Traversing Pharloom is the greater part of your adventure in Hollow Knight: Silksong. With the world completely obscured and dozens of locations that are either hidden or out of the reach of your initial abilities, you will have your work cut out for you.
This guide for Hollow Knight: Silksong is all about unlocking the Map as an item, and the most crucial of Hornet’s Ancestral Arts related to traversal.
Map, Quill, And Compass
Map of Pharloom and quill for recording one’s travels. When resting at a bench or elsewhere, the map will be updated with newly discovered areas.
The Map can be acquired from the NPC Shakra, who is initially located at the junction of Grotto’s Bone Bottom and The Marrow. This requires the defeat of the Bell Beast first, but if Shakra is still missing, just ring for the NPC to appear.
You will initially purchase the Map specifically for Grotto, and additional maps for subsequent regions each time you stumble upon Shakra within those locations.
You will also need the Quill, which is sold separately, in order to perform map updates automatically when resting.
Finally, you will need the Compass to accurately determine Hornet’s own position on the map.
Sprint or Swift Step
Sprint at blinding speed, beyond one’s natural limits.
Chase down prey and leap great distances.
Hornet’s first Ancestral Art will be required in order to more easily unlock further abilities. The Swift Step Ancestral Art is located at the top middle of the Deep Docks. This ability allows for Hornet to sprint or dash, both on the ground or while airborne, as well as extending her jump distance.
Glide or Drifter’s Cloak
Flare the cloak to ride strong winds or glide gracefully.
Speak with the Seamstress at her blimp in Far Fields to initiate her quest “Flexile Spines”. Return to her with the required loot to collect the Drifter’s Cloak Ancestral Art.
Wall Jump or Cling Grip
Cling to sheer surfaces and leap to rapidly scale heights.
The Cling Grip Ancestral Art is located at the pinnacle of Shellwood. Once there, defeat Sister Splinter, then proceed all the way left till you can circle clockwise back right again, in order to reach the top of the platform in the center of the main chamber.
Grappling Hook or Clawline
Fling the needle as a harpoon and launch forcefully towards it. Silk will be expended. Strike enemies to replenish Silk.
The Clawline Ancestral Art is located in the heart of The Cauldron at the Underworks. After unlocking access to the zone via Whiteward, proceed left and continue counter-clockwise through The Cauldron.
Double Jump or Faydown Cloak
Fabled feather down, layered within the cloak. Leap again while airborne. Soar above foes. Reach new heights. Strike from above.
The Faydown Cloak is required in order to perform double jumps, a critical ability if you hope to reach the location of certain items and secrets. Every other traversal related Ancestral Art is required for the platforming sequence that leads to the Faydown Cloak Ancestral Art which is located at the very top of Mount Fay’s right side.
That is how to unlock the Map, and the various traversal Ancestral Arts in Hollow Knight: Silksong.
