Silksong Walkthrough: How to Reach and Navigate the Wormways, a Comprehensive Guide

After years of eager anticipation, Hollow Knight: Silksong has finally launched, dropping players into the massive and mysterious kingdom of Pharloom. While the game’s core gameplay and art style remain true to its predecessor, its world design is more intricate and confusing than ever. For many players, finding the path to the next major area can be a daunting challenge. This guide will walk you through the essential steps and prerequisites to reach the Wormways, a crucial early-game area, and what to do once you get there.

Prerequisites: Essential Skills and Items

Before you can even think about entering the Wormways, you must have progressed far enough in the game to have unlocked a few key abilities and items. This area is not accessible from the start, and attempting to find it without the necessary tools will lead to frustration.

• The Simple Key: This is a mandatory item for unlocking the door to the Wormways. The first Simple Key you’ll encounter is sold by the trader Pebb in the village of Bone Bottom for 500 Rosaries. If you are short on funds, a great early-game farming spot is in the Mosshome area, near the bench where you first find the map-maker Shakra.
• Swift Step: This dash ability is crucial for navigating the Wormways and for reaching its entrance. You obtain this ability in Deep Docks after a significant boss fight.
• Silkspear Skill: While not strictly required for entry, having this skill, which is unlocked in Mosshome, makes fighting the enemies on the way to the Wormways significantly easier.

Without the Simple Key and the Swift Step, you will not be able to progress into the Wormways. Make sure you have these prerequisites covered before embarking on your journey.

Finding the Wormways Entrance from Bone Bottom

Once you have the necessary items and skills, the path to the Wormways becomes straightforward. There are a couple of routes you can take, but the most common and direct path is from Bone Bottom.

• From the Bone Bottom Elevator: The fastest way is to take the elevator up from Bone Bottom. Once at the top, jump off to the right and ascend the platforms. Keep climbing up until you are off-screen and into the next area. You will reach a signpost; jump to the left-hand upper ledge and then use your Swift Step to dash over to the cages. From the cages, you can jump directly left into the Wormways entrance.
• From The Marrow: If you haven’t unlocked the Bone Bottom elevator, you will need to go through The Marrow. From a bench in this area, head left across the platforms. Use your Swift Step to cross a gap and proceed through the exit on the right. This will lead you to the signpost area where you can then follow the steps above to reach the Wormways entrance.

The entrance is a locked door that you must open with the Simple Key you purchased earlier.

Navigating the Wormways and What to Do Inside

The Wormways is a treacherous area filled with—as the name suggests—worms and other burrowing creatures. The environment is claustrophobic and can be difficult to navigate, but with a few tips, you can make your way through.

• Watch for Worms: The giant worms that fall from the ceiling are a major obstacle. While they cannot be killed, you can attack them to replenish your Silk, which is essential for healing. Time your movements to pass between their descents.
• Gromlings: These small, unburrowing enemies are not worth your time to fight. Simply jump over them and continue moving to conserve your health and momentum.
• Explore Carefully: The Wormways is a multi-layered area. Make sure to explore vertical shafts and side passages. One vertical shaft, in particular, has a secret passage you can attack on the right-hand wall to reveal a hidden room with a Flea to rescue.

Once inside, your main objective is to progress towards the next major region. The path will lead you through a series of challenging platforming sections and enemy encounters. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for hidden items and collectibles, such as Rosary caches and Fleas to rescue, which are crucial for completing quests and upgrading your abilities.

Getting the Wormways Map

As with all major regions in Silksong, you can purchase a map for the Wormways from the cartographer, Shakra. If you follow the main path, you will encounter her later in the area, and she will sell you the map for 70 Rosaries. The map is an invaluable tool for understanding the labyrinthine layout and finding all the secrets this area has to offer.

With the Wormways now in your grasp, you are one step closer to uncovering the secrets of Pharloom. This area marks a significant step in Hornet’s journey, and conquering it will prepare you for the even greater challenges that lie ahead.