about the Silksong map, including the recommended area progression to uncover crucial locations for the main storyline (be warned: major spoilers ahead!). Expect to encounter formidable Silksong bosses in many of these zones. Additionally, we’ve pinpointed all the spots where you can find Pharloom’s cartographer, Shakra, further down this guide – feel free to jump ahead if you wish to avoid narrative surprises.

Here are all the Silksong map locations in area order:

• Moss Grotto
• The Marrow
• Deep Docks
• Far Fields
• Greymoor
• Bellhart
• Shellwood
• Blasted Steps
• Underworks West
• Choral Chambers
• Whiteward
• Underworks East
• Mount Fay
• Whispering Vaults
• High Halls
• Cogwork Core
• The Cradle
• Bilewater
• Weavenest Atla
• The Abyss
• Verdania
• Hunter’s March
• Sands of Karak

On the map, the colored zones represent each of the biomes, and there are fast travel points in most of the locations to quickly make your way across Pharloom.

Moss Grotto

Moss Grotto is the initial area where Hornet awakens after escaping her captors’ cage. This biome is almost entirely cloaked in moss, with a vibrant green layer covering the terrain and even some of its inhabitants.

Hornet will need to smash through certain moss-covered walls to progress, one of which conceals the game’s very first boss. Be ready for a challenging encounter!

The Marrow

The Marrow connects to both Moss Grotto and the Deep Docks. You’ll arrive here shortly after your journey through the starting zone. This area marks a shift in scenery, as the moss gradually gives way to a rugged, rocky landscape.

As you delve deeper, the intense heat from the Deep Docks begins to transform the environment. You’ll know you’re nearing the next region when you spot flowing lava. The Marrow is distinct from the Deep Docks due to its bone-like surfaces and enemies encased in sharp, bony shells.

Deep Docks

The Deep Docks are characterized by flowing lava in the background, which can harm Hornet if she falls in. Enemies in this region often sport armor, with some even wearing bells as helmets. Observing the environment closely, you’ll notice chains and various metallic objects, likely crafted by the Forge Daughter, a blacksmith who offers her wares to Hornet.

During your exploration of the docks, you’ll encounter Lace for the first time. Be cautious and evade her rapid attacks throughout this challenging duel.

Far Fields

The intense heat continues to shape the Far Fields, where lava currents generate powerful updrafts. Hornet can harness these air bursts to glide through the sky after acquiring the Drifter’s Cloak, earned by completing the Flexible Spines quest. This allows her to reach elevated areas where wildlife thrives, safe from the Deep Docks’ scorching temperatures.

Before you can depart the Far Fields, you must confront the colossal Fourth Chorus, a battle that will truly test your newly upgraded cloak.

Greymoor

Team Cherry famously described Greymoor as “one of the biggest [regions] we’ve ever created,” and we can attest that it spans far beyond any area encountered in the game’s initial stages. Greymoor features at least two decaying towers, patrolled by armed enemies and various roach-like insects.

It’s also the domain of Moorwing, one of the toughest early-game bosses you’ll face. We strongly advise seeking out the Threefold Pin tool and the Thread Storm ability within the region before engaging this foe.

Bellhart

Unsurprisingly, Bellhart is teeming with countless bells. From its surfaces to its structures, bells are the dominant motif of this entire location.

Bellhart connects to both Shellwood and Greymoor, and a third, concealed entrance links it to The Marrow via Bellhart’s Bellway. Here, you’ll clash with Widow, earning the Needolin upon defeating this avaricious arachnid. Bellhart also presents an intriguing platforming challenge involving numerous hanging bells that Hornet can strike to navigate the area.

Shellwood

Shellwood offers more than just charming flora and friendly fisherfolk; it’s also where you’ll face the formidable Sister Splinter. This boss battle will test your ability to manage both spawned enemies and the dynamic encounter arena itself.

Crucially, Shellwood is where you’ll acquire the Cling Grip ability, essential for your progress from this point forward. You’ll need it not only to enter The Slab but also to ascend into the Blasted Steps – the final location of Act 1 (unless you discover an alternative path through Sinner’s Road).

Blasted Steps

Welcome to the Blasted Steps, a desolate and barren expanse perpetually ravaged by thick sandstorms and strong winds. This highly vertical zone will push your Cling Grip skills to their limits as you ascend towards the Citadel. You’ll also need to carefully time your movements with the intensity of the storm to avoid botched jumps.

Naturally, the environment isn’t your only adversary here. During your travels, you’ll contend with the drill-headed Great Conchflies and the powerful Last Judge, the final boss of the first act. It’s wise to visit the Pinstress’ house and acquire the Needle Strike charged attack along the way.

Underworks West

Step into the Underworks, a place where misery reigns supreme, largely due to the cruel overwork and underpayment of the Citadel’s basement laborers. If you thought things couldn’t get worse, benches here are single-use (though you still respawn at them), and a confessional will, for a hefty 25 Rosaries, declare you a sinner who must toil away. On the bright side, you won’t pay for the area map, found by scaling the leftmost wall in your initial section.

Initially, only the west side of the Underworks is accessible. But fear not, the eastern section will open up after you’ve explored a few more areas…

Choral Chambers

After navigating the Underworks, it’s time to relax and soak in the Citadel’s grandeur within the Choral Chambers. This is a delightful interlude, as you’ll quickly discover the Grand Bellway – your first Bellway since entering Act 2 – and the thriving settlement of Songclave.

Most importantly, Choral Chambers boasts one of the best Rosary farming spots in the game, allowing you to quickly replenish your currency. Given the numerous vendor purchases you’ll need to make at this stage, now is the perfect moment to pause your progression and equip Hornet with some shiny new gear and mask shards.

At the apex of Choral Chambers, you’ll face the Cogwork Dancers. These spinning waltzers offer a straightforward yet satisfying challenge, and defeating them will propel Silksong’s narrative forward.

Note that Shakra does not sell the map for this region. Instead, locate it in a glass cabinet within the long passage almost directly above the first bench you reach after climbing out of the Underworks. It costs 70 Rosaries, but earning that amount here is relatively quick.

Whiteward

There isn’t extensive detail to share about Whiteward, other than it serves as a modest connecting zone between the Choral Chambers and the eastern section of the Underworks. Here, you can obtain the Injector Band, a potent tool when combined with the Multibinder, effectively providing an extra mask of healing without the usual time penalty. Shakra will not be present in this area; instead, the map costs 70 Rosaries and is found in a room to the northeast of the region.

Underworks East

This is where Act 2 of Silksong truly blossoms. Make your way to the east side of the Underworks as soon as possible, as this is where you’ll unlock Clawline (the needle harpoon). This ability not only propels Hornet towards walls but also allows her to pogo off enemies. Although the logical next step is to return to the Choral Chambers and descend into the Cogwork Core (which opened after defeating the Cogwork Dancers), we have one more essential detour.

Mount Fay

With the Clawline now in hand, you possess everything required to ascend Mount Fay and obtain the double jump ability. This key skill unlocks a wealth of exploration opportunities that were previously perilous or entirely inaccessible. Mount Fay presents an arduous platforming challenge designed to rapidly enhance your Clawline proficiency.

Shakra is conveniently located almost immediately upon reaching the mountain, so ensure you have enough Rosaries for her map (40, to be precise). You’ll also want an additional 90 Rosaries to unlock the second bench at the checkpoint.

For some helpful advice: equipping Flintslate will temporarily prevent you from freezing, so make sure to use it. Additionally, when pogo-ing off flying enemies with the Clawline, avoid pressing the jump button; otherwise, Hornet won’t reach the full height of her jump. This contradicts ingrained platforming muscle memory, so allow yourself some time to adapt.

Once you acquire the Faydown Cloak at Mount Fay’s summit, seize the opportunity to explore previously uncharted territories and revisit older regions that may now reveal new secrets. If you’re planning to farm for Rosaries, we suggest heading to Grindle’s store northwest of the Blasted Steps Bellway and purchasing the Thief’s Mark tool to significantly boost your yield.

Whispering Vaults

Now fully equipped and prepared for the journey ahead, it’s time to learn the three melodies necessary to unlock the final confrontation. The first of these, the Vaultkeeper’s Melody, awaits you in the Whispering Vaults. This expansive library of scrolls will challenge you to manipulate blocks to forge new paths, leading to some surprising destinations. Not only can you return to the Underworks from here, but a hidden route also grants access to Bilewater. This is unequivocally the most efficient way to reach Bilewater’s Bellway if you haven’t yet braved Silksong’s most unforgiving region.

Whispering Vaults holds importance for two additional reasons. Firstly, you’ll discover your first Pale Oil here, which you can use to upgrade Hornet’s needle. Secondly, and arguably most crucially, this is where you’ll meet the game’s finest character – TROBBIOOOOOO!

Shakra does not sell the map here. Instead, head to the rightmost section of the first room you enter upon arriving at Whispering Vaults, past the large sentinel-like enemy. You’ll spot a ladder extending from the ceiling. Strike it, ascend into the Vaults’ attic, and then proceed left to find a container where you can purchase the map. If your Rosary count is low, don’t fret. At the top of the attic, you can unlock a shortcut back to Songclave to farm more currency.

High Halls

The Conductor’s Melody can be found in the High Halls, accessible by heading west from where you engaged the Cogwork Dancers. This area features particularly treacherous spiked sections, so proceed with extreme caution. We’ll keep quiet about the High Halls’ climactic encounter, but let’s just say now is the opportune moment to gather some of the best Silksong tools available.

You won’t acquire the High Halls map until you’ve nearly finished the area. It’s available for purchase from a cabinet located near the bench in the region’s southeasternmost room.

Cogwork Core

The third and final musical key, Architect’s Melody, will guide you into the Cogwork Core. This is a formidable platforming area that will rigorously test your scaling abilities. It becomes significantly more manageable if you’ve already acquired the Faydown Cloak, so consider returning to Mount Fay if you’re struggling and haven’t yet done so.

The Cogwork Core map is located in the bench room just below where you fought the Cogwork Dancers. Ascend through the opening in the ceiling directly above and to the left of the bench to claim your map.

The Cradle

With all three melodies collected, it’s time to scale The Cradle and confront the final boss. The map for this area costs 70 Rosaries and can be found in a cabinet in the top left portion of the region.

Well, the final boss of Act 2, that is. After vanquishing Pharloom’s Premier, you’ll unlock the first Silksong ending. However, there’s still a wealth of content to explore in Pharloom if you aspire to truly complete the game. It’s time to unlock Act 3 and delve into all the regions that were secondary until this point.

Bilewater

We are truly sorry to deliver this news, but to access Act 3, you must venture into Bilewater and defeat its terrifying froggy boss, Groal, to acquire the Seeker Soul needed to fulfill the Silk and Soul wish (the other two are considerably simpler to obtain). Before even contemplating Bilewater, we highly recommend a detour into the Putrified Ducts to pick up a very special Silksong tool that will prove immensely helpful when navigating this soul-crushing region.

If you haven’t been threading your Rosaries for safekeeping, now is the time to develop that habit – you’ll likely perish. Shakra can be found in a room just off Bilewater’s largest vertical chamber, and the Bilewater map will set you back 90 Rosaries.

Weavenest Atla

Realistically, you should have explored Weavenest Atla by now. After all, Eva provides a plethora of enticing Silksong crest upgrades once you’ve accumulated enough Memory Lockets. You’ll also need to journey here to locate the Snare Setter, a tool that can either be kept or offered as part of the Silk and Soul quest.

Situated behind a massive metal door in Moss Grotto, you’ll need to wield the Needolin to gain entry. The map for this area is found to the far right of the corridor you enter. Once there, you’ll spot two glowing cylinders protruding from the ceiling. Strike them to summon a monument you can interact with to obtain the map.

The Abyss

Upon entering Act 3, you’ll discover a significantly altered version of Pharloom. After traversing a few familiar areas and formulating a strategy, it’s time to plunge into The Abyss. This region is the epicenter of all things dreadful, and its very navigation is inherently unforgiving. The map for this area is conveniently located directly above the first bench you encounter, accessible through a small gap in the ceiling, so be vigilant not to overlook it.

Verdania

The once-magnificent kingdom of Verdania now lies in ruins, though you’ll have the chance to experience its lush splendor during The Old Hearts quest. You’ll need to complete a few prerequisites before gaining entry, so consult our Verdania guide to ensure you’re fully prepared.

Verdania’s map isn’t actually found within its reconstructed form. Instead, head directly east from its entry point through a cunningly concealed passageway. Here, you’ll discover a bench and a deceased bug clutching the map.

Hunter’s March

Ah, Hunter’s March. There’s a strong possibility you’ve already ventured through this region, given its accessibility quite early in the game. However, if you quickly realized that navigating its platforming sections was more trouble than it was worth initially, now is the opportune time to return.

Not only is Hunter’s March home to the Chapel of the Beast, and its infamous Savage Beastfly, but it’s also where you’ll find one of the four bosses you can challenge during The Old Hearts quest. This encounter is accessible from the large statue depicted in the top right section of the Hunter’s March map. Speaking of maps, you’ll find Shakra here in the bottom right section, en route to the chapel.

Sands of Karak

The final mandatory location you’ll need to visit in Silksong is the Sands of Karak, and within it, Coral Tower. We wouldn’t be surprised if you emerge from this area with a deep aversion to sand, as its timed platforming sections can be quite challenging to navigate. Fortunately, if you heeded our advice and snagged the Faydown Cloak, it shouldn’t be too arduous. We also recommend acquiring the Ascendant’s Grip from Jubilana in Songclave beforehand.

The Sands of Karak map should, in theory, be the last one you purchase from Shakra. After heading east from the region’s Blasted Steps entry point, you’ll find yourself in its primary vertical shaft. Simply ascend into the first room on the left, and the cartographer will be waiting there. Just ensure you have 90 Rosaries ready.

From this point, depending on which of the four available hearts you choose to collect to complete The Old Hearts quest, there will be one final boss to defeat before the ultimate showdown. Although technically situated in Shellwood, you’ll need to pass through both the Underworks and the Grand Gate to reach it. With the hearts successfully collected, all that remains is a swift journey back to the Moss Grotto, a Bell Beast ride to Deep Docks, and one final descent into The Abyss.

How to unlock the map in Hollow Knight Silksong

Part of what makes Silksong initially perplexing is the absence of a built-in map system. However, this changes once you leave Moss Grotto and navigate through The Marrow. There, you’ll encounter Shakra, a merchant and cartographer who sells maps and essential mapping tools. You can always tell when Shakra is nearby by their distinctive throwing rings scattered in the environment. You’ll likely hear their signature singing before you see them!

Up until this point, the only boss you absolutely must defeat is Moss Mother, so don’t feel pressured to tackle the Bell Beast until you’re fully prepared. While Shakra is initially found in The Marrow, they will temporarily relocate to any new region you discover, offering you the chance to spend your hard-earned Rosaries on these crucial items. To find Shakra again, simply return to Bone Bottom; get to the raised platform and strike the bell to summon them.

Here are all the Shakra locations in Silksong:

While Shakra offers 13 maps, she appears in only 12 distinct locations. This is because she sells both the Mosslands Map and The Marrow Map within The Marrow region itself. Once you’ve acquired all of Shakra’s maps, you can undertake her wish quest, Trail’s End, which rewards you with the valuable Throwing Rings tool.

Here are all the items Shakra sells in Hollow Knight Silksong:

The various markers aren’t strictly essential, but almost everything else should be considered highly important. If your funds are limited, prioritize purchasing the maps and the Quill at the very least. Without the Quill, your map will only display an outline of the area, making it largely unusable.

You’ll need a substantial amount of money to buy all the map-related items – consult our guide on farming Silksong Rosaries to significantly accelerate this process. After you’ve purchased everything Shakra has to offer, she will inform you that more items will become available as you uncover new areas.

Silksong map icons

You can acquire various items from Shakra to reveal the locations of specific points of interest. Additionally, you have the option to buy markers, which are useful for identifying areas where you’ve faced powerful enemies or discovered something you might want to revisit later.

Here’s what the icons represent on the Silksong map:

• Red Bench: Rest site
• Grey Bellway: Fast travel
• Yellow Vendor: Merchants
• Blue Flea Caravan: Flea quest

Important location maps

If you’re searching for particular items, we have complete guides for the following locations below:

• Fast travel locations
• Key of Apostate location
• Pale Oil locations
• Simple key and door locations
• Mask Shard locations
• Dash location
• Wall jump location
• Double jump location
• Clawline location
• Tool locations
• Flea locations
• Hunter’s March bench location
• Pollip locations
• Plasmium locations
• Silver Bell locations

That’s everything you need to know about the Silksong map, but stay tuned as we’ll be updating this guide with additional information once we have it. While you’re here, you should check out our list of the best single-player games to find excellent titles just like the original Hollow Knight.