Exploring the vast, intricate world of Hollow Knight: Silksong can sometimes leave players feeling lost. However, few moments are as satisfying as finally acquiring a map that organizes your adventures, enhancing your navigational experience.
Acquiring a map and utilizing it effectively is no easy feat in this game. It requires locating specific non-playable characters (NPCs) or special spots to unlock the map, along with a clear understanding of various mapping tools.
This guide is designed to help you navigate the complex levels of Pharloom, whether you’re a seasoned player aiming for efficiency or a newcomer feeling disoriented in the Hollow Knight universe.
How to Acquire a Map in Hollow Knight: Silksong
In Hollow Knight: Silksong, there are two primary methods for obtaining maps, which vary based on your location:
For regions beneath the Citadel (such as Deep Docks, Greymoor, and Sinner’s Road), seek out Shakra, a skilled fighter and cartographer. She will offer you maps and mapping tools in exchange for Rosaries, akin to the character Cornifer from the original Hollow Knight. Listen for her unique chants or look for golden rings scattered on the ground to help you locate her.
Shakra’s inventory includes valuable items that enhance your journey. Here’s a summary of her offerings:
- 14 Pharloom Maps: These provide detailed coverage of the area.
- Quill: Enables Hornet to mark visited locations at Bench points.
- Compass: Displays Hornet’s current location on the map (equipped as a Yellow Tool).
- Pins: Useful for marking specific locations like Benches, fast-travel points, and merchants.
- Markers: Custom pins created by players for personalized navigation.
To access maps outside the Citadel, Shakra is generally your best bet, with some exceptions in areas like The Slab and Putrified Ducts where maps can be found on the ground. However, keep in mind that inadequate Rosaries may jeopardize your ability to purchase maps, risking her disappearance—something you definitely want to avoid (see the following section for alternatives).
For regions within the Citadel (including Choral Chambers, High Halls, and Cogwork Core), maps are accessible via machines. The process mirrors that of obtaining a map from Shakra, with the notable exception that these machines remain stationary and won’t vanish.
Locations for the Bone Bottom, Moss Grotto & The Marrow Maps
Your journey with Shakra may begin in The Marrow, where you can immediately obtain maps for Bone Bottom, Moss Grotto, and The Marrow. Her location is highlighted in the image above.
Location for the Deep Docks Map
Shakra awaits you near the Bellway, where the Deep Docks Map is available for 50 Rosaries.
Location for the Far Fields Map
Find Shakra in a cave at the bottom of the main vertical area in the Far Fields, offering the map for 50 Rosaries.
Location for the Greymoor Map
In the eastern section of the area, east of the exit leading to the Far Fields, you’ll find Shakra with the map available for 70 Rosaries.
Locations for the Bellhart & Shellwood Maps
Upon your arrival at Bellhart, chaos reigns. You’ll want to purchase the nearby Shellwood map from Shakra, located below Greyroot’s hut. The Bellhart map costs 40 Rosaries while the Shellwood map costs 70 Rosaries.
Location for the Blasted Steps Map
In the Blasted Steps, you’ll find Shakra in a dead-end area, offering the map for 70 Rosaries.
Location for the Wormways Map
Shakra is situated in the central area of the Wormways. It’s advisable to approach from the top entrance for quicker access. She sells the map for 70 Rosaries.
Location for the Hunter’s March Map
Near the exit to the Deep Docks, Shakra is located on the eastern side of Hunter’s March, offering the map for 70 Rosaries.
Location for the Verdania Map
You can secure the Verdania map for free near a corpse located in the bottom right corner of Verdania.
Location for the Sinner’s Road Map
Find Shakra resting in the chamber where the Green Prince is first introduced, situated beside a broken Bench awaiting repair.
Location for the Map of The Slab
The Slab map is found on a corpse within a cell on the east side of the prison. You can either be caught by a cage bug or obtain the Apostate Key from the bottom of the Putrified Ducts to access it.
Location for the Mount Fay Map
Once you’ve unlocked the Clawline ability, venture to Mount Fay where Shakra can be found to the left on your ascent, selling the map for 40 Rosaries.
Location for the Sands of Karak Map
In the Sands of Karak, which also requires the Clawline ability to access, you’ll find Shakra in a small room linked to the central area. She offers the map for 90 Rosaries.
Location for the Bilewater Map
Shakra is positioned in a small cave near the central area of Bilewater, situated northeast of the Bellway, which requires the Faydown Cloak ability for access.
Location for the Putrified Ducts Map
Discover the Putrified Ducts map inside a room just south of the main Bench. This map is available for free.
Location for the Weavenest Atla Map
The Weavenest Atla map can be acquired by breaking two glowing orbs on the top right side of the area. Make sure to inspect the glowing device on your return to exit.
Location for the Grand Gate Map
The map machine at the Grand Gate area is centrally located and requires 40 Rosaries to obtain.
Location for the Underworks Map
Located just above the first Bench area, this map is pinned on a board and can be obtained for free.
Location for the Choral Chambers Map
The machine for the Choral Chambers map is positioned east of the Grand Bellway (and its Bench), requiring 70 Rosaries.
Location for the Whiteward Map
You’ll find the Whiteward map machine inside a small chamber beneath the only Bench in this region, requiring 70 Rosaries.
Location for the Cogwork Core Map
You can access the Cogwork Core map in a concealed location above the temporary Bench—step on the floor button to reveal it at no cost.
Location for the High Halls Map
Inside the High Halls, the map machine is situated at the bottom left, costing 70 Rosaries to access.
Location for the Whispering Vaults Map
The Whispering Vaults map machine is located at the summit of the area, available for 70 Rosaries.
Location for the Memorium Map
The machine for the Memorium map is positioned at the bottom right side and costs 70 Rosaries.
Location for the Map of The Cradle
In the Cradle, the map machine can be found in a wall cavity on your ascent, requiring payment of 70 Rosaries.
Location for the Map of The Abyss
As you descend into The Abyss, locate the map situated just above the sole Bench in the region. Simply interact with the glowing device to acquire it.
How to Purchase a Map If You Missed Shakra
If you’ve ventured into a new area without purchasing a map from Shakra due to insufficient Rosaries, don’t fret! You still have the opportunity to acquire that map, though it may require some patience and luck.
Shakra has a chance to respawn in her designated camps marked by a single stick with a golden ring on top.
The first potential spawning point is on the right side of Bone Bottom, just before the entrance to The Marrow and above the Wish Well. Look up to spot the stick on an upper platform. This serves as her main camp during Act 1, meaning if you’re still in this act, this is where you need to check.
The second spawning point is found in an alcove in Bellhart. Ascend using the left-side platforms and cross to find her camp (illustrated above).This becomes her primary camp during Act 2; thus, if you’ve completed Act 1, check here.
To summon her, simply interact with the golden ring if you spot her camp. She will arrive with any items—including maps—that you haven’t purchased yet.
If she doesn’t appear at the camp, don’t lose hope. Exit the area and re-enter, or try resting on a Bench to encourage her spawn.
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