Hollow Knight: Silksong, the highly anticipated sequel, is filled with secrets to uncover and paths to unlock. One of the first crucial items you'll need is the Simple Key. This single key opens multiple locked doors across Pharloom, granting access to entirely new regions and powerful items.

If you've been wondering how to get this key and where its secrets lie, look no further! This guide will walk you through purchasing the key and detail every known location where it can be used.

What is the Simple Key For?

The Simple Key is a vital progression item in Hollow Knight: Silksong. Unlike a one-use key, this single item can open several specific doors with a "Simple Keyhole." So far, it is known to unlock two major pathways:

  1. A route to the mysterious Wormways area.
  2. A locked room in the Deep Docks containing valuable items.

Find guides below to obtain not one but two Simple Keys we have found so far in the game.

How many Simple Keys are Available in Silksong?

So far, we have got two Simple Keys. Find the details for both of them below.

How to Get the Simple Key #1

Acquiring the Simple Key is straightforward, provided you have the currency. It isn't found in the wild but must be purchased.

  • Location: Head to the main town area in Bone Bottom.
  • Vendor: Speak to the NPC vendor, Pebb.
  • Cost: You'll need 500 Rosaries to purchase the key.

Pro-Tip: If you're short on Rosaries, spend some time exploring and defeating enemies to farm the necessary currency before making the trip to the vendor.

How to Get the Simple Key #2

Well, it's in the how to find the chest on Sinner’s Road. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. From the Halfway House, navigate to Sinner’s Road, which becomes accessible post-Splinter.
  2. Progress upward through the vertical area, then head right along the top ledges.
  3. Continue climbing right into another vertical shaft. At the top, you’ll be locked inside a small room—this is intentional and where the challenge lies.
  4. Defeat the enemy (likely a Roachkeeper). After emerging from that fight, look to the left for a chest containing the second Simple Key.

This second key ensures you can make fuller use of the Simple Key mechanic without fear of soft-locking yourself.

Where to use Simple Key in Silksong

Once you have the key, you can access two different areas. Here they are in detail:

Using Simple Key – Location #1: Unlocking the Wormways

This is a major path that opens up a new region for exploration. The journey to this door requires some skilled platforming.

  1. Start at Bone Bottom: Begin your journey from the main hub.
  2. Navigate Through The Marrow and Moss Home:
    • From Bone Bottom, head right and begin climbing upwards through The Marrow, using precise jumps and dashes.
    • Your path will eventually lead you into the lush, green environment of Moss Home.
  3. Activate Shortcuts: Along the way, you'll find levers that activate shortcuts and an important elevator. Activating these will save you a lot of time if you need to backtrack.
  4. Past the Boss Area: After a particularly tricky platforming section and passing by a boss arena, you will find what you're looking for.
  5. Reach the Old Stone Gate: You will arrive at an old stone gate with a distinct Simple Keyhole. Use the key here to open the path and enter the Wormways.

Using Simple Key – Location #2: The Deep Docks Treasure Room

The second use for the Simple Key grants access to a locked room in the Deep Docks, which holds two powerful new items for Hornet.

  1. Travel to the Deep Docks: Go to the train station (the Bellways) and select "Deep Docks" as your destination.
  2. Find the Locked Door: Upon arriving, navigate through the Deep Docks area. You will eventually encounter a locked door that requires the Simple Key to open.
  3. Claim Your Rewards: Inside this room, you will find two valuable items:
    • Flintslate: This tool temporarily heats up your needle, increasing the chance of burning enemies and causing damage over time.
    • Warding Bell: A powerful defensive tool. It creates a barrier while you are healing, which will nullify the first attack that hits you. Note that it won't stop your healing from being interrupted, but it will save you from taking damage.

So, you have now successfully used the Simple Keys to unlock new paths and acquire powerful tools. With access to both the Wormways and the treasures of the Deep Docks, you are well-equipped to continue your grand adventure through the kingdom of Pharloom!