Navigating Hollow Knight: Silksong effectively requires securing a map early in your adventure. Unlike some games, you don’t start with one. You’ll need to progress a short distance into the game before you can even acquire it. Furthermore, reaching the map vendor itself poses a navigational challenge.
This guide details how to obtain the initial map in Hollow Knight: Silksong.
Where to get the first map in Silksong
Your destination is Shakra, a merchant residing in the area known as The Marrow. However, you must advance through a portion of the game first. You’ll know you’re nearing Shakra when you arrive at the small settlement called Bone Bottom.
From Bone Bottom, proceed to the right until you encounter the following landmark:
Ascend to the higher ledge and continue upwards. You will encounter adversaries along the way; defeat them for additional shell shards, or evade them. Once you reach the platform illustrated below, choose the upper path:
Proceed to the right and descend into the subsequent large opening. Navigate towards the left wall and position yourself on the loose debris, as shown in the image below:
After dropping through the weakened floor, you will have to overcome a swarm of enemies. Following the encounter, drop down and continue heading to the right, while remembering to open the door for Sherma to your left! Further along the path, you will find an object requiring 30 rosaries, transforming into a resting bench. Continue onward until you reach this distinct location:
From this point, employ skillful platforming to ascend upwards and towards the left, arriving at the subsequent area. Here, you’ll encounter destructible platforms that crumble shortly after being touched. Continue to the summit and enter the doorway situated on your left. Proceed leftward until you hear distinct, loud singing. Continue left to find golden rings scattered across the landscape and spot Shakra elevated on an upper platform. In future areas, these rings serve as a signal indicating your proximity to Shakra. Upon hearing her singing, you can be confident that you are headed in the right direction.
How to get the first map in Silksong
Upon finding Shakra, it’s advantageous to purchase as much as possible from her shop, budget allowing. Prioritize buying maps first. The Mosslands Map sells for 40 rosaries, and The Marrow Map requires 50. The Mosslands Map reveals Moss Grotto and Bone Bottom, and The Marrow Map reveals the area you’re presently in. Obtaining either unlocks the map function, accessible by pressing the left bumper on your controller or the “M” key on your keyboard. A “map” tab is also added to your journal after acquiring a map.
These initial map fragments provide basic outlines. To enhance their usefulness, purchase the Quill for an additional 50 rosaries. This permanent upgrade automatically fills in areas you’ve already explored after you rest on a bench:
This upgrade offers crucial information about locations already visited and points of interest still to be found.
The Compass and Bench Markers, priced at 70 and 60 rosaries respectively, are also highly recommended. The compass, although using up a crest slot, accurately pinpoints your current location on the map, saving valuable time. Bench Markers alleviate the mental strain of memorizing the locations of all benches, freeing up your focus for exploration.
Acquiring a functional map early on will cost a total of 280 rosaries. Need to replenish your supplies? Check out our guide on how to farm rosaries in Silksong, highlighting an effective early-game farming location.