Discover Every Simple Key in Hollow Knight: Silksong and Unlock Pharloom's Secrets

In the sprawling, intricate world of Pharloom, "Simple Keys" are highly sought-after items that serve as crucial tools for unlocking new areas, accessing valuable loot, and advancing important questlines. While they may seem few and far between, these keys are essential for any adventurer looking to uncover all the secrets the kingdom holds. Unlike some other Metroidvania titles, all Simple Keys in Hollow Knight: Silksong are interchangeable, meaning any key can open any simple lock. This guide will detail every Simple Key location and highlight where you can best utilize them to enhance your journey.

Where to Find All 4 Simple Keys in Hollow Knight: Silksong

There are four Simple Keys scattered across Pharloom, each acquired through different means—some can be purchased from merchants, while others are found through exploration or by defeating formidable foes.

Simple Key 1: Pebb in Bone Bottom

The first Simple Key you'll likely encounter is sold by Pebb, a vendor located just to the right of the Bellway Station in Bone Bottom village. You can purchase this key from Pebb for 500 Rosaries. While this can be a significant amount early in the game, acquiring it promptly can provide early access to beneficial areas.

Simple Key 2: Roachkeeper in Sinner's Road

This Simple Key is obtained as a drop from a Roachkeeper located in the top-right corner of Sinner's Road. To reach this challenging area, you'll first need to acquire the Cling Grip ability from Shellwood. From Greymoor, activate and ride the elevator near the Halfway House inn to the top, then navigate a series of platforms and take the top-right exit into Sinner's Road. Traverse the area, avoiding or dealing with environmental hazards, and platform your way to the top-right section of the map to confront the Roachkeeper who holds the key.

Simple Key 3: Jubilana in Songclave

Another Simple Key can be purchased from Jubilana, a merchant who establishes her shop in Songclave (which forms around the First Shrine in the Choral Chambers). This key costs 650 Rosaries. However, Jubilana won't be there initially. You must first interact with the nearby Wish Board to accept "The Wandering Merchant" quest. This quest requires you to rescue Jubilana, who is trapped in a darkened room in the lower-left section of the Choral Chambers, harassed by guards. Once rescued, she will return to Songclave, allowing you to purchase the key.

Simple Key 4: Corpse in Sands of Karak

The final Simple Key is found through exploration, resting on a corpse at a bench on the far-right/eastern tip of the Sands of Karak region. To reach Sands of Karak, you'll need the Clawline ability, which is found in The Cauldron within the Underworks region (accessible in Act 2). With Clawline, return to the Pinstress's home in the Blasted Steps. Use your new ability to grapple onto hanging rings to the left and upward, following a zig-zag path to a hidden hole in the ceiling. This leads to a cave filled with wall jumps and spikes. Navigate these obstacles, utilize your movement abilities, and enter the first entryway you find to reach Sands of Karak. Once inside, proceed to the easternmost bench to claim the key from the deceased pilgrim.

Where to Use All 4 Simple Keys in Hollow Knight: Silksong

Just as there are four Simple Keys, there are four corresponding simple locks located across Pharloom, each guarding unique paths, rewards, or quest initiators. Remember, any Simple Key can open any Simple Lock, allowing you to prioritize based on your current progression or desired rewards.

Simple Lock 1: Wormways Entrance from Mosshome

This locked door provides a crucial shortcut and access to new areas, located northwest of Bone Bottom village, connecting to the Wormways region. To reach it, you'll need the Swift Step dash ability. Travel to The Marrow Bellway, head left through Mosshome, and drop down past the pilgrim enemies. Head immediately left, where you'll find a chasm. Use Swift Step to dash across the gap, using hanging cages as platforms, to reach the other side. Proceed through the entrance and sprint past a large acid-spitting creature (using platforms for cover) to the far end of the room. In the next room, the locked door will be on your left. Opening this door grants access to a significant portion of the Wormways. This path can lead to the Chapel of the Wanderer (and the Wanderer Crest), allow you to obtain the Plasium Phial (with Cling Grip), and eventually unlock the Sharpdart Silk Skill (with Double Jump). This lock is often recommended for early key usage due to the sheer volume of content it unlocks.

Simple Lock 2: Deep Docks Lower Area

An ornate door in the Deep Docks leads to an extensive new sub-area. To reach this lock, you'll need the Swift Step ability. From the Deep Docks Bellway, head right, past the Forge Daughter's store. Activate a switch to drop down to a lower level. Continue right, jumping and dashing over a pool of lava to reach the platform on the other side where the locked door resides. Unlocking this area initially provides access to new sections of the Deep Docks, a Red Tool (Flintslate), and an alternate path to the Far Fields (potentially allowing you to bypass a fight with Lace). Later in the game, once you acquire Clawline, you can return to this area to latch onto a ring, opening up even deeper sections. These lower areas contain a Spool Fragment, a rescued Flea, and eventually lead to a challenging boss fight against Forebrother Signis and Gron, which then unlocks a new region accessible only in Act 3. Due to the requirement for further abilities for full exploration, some players recommend saving a key for this lock until later.

Simple Lock 3: Green Prince's Cell in Sinner's Road

This isn't a door to a new region, but rather a prison cell within Sinner's Road itself, containing the Green Prince. You'll likely spot his cell not far into the region, easily reachable by dropping down from above, near where you found the Sinner's Road Simple Key. There's a clear padlock on his door. Using a Simple Key to free the Green Prince initiates his important questline. While he will depart immediately, his story factors into late-game segments, eventually allowing you access to his homeland, Verdania, in Act 3, which features unique items and a secret boss fight. This is an excellent use for the Simple Key found within Sinner's Road.

Simple Lock 4: Rosary Vault in High Halls

The final locked area is a hidden vault within the High Halls, a late-game region in Act 2. As you progress through High Halls, you'll eventually reach a Ventrica station and bench. Exit this room and head east, looking for platforms above you. Ascend these platforms to find the locked door. This vault, often referred to as the "Citadel Bank," is cloaked in darkness and contains numerous buzz saws and enemies. Your rewards for navigating this perilous space are substantial: a large amount of Rosaries, a Pale Rosary Necklace, and the powerful Rosary Cannon tool, which allows you to fire your currency at enemies for surprisingly effective damage. This lock is ideal for players looking to boost their finances and acquire a unique offensive option.

Strategic Key Usage & Important Tips

Given that Simple Keys are interchangeable, their strategic use is entirely up to your playstyle and current needs:

• Early Game Content: Unlocking the Wormways Entrance provides access to a wealth of content and upgrades early in your adventure, making it a strong contender for your first key.
• Quest Progression: Freeing the Green Prince in Sinner's Road is crucial for a significant character questline that culminates in Act 3.
• Resources & Tools: The Rosary Vault in High Halls is perfect for players needing a substantial Rosary boost and a powerful, unique tool like the Rosary Cannon.
• Late Game Exploration: While initially accessible, the Deep Docks Lower Area truly shines when you have later movement abilities like Clawline and Double Jump, which unlock its full potential, including challenging bosses and new regions.

By carefully considering your current progression and desired rewards, you can strategically use your Simple Keys to maximize your journey through Pharloom.

Conclusion

The Simple Keys in Hollow Knight: Silksong are more than just mere unlockables; they are gateways to new experiences, challenges, and treasures. Mastering their locations and understanding where each lock leads is fundamental to fully exploring Pharloom and unraveling all its mysteries. Happy hunting, little weaver!