Navigating Pharloom: A Guide to Acquiring Maps in Hollow Knight: Silksong

Chart Your Course: Essential Cartography for the World of Pharloom!

Initiating Your Cartographic Quest: Locating the First Map in Pharloom

To begin mapping your journey in Silksong, your initial objective is to acquire a map from Shakra, a resourceful vendor situated within the depths of The Marrow. This crucial item isn't available from the outset, requiring you to progress a certain distance into the game. Your proximity to Shakra will become evident once you arrive at the quaint settlement of Bone Bottom. From this point, your quest to find the cartographer truly begins, paving the way for a more guided exploration.

The Journey to Shakra: A Detailed Path Through The Marrow

From Bone Bottom, head eastward until you encounter a prominent ledge. Ascend this platform and continue your upward progression, navigating through any adversaries you may encounter. Upon reaching a specific elevated platform, opt for the higher route. Proceed rightward and descend into a significant opening. Move towards the western wall and position yourself on the fragmented ground. After falling through the unstable floor, brace yourself for a confrontation with a group of hostile creatures. Once vanquished, descend further and proceed right, remembering to unlock the passage for Sherma on your left. Along this route, interact with an object requiring 30 rosaries, which will materialize into a resting bench. Continue advancing to the right until you reach a distinctive elevated area. From this vantage, skillfully maneuver your way upward and to the left across various platforms until you reach the next section. This area features crumbling platforms that collapse shortly after contact; ascend to the uppermost point and enter the gateway on your left. Proceed westward from there until a distinct singing becomes audible. Continue further left, and you'll observe scattered golden rings, signaling your proximity to Shakra, who will be located on an elevated platform. Keep an eye out for these golden rings in future areas, as they consistently mark Shakra's presence. Her singing serves as an unmistakable auditory cue that you are on the correct path and have reached your destination.

Acquiring Essential Mapping Tools from Shakra

Upon locating Shakra, it is highly recommended to acquire all available items from her shop, funds permitting. Prioritize purchasing the map fragments. The Mosslands Map costs 40 rosaries, while The Marrow Map is priced at 50. Obtaining either of these immediately activates your in-game map, accessible by holding the left bumper or pressing 'M' on your keyboard, and adds a 'map' tab to your journal. These initial maps provide a rudimentary outline of the respective regions. To enhance their utility, the Quill, costing an additional 50 rosaries, is indispensable. This permanent upgrade allows your map to automatically detail areas you've explored once you interact with a bench. This feature is crucial not only for understanding traversed territory but also for identifying unexplored paths.

Optimizing Your Navigation: The Compass and Bench Markers

Further enhance your exploratory capabilities by investing in the Compass and Bench Markers, priced at 70 and 60 rosaries respectively. Although the Compass occupies a valuable crest slot, its ability to pinpoint your exact location on the map invaluable. Rather than manually discerning your position, let the Compass guide you. The Bench Markers alleviate the mental burden of recalling every resting spot, allowing you to dedicate your cognitive resources to other objectives, such as planning your next route. In total, a comprehensive and functional early-game mapping setup will require 280 rosaries. Should you need to replenish your funds, consult our guide on efficient rosary acquisition in Silksong, including optimal early-game farming location