Exploring the world of Silksong is equal parts thrilling and mysterious. Every biome feels alive, every corridor hides secrets, and every shortcut rewards players for paying attention. One of the most elusive zones players keep hearing about is the Wormways — a hidden area tucked away from the main progression route.
In this in-depth walkthrough, we’ll break down how to reach the Wormways in Silksong, what tools and items you need, the exact steps to unlock it, and everything you can expect once inside. Whether you’re after upgrades, maps, or lore, this guide will help you uncover every corner of this secret zone.
Understanding Silksong’s Progression
Before diving into Wormways itself, it’s helpful to understand how Silksong’s map progression flows. Unlike its predecessor, Hollow Knight, which had a sprawling open-world feel, Silksong is structured around a semi-linear sequence of zones. Here’s the general order of areas most players will traverse:
- Moss Grotto → The starting point, teeming with greenery and low-level enemies.
- The Marrow → A dense, skeletal zone filled with bone-like structures.
- Deep Docks → A mechanical, waterlogged hub with factories and gears.
- Far Fields → Vast open spaces that test movement abilities.
- Greymoor → A gloomy, cavernous biome filled with hazards.
- Bellhart → Towering cliffs with bells that double as puzzles.
- Shellwood → A forest-like region with carapace-covered enemies.
- Blasted Steps → A harsh volcanic area near the late game.
The Wormways is not directly tied into this progression. Instead, it’s tucked away beneath the main path, specifically to the west of Mosshome. Unlocking it requires preparation, including acquiring specific items and abilities.
The Key to Entering Wormways
Acquiring the Simple Key
The most important item you’ll need is the Simple Key.
- You can purchase the Simple Key in Bone Bottom, an underground hub area, from the NPC Pebb.
- Cost: 500 Rosaries (currency).
- Unlike some items that require quest progression, the Simple Key is always available once you’ve gathered enough Rosaries.
Why the Swift Step Dash Matters
Simply having the key isn’t enough — you’ll also need the Swift Step ability.
- Location: Deep Docks
- Function: Grants Hornet the ability to perform a rapid dash, opening up traversal possibilities.
- Requirement: Necessary to reach the door above Bone Bottom where Wormways is locked away.
Once you’ve secured both the Simple Key and Swift Step, you’re ready to unlock Wormways.
Step-by-Step Guide: Reaching the Wormways
Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll access Wormways without wasting resources:
- Farm Rosaries Early
- Defeat enemies in Moss Grotto and The Marrow until you have 500 Rosaries.
- Don’t forget to bank extras, as Wormways has multiple vendors worth visiting.
- Buy the Simple Key in Bone Bottom
- Locate Pebb’s shop and purchase the Simple Key.
- Pro tip: Avoid spending it elsewhere, as Wormways is the most reliable use.
- Progress into Deep Docks
- Continue through the main storyline until you acquire Swift Step dash.
- This movement upgrade is essential to reach higher platforms and locked passages.
- Return to Bone Bottom
- Backtrack to Bone Bottom with your new dash.
- Look for the locked door directly above Bone Bottom.
- Use the Simple Key
- Insert the Simple Key into the lock.
- This action will open the path into Wormways.
Alternate Key Usage
While Wormways is the most straightforward route, some players report an alternative locked door in Deep Docks.
- This door appears after defeating a mini-boss encounter involving forge-themed enemies and a ringing bell.
- The exact destination remains unverified, but early playtests suggest it might connect to another hidden sub-zone.
- If you only have one key, prioritize Bone Bottom → Wormways.
Future updates or DLC expansions may make alternate doors more relevant.
What to Expect Inside the Wormways
Wormways is far more than just a hidden corridor. It’s a fully fleshed-out zone packed with puzzles, lore, and exclusive items. Here’s what you’ll encounter:
Key NPCs
- Alchemist Zylotol – Found in the upper-left of Wormways. Offers rare upgrades and questlines involving reagents.
- Shakra – A cartographer who sells the Wormways Map, essential for navigating its twisting passages.
Tools and Relics
- Dead Bug’s Purse – A charm-like relic that lets you retain Rosaries upon death. A lifesaver for currency-heavy runs.
- Plasmium Phial – A quest-related item that, when used correctly, increases your maximum health.
Unique Skills
- Sharpdart (Weaver Technique) – A combat skill that allows Hornet’s attacks to pierce through multiple enemies.
- Unlocking: Find a Needolin-gated statue deep in Wormways, then head left to claim the upgrade.
Collectibles & Hidden Items
- Memory Locket – A lore-rich trinket tied to lost civilizations.
- Mask Shard – Requires Swift Step to access; collecting four increases max health.
- Beast Shard – A rare material used for crafting higher-tier upgrades.
- Frayed Rosary String – Boosts attack power but increases vulnerability, suited for advanced players.
Secret Encounters
- A Lost Flea NPC hides behind a breakable wall.
- Location: Above a shortcut lever on the right-hand side.
- Reward: A unique charm fragment tied to movement abilities.
Lore and Thematic Elements
The Wormways isn’t just about loot — it’s rich with world-building:
- The architecture suggests it once functioned as a tunnel system for massive worms, possibly ancestors of Hallownest’s wyrms.
- NPC dialogue hints at forgotten rituals, with ties to both Bone Bottom and Deep Docks.
- Environmental storytelling includes cracked carapaces, worm husks, and faint chanting echoes in deeper chambers.
For lore hunters, Wormways is a goldmine.
Tips for Exploring Wormways
- Stock up before entry – Buy extra Rosaries and healing items.
- Mark shortcuts – Wormways has looping paths; use the map to avoid getting lost.
- Experiment with Sharpdart – It makes multi-enemy fights drastically easier.
- Break walls often – Hidden passages are everywhere.
- Engage with NPCs fully – Zylotol and Shakra offer repeat dialogue that changes as you progress.
Why Wormways Is Worth Unlocking
Many hidden zones in Silksong reward exploration, but Wormways stands out because it:
- Provides exclusive combat upgrades like Sharpdart.
- Contains currency-saving relics (Dead Bug’s Purse).
- Expands the game’s lore significantly.
- Offers a challenging but rewarding environment for completionists.
Skipping it means missing out on both mechanical and narrative depth.
FAQs About Wormways in Silksong
1. Do I need the Simple Key to enter Wormways?
Yes. The Bone Bottom door requires a Simple Key purchased from Pebb.
2. Can I use the Simple Key elsewhere?
Yes, but Wormways is the most consistent and valuable use.
3. Is Swift Step required?
Absolutely. Without Swift Step, you cannot reach the locked door.
4. Is Wormways mandatory for main story progression?
No, it’s optional. However, the upgrades and lore make it highly recommended.
5. What’s the biggest reward inside Wormways?
Most players agree it’s a tie between the Sharpdart ability and the Dead Bug’s Purse.
Final Thoughts
Reaching the Wormways in Hollow Knight: Silksong is one of the game’s most rewarding detours. It requires patience — farming Rosaries, securing the Simple Key, unlocking Swift Step, and backtracking to Bone Bottom. But once you’re inside, you’ll find a treasure trove of NPCs, upgrades, collectibles, and lore.
In essence, Wormways serves as both a challenge zone and a reward hub, perfectly capturing what makes Silksong special: exploration, risk, and discovery.
If you’re on a quest for 100% completion, Wormways isn’t optional — it’s essential.
Read Also: