Deep Docks serves as a pivotal challenge in Hollow Knight: Silksong, introducing players to a significant spike in difficulty. Unlike earlier areas that ease you into the game mechanics, this zone demands mastery of your skills as it tests your mettle.
In this fiery environment, players are confronted with daunting fire pits, formidable new adversaries, and an intense boss battle that truly measures your progress. By this point in your journey through Silksong, familiarity with the game’s mechanics is essential.
If the escalating challenges of Deep Docks are giving you trouble, let’s break down this intricate area. We’ll explore the journey from entering Deep Docks, navigating its diverse enemies and intricate platforming sequences, to facing off against a tough mini-boss before ultimately confronting the area’s main antagonist.
Entrance to Deep Docks
Your adventure in Deep Docks begins with an ascent via the elevators to the third floor, where you’ll need to spend 30 rosaries to set up a much-needed bench.
Next, descend back down and venture to the right into a spacious area with paths leading both upwards and downwards. First, head down to locate Shakra, the mapmaker. If you haven’t yet acquired the Deep Docks map from her, this is your opportunity.
After securing the map, make your way back up. You’ll encounter a new enemy that launches explosives from the air. Defeat this foe, then take notice of the two handles positioned at the sides of the area.
Striking these handles raises two platforms that are crucial for progression: the right platform leads to a room filled with foes and some rosaries, while the left platform elevates you higher.
Navigating the Fiery Hazards
Once you’ve progressed to this newly accessible area, be prepared to face a lava-filled landscape. Fortunately, the lava is not instantly lethal like spikes, giving you a brief opportunity to navigate.
As you traverse, you’ll meet two new enemy types: a heavy bruiser swinging a pike and a nimble dog-like creature, both of whom are manageable with swift strikes and dodging.
At the end of this pathway, you’ll see a long stretch of lava above an unreachable platform. It’s time to test your agility—quickly leap across the lava while dodging falling rocks.
A troublesome explosive boulder rests at the far end, which you can attack to unlock the next area.
Confronting the Mini-Boss
Upon entering the next region, head right to unlock a rest station using some rosaries. Afterward, continue upwards, where several flying ants await. Dispatch them swiftly to avoid damage.
As you ascend, jump into the next area, but prepare for a locked bone door on the right. Instead, go left for an imminent mini-boss battle.
Here, you’ll face two warrior ants that unleash projectiles alongside swarming enemies previously encountered in the area. Utilize your combat experience to overcome them, then defeat the warrior ants, who attack with rapid dagger strikes.
Once victorious, descend to the left into the following section.
Creating the Shortcut
Proceed into darkness, but heed the game’s warning to look downward—an array of spikes, ants, and vanishing platforms lie in wait.
As you reach the base, dodge the spike pit and veer right to trigger the explosive boulder, which will activate a shortcut leading back to the area’s start.
Take a moment to rest if needed, then venture back to the previous room and move left into the next area. Leap towards the rock formation and approach the altar to acquire the Swift Step ability, essential for navigating the final part of Deep Docks.
Utilize Swift Step to traverse several significant gaps to the left, hitting a switch that elevates a platform. Ascend to a small alcove where a grateful critter awaits liberation.
Dive back down to the base floor, activate the switch to unlock the door leading to the initial rest area of Deep Docks. Ride the elevator down and exit into the area with the two platforms.
If you wish to explore another location before continuing, take the door at the bottom left to find a transport station. When you’re prepared, revisit the lava room and proceed through the bottom right path.
Navigating to Lace
Activate the switch and journey downwards. Take the elevator to the lower levels but stop midway on the left to collect some Shell Shards.
At the bottom, move left through a series of descending platforms guarded by enemies that explode upon contact, so tread carefully.
Further down on the left, a room guarded by enemies offers rewards—defeat them to collect rosaries and additional Shell Shards.
Return to the elevator; on the far end of the room awaits another mini-boss encounter. This fight is slightly easier, placing you against several of the area’s familiar enemies in a fierce brawl.
Vanquishing Lace and Exiting
Defeat the mini-boss to unveil a new path leading upwards. Follow this route, activating switches until you reach the top. Once there, move left and activate the door, where ascending platforms will take you toward the boss’s location.
On the platform above, utilize the Swift Step ability to reach higher ground. Activate the switch and head back down directly to the right.
Awaiting you on a precarious platform is Lace, a formidable boss in her own right. However, by following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to defeat her effectively. Upon her defeat, continue to the right; ringing the bell will unlock the pathway to Far Fields.
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