One of the most transformative abilities Hornet can acquire on her journey through Pharloom is the Swift Step, also known as the dash. This fundamental movement skill is a game-changer, allowing for rapid evasion in combat, effortless navigation across dangerous terrain, and access to previously unreachable secrets. While the world of
Hollow Knight: Silksong is vast and full of peril, prioritizing the acquisition of this skill is a wise decision for any player looking to enhance their traversal and survival capabilities.The Swift Step is not a late-game reward; it is a crucial tool you can obtain relatively early in the adventure. Locating it is a key objective that will significantly smooth your progress through the treacherous environments you will encounter. This guide will provide a comprehensive and detailed walkthrough to help you find and unlock the Swift Step ability for your playthrough, optimizing your efficiency and ensuring you are well-equipped for the challenges that lie ahead.
Guide to Unlocking Swift Step in Silksong
The Path to Swift Step: Navigating the Deep Docks
The Swift Step ability is found deep within the
Deep Docks, a challenging early-game area filled with environmental hazards and formidable enemies. To reach the ability, you must follow a specific route that involves a bit of platforming, a crucial merchant visit, and a well-timed explosive puzzle.
1. Journey to the Deep Docks
Your quest for the Swift Step begins by entering the Deep Docks region. This is one of the second major areas you will encounter after progressing through the initial parts of the game. Once you arrive, you will find an elevator. Taking a moment to explore the area is highly recommended, as it will reveal a nearby Rest Bench and a key merchant.
2. A Crucial Stop for the Cartographer
As you venture past the main entrance, you will eventually encounter a singing figure. This is Shakra, the map merchant. It is highly advisable to purchase the map of the Deep Docks from her. While not strictly required for this specific puzzle, having a map will make navigating this sprawling and confusing area significantly easier, allowing you to better track your progress and locate other secrets. The map is a small investment that pays off immensely, helping you avoid getting lost and saving valuable time.
3. The Ascent of the Skeletons
From Shakra’s location, you will need to head toward a rest bench. Fromthere, your path will take you into a new segment of the zone. Thissection is populated with numerous jumping skeleton enemies. You canchoose to either engage these foes in combat to farm Rosaries or deftlybypass them with precise movements. Your objective is to navigate pastthem and reach a specific platform.
4. The Lava Platforms and the Explosive Puzzle
Your journey continues across platforms surrounded by a sea of lava. Thoughthe environment may seem hostile, Hornet can safely walk on the lava for a short period without taking damage, which is a key part of thispuzzle. You must use a combination of jumping and walking on the lava to traverse this hazardous area and reach a series of platforms thatascend.
As you climb, you will reach a high point where a distinctive orange ball hangs from the ceiling. This is the core of a simple but clever environmental puzzle. You musthit this ball with your needle. Upon contact, the ball will begin toglow and, after a short delay, explode. You need to quickly hit it andmove to a safe distance to avoid the blast. The explosion will shatterthe rock formation above, revealing a brand-new, hidden section of thegame.
5. The Swift Step Idol
With the new passage revealed, you can now enter the hidden area. Onceinside, proceed to the left. After a short walk, you will find the Swift Step Idol, a glowing shrine that grants the ability. Interacting withthis idol will infuse Hornet with the power of the Swift Step. Uponacquiring it, the path to the left will open up, revealing a shortcutback to a previously explored area, creating a convenient loop forfuture traversal.
Utilizing Your Newfound Mobility
With the Swift Step unlocked, Hornet’s movement capabilities arefundamentally changed. The ability is assigned to the R2/RT button on acontroller or the 'C' key on a keyboard by default. A quick press ofthis button will cause Hornet to perform a rapid dash in the directionshe is facing, both on the ground and in the air.
This dash is not merely a tool for getting around; it is an invaluable partof your combat toolkit. Practicing with low-level enemies to master thetiming of the dash is highly recommended. You can use it to quicklydodge incoming attacks, reposition yourself for a counter-attack, orclose the distance on a fleeing foe. The versatility of the Swift Stepmeans it will remain a core part of your arsenal throughout the entiregame, opening up new strategies for both boss battles and exploration.
By following this guide, you will be able to unlock the Swift Step, gainaccess to previously inaccessible areas, and dramatically improve yourability to survive the myriad of threats that await you in Hollow Knight: 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
Developer(s): Team Cherry
Publisher(s): Team Cherry
Release date: 4 September 2025
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