How to Open the Grand Gate in Hollow Knight Silksong

How to Find All Old Bells and Open the Grand Gate in Silksong

What Are the Old Bells?

The Old Bells are ancient mechanisms scattered across Pharloom that Hornet must ring to unlock the Grand Gate leading to the Citadel. This gate marks the end of Act One, and ringing all five bells is required to trigger the final boss fight of the chapter. While some bells are on the main path, others are tucked away in optional or easily missed areas. If you reach the Grand Gate before ringing all five, a bug NPC will inform you that the bells must be activated to proceed.

Old Bell Location 1 – The Marrow

This is likely the first bell you rang, as it’s directly tied to early progression.

• After defeating the Bell Beast, continue east toward the bench room
• In the next chamber, strike the lever to activate the bell
• If you missed the lever, return to the Bell Beast’s arena and head right

This bell is part of the main path and introduces the bell mechanic.

Old Bell Location 2 – Deep Docks

The second bell is found in the Deep Docks, shortly after your encounter with Lace.

• After defeating Lace, exit the arena to the right
• The bell is located just before the entrance to Far Fields
• Strike the bell mechanism to activate it

This bell is hard to miss if you’re following the standard route through Deep Docks.

Old Bell Location 3 – Greymoor

Greymoor’s bell is often skipped due to its hidden setup and platforming challenge.

• Head to the right side of Greymoor, where bird enemies patrol the rooftops
• Enter the house in this section and climb to the top floor
• Defeat the ambush of enemies
• Strike the lever to release balloons outside
• Use pogo jumps on the balloons to reach the bell platform

This bell requires a mix of combat and traversal, and is one of the more creative bell puzzles.

Old Bell Location 4 – Bellhart

Bellhart’s bell is tied to the boss fight with Widow.

• After defeating Widow, the bell appears in the same room
• If you need to return, use the elevator on the right side of Bellhart village
• Strike the bell to activate it

This bell is part of a major story beat and is usually activated during normal progression.

Old Bell Location 5 – Shellwood

Shellwood’s bell is the most commonly missed, especially if you took a wrong turn on your way to the Blasted Steps.

• From the left side of the map, enter the vertical hallway
• Climb to the top
• Head right to find the bell chamber
• Strike the bell to complete the fifth activation

This bell is tucked away in a quiet corner and requires intentional backtracking if missed.

Opening the Grand Gate

Once all five bells are rung, return to the Grand Gate located at the top-right corner of the Blasted Steps.

• Speak to the bugs gathered at the gate
• They’ll prompt you to play your Needolin music
• After performing, the gate will begin to open—but you’ll be interrupted

Boss Fight: The Last Judge

The gate’s activation triggers a surprise encounter with The Last Judge, a powerful boss who tests your mastery of movement, timing, and combat.

Fight Overview:

• Uses sweeping gavel strikes and judgment beams
• Summons spectral enemies during phase transitions
• Requires precise dodging and aggressive counterattacks

Prepare by:

• Resting at the nearby bench
• Equipping mobility and healing tools
• Stocking up on Shell Shards for quick refills

Defeating The Last Judge unlocks the gate fully and grants access to the Citadel, marking the end of Act One and the beginning of a new chapter in Hornet’s journey.

Final Tips

• Use map markers to track bell locations
• Revisit benches near each biome to reduce travel time
• Don’t forget to strike the levers—bells won’t activate otherwise
• After the boss fight, explore the Citadel thoroughly for lore and upgrades

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