Hollow Knight: Silksong’s kingdom of Pharloom is vast, vertical, and intimidating—almost double the size of Hallownest with nearly 29 regions to explore. Add in maze-like passages, hidden secrets, and over 40 bosses, and it’s easy to get lost without proper guidance.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the map system in Silksong—from unlocking your first sketch with Shakra, to buying the right tools, farming Rosary Beads, and even leveraging interactive maps for 100% completion.
Whether you’re a returning Knight veteran or a new explorer, here’s how to navigate Pharloom like a seasoned cartographer.
🗺️ 1. The Scale of Pharloom: Why You Need a Map
Pharloom isn’t just bigger—it’s designed to challenge navigation at every step.
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Bigger than Hallownest: Hallownest had ~15 areas. Pharloom doubles that with ~29 regions.
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Vertical Ascension: Layers of stacked platforms and massive shafts force you to think vertically.
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Packed with Content: 40+ bosses, 200+ enemies, secrets, quests, and collectibles.
👉 In short: a map isn’t optional in Silksong—it’s survival.
📍 2. Finding Shakra: Your Cartographer Guide
Unlike Hollow Knight, Silksong doesn’t hand you a map at the start. Instead, you’ll need to track down Shakra, a warrior monk and traveling cartographer.
How to Find Shakra for the First Time
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Defeat Moss Mother in Moss Grotto.
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Pass through Bone Bottom.
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Enter The Marrow via the right passage.
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Listen for Shakra’s singing and follow copper rings + bug corpses as visual markers.
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Meet her and purchase your first map.
💡 Pro Tip: Shakra moves as you progress. If you miss her in The Marrow, check Bone Bottom later.
💰 3. Essential Map Tools (And What to Buy First)
Shakra sells tools using Rosary Beads (the main currency). Here’s the breakdown:
| Item | Cost (Rosaries) | Function | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regional Map | 40–50 | Reveals layout of area | ⭐ Must-buy immediately |
| Quill | 50 | Auto-fills maps at Benches | ⭐⭐ Very High |
| Compass | 70 | Shows your location (uses Tool slot) | ⭐ High |
| Bench Pins | 60 | Marks all Benches | Medium |
| Shell Marker | 40 | 9 custom markers | Low |
👉 Priority Order: Map → Quill → Compass → Bench Pins → Shell Marker.
⚔️ 4. Farming Rosary Beads Efficiently
Need money fast? Here’s the best early-game farming loop:
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Location: Left of Shakra’s first spot in The Marrow.
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Enemies: Pilgrim bugs drop 10–20 Rosaries each.
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Method: Clear the room → Rest at the Bench → Repeat.
💡 Pro Tip: Convert loose Rosaries into Rosary Strings at vendors to avoid losing them on death.
🧭 5. Advanced Navigation Tricks
Unlocking tools is step one—using them right is step two.
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Map Access: Hold LB/L1 to check mid-run, or view detailed maps at Benches.
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Quill: Rest often to keep your map updated.
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Compass: Worth the Tool slot in tricky regions like Hunter’s March.
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Markers: Use Shell Markers to tag secrets, bosses, or puzzles.
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Bench Pins: Plan safe routes between Benches + fast travel (Bellways).
🌐 6. Interactive Maps for 100% Completion
If you’re a completionist, community maps are lifesavers:
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IGN’s Interactive Map: Zoomable, filterable, and includes checklists.
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Fextralife Map: Updated regularly with quests, collectibles, and NPC spawns.
👉 Use these as a second-screen tool after your first playthrough—don’t spoil the joy of discovery!
💎 Conclusion: From Lost Wanderer to Master Cartographer
By finding Shakra, investing in her tools, farming Rosaries smartly, and planning routes with Benches, you’ll transform Pharloom from a confusing labyrinth into a kingdom you can confidently conquer.
Remember:
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Always buy maps and the Quill first.
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Farm efficiently and protect your Rosaries.
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Use Benches strategically to keep your maps updated.
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Explore first, then use interactive maps to sweep up secrets.
With these tips, you’ll navigate Pharloom like a pro and uncover every corner of Silksong’s world.
❓ Silksong Map FAQ
Q: Do you start with a map in Silksong?
No, unlike Hollow Knight, you must find Shakra in each region to buy maps.
Q: Is the Compass worth a Tool slot?
Yes, especially in vertical regions—it prevents hours of aimless wandering.
Q: What happens if I lose Rosary Beads when I die?
Loose Rosaries drop on death, but converting them into Rosary Strings protects your currency.
Q: Are interactive maps considered spoilers?
They can be. We recommend saving them for second playthroughs or completion runs.
👉 Next Read: How to Unlock Fast Travel in Silksong (Bell Beast System Explained)
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