How To Crawl in Hollow Knight Silksong

By Daniel Hidalgo | 2025-09-12 08:35:07
A common question for players eagerly anticipating Hollow Knight: Silksong is about movement and traversal: specifically, how to crawl through the game's many tight tunnels and hidden passages. Unlike many Metroidvania games that feature a dedicated crouch or crawl command, Silksong handles this mechanic in a uniquely fluid way tailored to its protagonist, Hornet.
This guide will break down everything we know about traversal and the automatic crawl mechanic in Hollow Knight: Silksong, explaining how you can use it to discover every secret the kingdom of Pharloom has to offer.

Does Hornet Have a Crawl Ability?


The short answer is no, there is no dedicated crawl button or command in Hollow Knight: Silksong. Team Cherry, the developer, has designed Hornet as an inherently agile and acrobatic warrior. Her movement set is built around speed, precision, and grace.
Instead of learning a separate ability, crawling is an automatic, contextual action. When Hornet approaches a low passageway or a narrow gap, she will seamlessly transition into a crawling animation, sliding through the tunnel quickly and without any input required from the player. This reflects her role as a nimble and experienced explorer, for whom such obstacles are a minor inconvenience.

Hornet’s Movement: How It Differs From The Knight


It's helpful to understand how Hornet's traversal differs from her predecessor, The Knight, from the original Hollow Knight.
  • The Knight's Approach: In the first game, The Knight would slowly shuffle through tight spaces after acquiring certain upgrades. Movement in these sections was deliberately slower.
  • Hornet's Agility: Hornet, being taller and more agile, handles these situations with characteristic speed. Her auto-crawl is significantly faster and more fluid, maintaining the game's pacing. This isn't a slow, cautious crawl but a swift, determined slide.


This design philosophy extends to other abilities. For example, while The Knight needed the Mantis Claw to wall jump, footage and previews suggest Hornet can naturally grab onto and leap off ledges from the very beginning of her adventure. She may acquire tools toenhance this ability, but the base functionality is part of her corekit.

Why Team Cherry Chose an Auto-Crawl Mechanic


This design choice is intentional and aligns with Team Cherry's renowned focus on elegant game feel.

  • Prioritizing Flow: By making crawling automatic, the developers remove a potentialinterruption to the game's flow. Players won’t need to fumble for abutton when they see a gap; they can simply continue moving forward, and Hornet will adapt.
  • Character Identity: Every movement option defines a character. Hornet is portrayed as amaster of her environment. An automatic crawl reinforces her expertiseand agility, making her feel powerful and in control without unnecessary complexity.
  • Simplified Controls: Keeping the control scheme streamlined allows players to focus onHornet's vast array of other abilities, like her use of Silk and tools,without overcomplicating the button layout.
  • How to Traverse Tight Spaces in Silksong


    The process is beautifully simple, embodying the game's "easy to learn, hard to master" philosophy.


    When you discover a narrow opening or a low tunnel, simply guide Hornet into it. There is no need to press a special key or button. The game willautomatically recognize the environment and trigger the crawlinganimation. You maintain control of her direction, but the movement style is handled for you, allowing you to exit swiftly on the other side andcontinue your journey without breaking stride.


    This mechanic ensures that exploration remains intuitive and rewarding,encouraging players to seek out every crevice in the vast, mysteriousworld of Pharloom.

    Tags: Silksong
    Platform(s): Microsoft Windows PC, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4 PS4, PlayStation 5 PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
    Genre(s): Metroidvania
    Developer(s): Team Cherry
    Publisher(s): Team Cherry
    Engine: Unity
    Release date: 4 September 2025
    Mode: Single-player
    Age rating (PEGI): 7+
    Video preview



    Other Articles Related

    Where To Find Giant Drapemite in Hollow Knight Silksong
    Searching for the elusive Giant Drapemite in Hollow Knight: Silksong? Discoverits exact location and learn the best strategies to defeat thisdangerous foe.
    How to unlock Needolin in Hollow Knight Silksong
    Unlock Needolin in Hollow Knight Silksong! Discover the secret location andsteps to find this mysterious NPC, including any required items orquests.
    How to beat Lost Lace in Hollow Knight Silksong
    Hollow Knight: Silksong - How to beat Lost Lace. A complete bossguide covering attack patterns, telegraphed moves, optimal Silkbindabilities, and charm builds to overcome this challenging opponent.
    How to defeat First Sinner in Hollow Knight Silksong
    Struggling with the First Sinner? Learn the essential strategies,attack patterns, and the best tools to defeat this early Silksong bossand claim your victory.
    How to repair the Ruined Tool in Hollow Knight Silksong
    Discover how to repair the Ruined Tool in Silksong with our guide. Unlock secrets and enhance your gameplay today!
    How To Beat Crawfather in Hollow Knight Silksong
    Unlock victory over the Crawfather in Silksong! Explore our guide for strategies and tips to ensure your success againstthis tough opponent.
    How To Beat The Unravelled in Hollow Knight Silksong
    Struggling with the Unravelled in Silksong? Our expert guide offersessential strategies and insights to help you defeat this formidable foe with ease.
    How To Beat Crust King Khann in Hollow Knight Silksong
    Master the challenge of Crust King Khann in Silksong with our guide. Discover strategies, tips, and techniques to secure your victory.
    How To Get Farsight in Hollow Knight Silksong
    Discover how to find and unlock the Farsight ability in HollowKnight: Silksong. Learn its location, uses for long-range exploration,and strategic combat advantages.
    How To Beat Pinstress in Hollow Knight Silksong
    Master the fight againstPinstress in Hollow Knight Silksong. Learn her attack patterns, the best strategies to dodge her needle volleys, and how to counter-attack for a decisive victory.
    How To Unlock All Titles in Metal Gear Solid Delta Snake Eater
    Unlock all titles in MGS Delta Snake Eater! tips, strategies, and secrets to enhance your gameplay and achieve 100% completion.
    How To Bring A Sim Back To Life in The Sims 4
    Revive your Sims in The Sims 4! Discover tips and tricks to bring a Sim back to life and enhance your gameplay 
    How to Defeat Cogwork Dancers in Hollow Knight Silksong
    Master the art of defeating Cogwork Dancers in Silksong with our expert tips and strategies. Conquer challenges
    How To Decorate Bellhome in Hollow Knight Silksong
    Discover how to decorate Bellhome in Hollow Knight Silksong.Uncover secrets to finding rare treasures, customizing your haven, andmaking this tranquil bell-ringing town truly your own.
    How To Get the M37 Shotgun in Metal Gear Solid Delta Snake Eater
    Unlock the power of the M37 Shotgun in MGS Delta Snake Eater. Discover tips and strategies to enhance your gameplay