Silksong Pickled Muckmaggot Guide: Location, Map, Requirements, Rewards, and How to Get it

What to know

• Location: The Pickled Muckmaggot is found in Sinner’s Road, specifically in the lower far-right area.
• Requirements: You need the Faydown Cloak to access the area and must defeat a boss to obtain the item.
• Rewards: Contributes to completing the Great Taste of Pharloom quest, unlocking Pale Oil for weapon upgrades.
• How to Start: Begin the Great Taste of Pharloom quest by speaking to the bug chef in Choral Chambers.

In Hollow Knight: Silksong, the Pickled Muckmaggot is one of five rare ingredients you’ll need to gather for the Great Taste of Pharloom, a Gather Wish side quest that sends you across Pharloom’s treacherous landscapes. This quest, initiated by a bug chef in Choral Chambers, rewards you with Pale Oil, a valuable resource for upgrading Hornet’s Needle at Needlemaster Plinney in Bellhart. Below, you’ll find a detailed guide on how to locate the Pickled Muckmaggot, the requirements to reach it, and what you’ll gain by securing it.

Where to find the Pickled Muckmaggot

The Pickled Muckmaggot is located in Sinner’s Road, a perilous region in Pharloom. To pinpoint it, head to the lower far-right area of this zone. This area is tucked away, requiring precise navigation and the right abilities to access. Sinner’s Road is known for its challenging terrain and enemies, so come prepared with a good grasp of Hornet’s movement and combat skills. For a visual aid, refer to an interactive map of Pharloom, such as the one available on Map Genie, to track your progress through Sinner’s Road.

Requirements to obtain the Pickled Muckmaggot

To successfully retrieve the Pickled Muckmaggot, you’ll need to meet specific prerequisites:

• Faydown Cloak: This upgraded cloak allows Hornet to perform an additional mid-air jump, enabling access to elevated or hard-to-reach areas. You must unlock the Faydown Cloak before attempting to reach the Pickled Muckmaggot’s location, as it’s essential for navigating the lower far-right section of Sinner’s Road. To unlock the Faydown Cloak, progress through the main story until you acquire the double-jump ability, typically obtained in Mosshome or a related area.

• Defeat the Boss: A boss guards the Pickled Muckmaggot in Sinner’s Road. While the specific boss isn’t named in available sources, expect a challenging fight that tests your combat skills. Ensure Hornet’s Needle is upgraded, and practice her mobility techniques (like dashing and grappling) to dodge attacks and counter effectively.

Before heading to Sinner’s Road, stock up on Rosary Beads and Shell Shards, as these resources can help you purchase map items from Shakra, the cartographer, to better navigate Pharloom. You’ll encounter Shakra in The Marrow after defeating the first boss in Moss Grotto and ascending a tall shaft with crumbling ledges.

Step-by-step guide to getting the Pickled Muckmaggot

Here’s how you can secure the Pickled Muckmaggot:

1. Start the Great Taste of Pharloom Quest: Visit the bug chef in Choral Chambers to initiate the quest. The chef tasks you with collecting five delicacies, including the Pickled Muckmaggot, to complete a dish for his master.
2. Unlock the Faydown Cloak: Progress through the game to acquire the Faydown Cloak, which grants a double-jump ability. This is crucial for reaching the Pickled Muckmaggot’s location. Check guides for Mosshome or related areas to unlock this upgrade if you haven’t already.
3. Navigate to Sinner’s Road: Travel to Sinner’s Road, focusing on the lower far-right area. Use an interactive map or purchase The Marrow Map and Compass from Shakra to orient yourself. Listen for environmental cues like bug corpses or copper rings to confirm you’re on the right path.
4. Defeat the Boss: Engage the boss blocking the path to the Pickled Muckmaggot. Use Hornet’s Needle attacks, dashes, and double-jump to outmaneuver the boss. If you’re struggling, revisit earlier areas to collect Mask Shards or Spool Fragments for health and silk upgrades.
5. Claim the Pickled Muckmaggot: After defeating the boss, the Pickled Muckmaggot will be yours. Return to the bug chef in Choral Chambers to submit the ingredient.

Rewards for completing the quest

Collecting the Pickled Muckmaggot is a step toward completing the Great Taste of Pharloom quest. Once you gather all five ingredients—Mossberry Stew, Vintage Nectar, Courier’s Rasher, Crustnut, and Pickled Muckmaggot—you’ll receive Pale Oil. This reward can be taken to Needlemaster Plinney in Bellhart to upgrade Hornet’s Needle, boosting its damage and effectiveness in combat. This upgrade is a game-changer, making tougher enemies and bosses more manageable as you explore Pharloom.

Here’s a quick overview of the other ingredients for context:

Tips for success

• Use the Wishwall: Pin the Great Taste of Pharloom quest to your Wishwall in Bone Bottom or Bellhart to track progress and mark ingredient locations on your map.
• Prepare for Combat: Sinner’s Road and its boss are tough. Practice Hornet’s mobility skills and consider equipping charms like the Rosary Necklace for extra resources.
• Explore Thoroughly: Sinner’s Road may hide additional collectibles like Mask Shards or Lost Fleas. Keep an eye out to maximize your rewards.

Is the Pickled Muckmaggot worth the effort?

Grabbing the Pickled Muckmaggot is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. The Pale Oil you unlock by completing the Great Taste of Pharloom quest significantly enhances Hornet’s Needle, making it easier to tackle Pharloom’s brutal bosses and enemies. If you’re aiming to strengthen your build or complete all side quests, this ingredient is a must. Plus, navigating Sinner’s Road hones your platforming and combat skills, preparing you for the game’s later challenges. Whether you’re a completionist or just want a stronger Hornet, the Pickled Muckmaggot is a key step in your Silksong journey.