The Definitive Hollow Knight: Silksong Map Guide: Pharloom Unveiled

The vibrant, yet treacherous, kingdom of Pharloom serves as the sprawling backdrop for Hornet's grand adventure in Hollow Knight: Silksong. This interconnected world is a dense maze filled with formidable foes, intricate platforming challenges, and countless secrets. To conquer Pharloom and unravel its mysteries, a comprehensive understanding of its geography and mapping mechanics is paramount.

This guide provides an exhaustive overview of all Hollow Knight: Silksong map locations, detailing how to acquire their respective maps, outlining the general progression, and offering crucial insights into unlocking the game's elusive Act 3. Whether you're a new player seeking guidance or a seasoned explorer aiming for 100% completion, mastering Pharloom's interactive map is key to Hornet's success.

Navigating Pharloom: Your Essential Silksong Map

Unlike its predecessor, Silksong initially keeps its map a mystery. However, as you delve deeper, a robust mapping system emerges, powered by the amiable cartographer, Shakra, and a suite of invaluable tools.

The Cartographer: Shakra and Her Wares

Shakra, a fierce and melodious warrior, acts as Pharloom's primary map vendor. You'll recognize her presence by her distinctive singing and the throwing rings she leaves in the environment. Your first encounter with Shakra will be in The Marrow, after escaping Moss Grotto. She sells maps and essential mapping tools, which are crucial for effective exploration. If you ever miss her in a new location, she can always be found by returning to Bone Bottom and striking the bell on the raised platform to summon her.

Shakra offers 13 regional maps, despite appearing in only 12 distinct locations (she sells both the Mosslands Map and The Marrow Map in The Marrow). Once you've purchased all available maps from her, you can undertake her unique wish quest, "Trail's End," which rewards you with the Throwing Rings tool.

Here’s a breakdown of the items Shakra sells:

Item	Description	Price (Rosaries)
Mosslands Map	Map of Mosslands (Moss Grotto)	40
The Marrow Map	Map of The Marrow	50
Deep Docks Map	Map of Deep Docks	50
Far Fields Map	Map of Far Fields	50
Greymoor Map	Map of Greymoor	70
Bellhart Map	Map of Bellhart	40
Shellwood Map	Map of Shellwood	70
Blasted Steps Map	Map of Blasted Steps	70
Mount Fay Map	Map of Mount Fay	40
Wormways Map	Map of the Wormways	70
Sinner's Road Map	Map of Sinner's Road	90
Bilewater Map	Map of Bilewater	90
Sands of Karak Map	Map of Sands of Karak	90
Quill	Allows Hornet to add new areas to the map	50
Compass	Shows Hornet's current location on the map	70
Bench Pins	Marks found bench locations on the map	60
Bellway Pins	Marks found Bellway locations on the map	60
Ventrica Pins	Marks found Ventrica locations on the map	80
Vendor Pins	Marks found vendor locations on the map	80
Shell Marker	Allows Hornet to place Shell Markers on the map	40
Ring Marker	Allows Hornet to place Ring Markers on the map	40
Hunt Marker	Allows Hornet to place Hunt Markers on the map	60
Dark Marker	Allows Hornet to place Dark Markers on the map	90
Bronze Marker	Allows Hornet to place Bronze Markers on the map	120

While not all marker types are strictly essential, prioritize purchasing regional maps and, critically, the Quill. Without the Quill, your map will only display blocky outlines of explored areas, making true navigation a significant challenge. Rosaries, the game's primary currency, are acquired by defeating enemies. Consider consulting a Rosary farming guide to acquire the necessary funds for these crucial items.

A Hidden Reward for the Stubborn: Remarkably, if you manage to reach Act 2 or even Act 3 without purchasing Shakra's Quill, Team Cherry rewards your determination with a unique cosmetic. You can acquire a red quill in Act 2, or a purple quill in Act 3, from the desk of the Citadel Stage boss, Trobbio. These function identically to the standard Quill but serve as a testament to your epic, mapless journey.

Understanding Map Icons

The Silksong map utilizes various icons to help you keep track of key points of interest:

Icon	Description
Red Bench	Rest site
Grey Bellway	Fast travel point
Yellow Vendor	Merchants
Blue Flea Caravan	Flea quest

A Comprehensive Tour of Pharloom: Silksong's Regions and Their Maps

Pharloom is divided into numerous distinct regions, each with its own challenges, secrets, and a map to uncover. Collecting all 28 maps contributes to the "Cartographer Achievement/Trophy," making traversal significantly smoother. The game's narrative progresses through three major acts, with regions often unlocking sequentially.

Act I: The Initial Ascent

Hornet's journey begins in the lower reaches of Pharloom, as she awakens from her captivity and begins her climb towards the mysterious Citadel.

Moss Grotto (Bone Bottom)

This verdant, moss-encased biome is where Hornet first finds herself after escaping her cage. Green layers cover the terrain and many enemies. Hornet must often break through moss-covered walls to progress, encountering her first boss, Moss Mother, here.

• Map Acquisition: The Mosslands Map (alternatively referred to as the Bone Bottom Map) is typically purchased from Shakra for 40 Rosaries, often alongside The Marrow Map.

The Marrow

Connected to Moss Grotto and the Deep Docks, The Marrow transitions from mossy growth to rocky terrain. As you venture deeper, the influence of the Deep Docks' heat becomes apparent, with flowing lava signifying your proximity to the next area. This biome features bone-constructed surfaces and enemies with sharp, bone-like shells.

• Map Acquisition: The Marrow Map is purchased from Shakra for 50 Rosaries, usually when you first encounter her.

Deep Docks

Characterized by flowing lava in the background (which can harm Hornet) and metallic structures, the Deep Docks suggests the presence of blacksmiths like the Forge Daughter. Enemies here are often armored, some even wearing bells as helmets. This is also where Hornet first confronts Lace, a recurring rival.

• Map Acquisition: The Deep Docks Map is purchased from Shakra for 50 Rosaries.

Far Fields

The intense heat from the Deep Docks manifests in Far Fields through powerful lava currents that create updrafts. Hornet can utilize these air bursts with the Drifter's Cloak (obtained from the Flexible Spines quest) to reach new, wildlife-rich areas. The goliathan Fourth Chorus boss awaits before you can leave this region.

• Map Acquisition: The Far Fields Map is purchased from Shakra for 50 Rosaries.

Greymoor

Team Cherry has described Greymoor as "one of the biggest regions we've ever created," boasting expansive terrain, two dilapidated towers, and patrols of armed enemies and roach-like insects. It houses Moorwing, a challenging early-game boss, and important tools like the Threefold Pin and Thread Storm.

• Map Acquisition: The Greymoor Map is purchased from Shakra for 70 Rosaries.

Bellhart

As its name suggests, Bellhart is dominated by bells, which form its surfaces, buildings, and are even used in unique platforming sections. It connects to Shellwood, Greymoor, and has a hidden entrance to The Marrow via the Bellway. Here, you'll defeat the Widow to unlock the Needolin tool.

• Map Acquisition: The Bellhart Map is purchased from Shakra for 40 Rosaries.

Shellwood

Beyond its serene appearance of plants and fisherfolk, Shellwood hides dangers, including the thorny boss, Sister Splinter. Critically, this region is where you acquire the Cling Grip ability, essential for accessing The Slab and ascending the Blasted Steps.

• Map Acquisition: The Shellwood Map is purchased from Shakra for 70 Rosaries.

Blasted Steps

A barren and desolate vertical region, the Blasted Steps is ravaged by thick sandstorms and heavy winds, putting your Cling Grip skills to the ultimate test on the path to the Citadel. You'll face drill-headed Great Conchflies and the powerful Act 1 final boss, the Last Judge. Don't forget to pick up the Needle Strike charged attack en route.

• Map Acquisition: The Blasted Steps Map is purchased from Shakra for 70 Rosaries.

Hunter's March

Accessible relatively early in the game, Hunter's March features challenging platforming sections. It is home to the Chapel of the Beast and the notorious Savage Beastfly, and holds one of the four bosses required for The Old Hearts quest.

• Map Acquisition: The Hunter's March Map is purchased from Shakra for 70 Rosaries.

Wormways

A distinct region within Pharloom.

• Map Acquisition: The Wormways Map is purchased from Shakra for 70 Rosaries.

Sinner's Road

Another key region that plays a role in Act 1 progression.

• Map Acquisition: The Sinner's Road Map is purchased from Shakra for 90 Rosaries.

The Slab

A unique area with its own hidden map.

• Map Acquisition: The Slab Map is found on a bug corpse within a cell, located to the east of the central bench in the area.

Act II: Delving into the Citadel

Upon entering the Citadel, Hornet falls into its complex interior, commencing Act II of her journey and discovering the path to Pharloom's ultimate secrets.

Underworks (West & East)

The Citadel's basement, a grim place where workers are cruelly overworked. Benches here are single-use, and a confessional offers absolution for a price. Initially, only the west side is accessible. The east side, unlocked later, grants the crucial Clawline (needle harpoon) ability, allowing Hornet to launch herself at walls and enemies.

• Map Acquisition: The Underworks Map is found pinned to a wall in a small chamber on the western side of the central shaft, just above the area's first bench.

Choral Chambers

An opulent part of the Citadel, home to the Grand Bellway and the settlement of Songclave. It's an excellent location for farming Rosaries and houses the Cogwork Dancers boss, whose defeat advances the narrative.

• Map Acquisition: The Choral Chambers Map is found in a glass cabinet in a long passage almost directly above the first bench you reach after exiting the Underworks. It costs 70 Rosaries.

Whiteward

A small connector region between the Choral Chambers and the eastern Underworks. It offers the Injector Band tool, which pairs well with the Multibinder for extra healing.

• Map Acquisition: The Whiteward Map is obtained by inspecting a machine in a room to the south of the area's only bench, requiring 70 Rosaries.

Mount Fay

With the Clawline unlocked, Mount Fay becomes accessible, providing an arduous platforming challenge that culminates in acquiring the double jump and the Faydown Cloak. This ability opens up significant new exploration possibilities.

• Map Acquisition: The Mount Fay Map is purchased from Shakra for 40 Rosaries, who is typically found soon after reaching the mountain.

Whispering Vaults

A vast library filled with scrolls, requiring block-shifting puzzles to create pathways. Here, you'll discover the Vaultkeeper's Melody (the first of three melodies), your first Pale Oil (for needle upgrades), and encounter the beloved character TROBBIO.

• Map Acquisition: The Whispering Vaults Map is found in a container in the attic. To access it, head to the rightmost part of the first room, past a large sentinel, hit a ladder protruding from the roof, and climb up.

High Halls

Accessible by heading west from the Cogwork Dancers' arena, High Halls features particularly spiky sections. It's where you'll find the Conductor's Melody (the second melody) and is crucial for gathering powerful Silksong tools before its climactic encounter.

• Map Acquisition: The High Halls Map is purchasable from a cabinet near the bench in the area's south-eastern-most room, typically after completing most of the area.

Cogwork Core

A challenging platforming area designed to test your scaling abilities. It's home to the Architect's Melody (the third and final musical key) and is made significantly easier with the Faydown Cloak.

• Map Acquisition: The Cogwork Core Map is found in the bench room just below where you fought the Cogwork Dancers; scale the opening in the ceiling above the bench to the left.

Memorium

A distinct region that plays a role in the broader narrative.

• Map Acquisition: The Memorium Map is obtained by inspecting a machine in the map room in the southeastern part of the area, costing 70 Rosaries.

The Cradle

The final ascent of Act II, where Hornet confronts the Grand Mother Silk, the source of the Haunting, to conclude this phase of her journey.

• Map Acquisition: The Cradle Map costs 70 Rosaries and can be found in a cabinet in the top-left part of the area.

Act III: Unveiling Pharloom's True Nature

After achieving the initial Silksong ending, specific conditions unlock Act III, revealing a transformed Pharloom and Hornet's true destiny.

Bilewater

A notoriously difficult region, entering Bilewater and defeating its fearsome frog boss, Groal, is necessary to acquire the Seeker Soul—a critical component for the "Silk and Soul" wish. It's highly recommended to retrieve a special tool from the Putrified Ducts before venturing here.

• Map Acquisition: The Bilewater Map is purchased from Shakra for 90 Rosaries, who is found in a room off Bilewater's largest vertical chamber.

Weavenest Atla

A location associated with Eva and Silksong crest upgrades, accessible via a large metal door in Moss Grotto that requires the Needolin to open. It's also where you'll find the Snare Setter, another item for the "Silk and Soul" quest.

• Map Acquisition: The Weavenest Atla Map is found to the far right of the entry corridor. Hit two glowing cylinders protruding from the ceiling, which summons a monument to interact with for the map.

The Abyss

Upon entering Act III, Pharloom is transformed, and delving into The Abyss becomes a central task. This unforgiving area serves as a nexus of malevolent forces.

• Map Acquisition: The Abyss Map is located directly above the first bench you encounter, accessible through a small gap in the ceiling.

Verdania

Once a lush paradise, Verdania now lies in ruins, though players can experience its prime during The Old Hearts quest. Accessing it requires specific prerequisites.

• Map Acquisition: The Verdania Map is found on a dead bug clutching it, located in a small camp in the southeastern part of the area, accessed through a sneakily-concealed passageway east of its entry point.

Sands of Karak

The final mandatory location in Silksong, home to Coral Tower. Its timed platforming sections can be challenging, but the Faydown Cloak and Ascendant's Grip can greatly assist traversal.

• Map Acquisition: The Sands of Karak Map is typically the last map purchased from Shakra, costing 90 Rosaries. She's found in a chamber on the western side of the central shaft, after heading east from the Blasted Steps entry.

Grand Gate

This region is part of the 28 total maps needed for completion.

• Map Acquisition: Specific details for the Grand Gate Map are not provided in the source material, but it is one of the 28 discoverable maps.

Putrified Ducts

An area linked to specific tools and potentially the Flea Caravan quest.

• Map Acquisition: The Putrified Ducts Map is obtained by inspecting a table in a room on the west side of the area's central shaft, southwest of the Putrified Ducts Bellway.

Unlocking Act 3: The True Silksong Ending

Reaching Hollow Knight: Silksong's Act 3 is not straightforward and requires fulfilling several specific conditions after completing the game's initial ending. This true ending deepens the narrative, taking Hornet into The Abyss.

Prerequisites for the "Silk and Soul" Quest

To unlock Act 3, you'll need to satisfy a majority of the following requirements, which lead to the "Silk and Soul" quest appearing:

• Complete Most Town Wish Wall Quests: Focus on the majority of wishes posted on the boards in Bone Bottom, Bellhart, and Songclave.
  • Bone Bottom Quests: Include "Bone Bottom Repairs," "A Lifesaving Bridge," "Garb of the Pilgrims," "Volatile Flintbeetles," "The Terrible Tyrant," and "An Icon of Hope." Also, fight the Skull Tyrant, witness the funeral, and speak to the Bone Bottom leader for the Hornet Statuette.
  • Bellhart Quests: Include "Restoration of Bellhart," "Pinmaster's Oil," "My Missing Courier," "Silver Bells," "Crawbug Clearing," "My Missing Brother," "Bone Bottom Supplies," "Savage Beastfly," and "Bellhart's Glory." Importantly, complete Shakra's "Trail's End" quest, which involves purchasing all her maps. Speak to Pavo in Bellhart to receive your Bellhome.
  • Songclave Quests: Include "Fine Pins," "Strengthening Songclave," "The Lost Merchant," "The Wandering Merchant," "Cloaks of the Choir," and "Balm for the Wounded." (Waking the Second Sentinel is optional but adds flavor.)
• Move the Flea Caravan: Guide the Flea Caravan to its final destination at the Pale Lake in the Putrified Ducts. This typically involves finding approximately 22 lost fleas, potentially including the giant flea in Memorium, Kratt in Greymoor, and Vog in the Putrified Ducts. You must also discover the Pale Lake and inform Fleamaster Mooshka of its location.
• Collect the Three Melodies: Acquire the Architect's Melody (Cogwork Core), Conductor's Melody (High Halls), and Vaultkeeper's Melody (Whispering Vaults). These unlock access to the final boss encounter in The Cradle.

After fulfilling these criteria, the "Silk and Soul" quest will become available, typically on the wish board in Bellhart, or from the Caretaker at the First Shrine in Songclave.

Completing the "Silk and Soul" Quest

The "Silk and Soul" quest requires you to find four specific items:

1. Maiden's Soul: Located with the Chapel Maid in the western side of Bone Bottom (or potentially Moss Grotto).
2. Hermit's Soul: Found below Bellhart with the Hermit.
3. Seeker's Soul: Located in a hut immediately after defeating Groal the Great in Bilewater.
4. Snare Setter: Found on a bench in Weavenest Atla, which requires the Needolin to access its entrance in Moss Grotto.

Once all four items are collected, return to the Caretaker. Proceed to defeat the Grand Mother Silk, but critically, instead of binding her, choose to play your Needolin at the end of the fight. The credits will roll, and upon restarting your save file, you will be thrust into Act 3, symbolizing the true continuation of Hornet's epic journey.

Hollow Knight: Silksong at a Glance

Hollow Knight: Silksong is a highly anticipated 2025 Metroidvania title developed and published by the Australian independent studio Team Cherry. A sequel to the critically acclaimed Hollow Knight (2017), it expands upon the beloved formula with new mechanics, a vast new world, and a compelling narrative.

Core Gameplay and Hornet's Abilities

Players control Hornet, the princess-protector of Hallownest, in the unfamiliar kingdom of Pharloom. The 2D platforming and combat are reminiscent of its predecessor but feature several key enhancements. Hornet exhibits a more acrobatic movement style, allowing for swift traversal. Healing is notably faster and more potent, balancing the increased difficulty (many enemies deal two points of damage).

The game introduces a robust quest system ("wishes") managed through a journal, provided by NPCs or quest boards. Two new currencies are integrated: Shell Shards for repairing "tools" and Rosaries, similar to Geo, which are lost upon death unless "strung" for safekeeping. Hornet can also swap between various "crests" to modify her attacks and tool slots, and unlock "silk skills" at Weaver sites for additional offensive capabilities.

The Expansive Narrative of Pharloom

Silksong's story unfolds after the events of Hollow Knight, with Hornet kidnapped and transported to Pharloom. She escapes into Moss Grotto, beginning Act I, and learns that her captors are adherents of the Citadel, a "holy" place towards which many pilgrims journey. Hornet resolves to ascend the Citadel to uncover the reason for her capture.

As she explores, Hornet encounters silken threads choking Pharloom, ensnaring residents and driving them to madness. She speculates her own silk-producing abilities might be why she was targeted. Along the way, she uncovers aspects of her past, her half-Weaver heritage, and repeatedly clashes with Lace, her rival, who attempts to impede her ascent. Ringing five bells and defeating the Last Judge grants her entry to the Citadel.

Act II sees Hornet fall into the Underworks. She learns of a threefold melody from three statues of Conductors. After traversing the Citadel and mastering the melody, she plays it for the statues, leading to a second confrontation with Lace. Following Lace's defeat, Hornet is granted access to The Cradle, where she faces the Grand Mother Silk, the source of the "Haunting." The standard ending sees Hornet bind with the Grand Mother, becoming the new Weaver Queen.

Act III, unlocked under specific conditions, delves deeper into the narrative. Hornet falls into The Abyss, where she battles Lost Lace, corrupted by the Void. Hornet purifies Lace, and the imprisoned Grand Mother Silk sacrifices her remaining power for their escape. Ultimately, the "God of Gods" (the protagonist from the first game) intervenes, carrying Hornet and Lace to the surface and concluding the game's true ending.

Development Insights and Fan Engagement

Initially conceived as downloadable content for Hollow Knight, Silksong's scope grew substantially, leading Team Cherry to announce it as a full standalone sequel in February 2019. The developers adopted a "controlled scope creep" approach, allowing ideas to evolve within the game's bug-and-cave aesthetic. Despite a goal of comparable difficulty to Hollow Knight, the design decision to have more enemies deal two points of damage necessitated faster and stronger healing for Hornet.

Team Cherry maintained a notable silence during much of the game's lengthy seven-year development, focusing energies on the creation process and preserving narrative surprises. This prolonged wait led to a unique "clown meme" culture among fans, signifying their anticipation for news. The "Daily Silksong News" YouTube channel provided daily (often non-existent) updates for over 1600 days, and the Silksong subreddit developed elaborate "Silkposts" (fake announcements) and other inside jokes, showcasing an unparalleled level of fan dedication.

Critical Reception and Audience Impact

Hollow Knight: Silksong received widespread critical acclaim, with its Nintendo Switch 2, PC, and PS5 versions earning "universal acclaim" on Metacritic, and 96% of critics recommending the game on OpenCritic. Reviewers lauded its beautiful art design, haunting and playful soundtrack, compelling story, and richly detailed world. Hornet's quicker, more nimble gameplay and extensive customization options were also widely praised, as were the "thrilling" and "awe-inspiring" boss battles.

The game's difficulty, often considered more challenging than its predecessor, garnered mixed reactions. While some appreciated its "confrontational" nature and the sense of mastery it provided, others found elements like long "runbacks" to bosses, increased enemy damage, currency scarcity, and difficult diagonal pogo platforming "tiring and demotivating." Similarly, side-quests received mixed reviews, celebrated for world-building but occasionally criticized as "uninspired."

Upon its highly anticipated release on September 4, 2025, the game's immense popularity caused digital storefronts like Steam, Nintendo eShop, and PlayStation Store to experience temporary outages. Within three days, Silksong garnered over 5 million players, including 3 million on Steam alone, topping sales charts. The polarized reaction to difficulty led to the swift creation of "easy mode" mods, and unfortunately, the Simplified Chinese localization received significant negative feedback, which Team Cherry promptly committed to addressing. A vibrant speedrunning community quickly emerged, with players achieving sub-hour completion times within a month of launch.

Master Your Journey Through Pharloom

Hollow Knight: Silksong delivers an expansive and meticulously crafted Metroidvania experience. By understanding its complex map, utilizing Shakra's invaluable tools, and charting your course through its diverse biomes, you'll be well-equipped to guide Hornet through Pharloom's perilous beauty, uncover all its secrets, and ultimately achieve the true ending of this unforgettable adventure.