Your Guide to Getting Apostate Key in Silksong: Location, Uses, and Progression

What to know

• The Apostate Key is a late-game item in Hollow Knight: Silksong, essential for unlocking a sealed door in the Slab.
• It’s located in the Putrified Duct, north of Bilewater, after defeating the guardian boss Groal the Great.
• Using the key grants access to progression paths and rewards, including a potential Needle upgrade.
• The Double Jump ability is required to reach the key’s location.

In Hollow Knight: Silksong, the Apostate Key is a pivotal item that opens up new areas and opportunities for progression in the sprawling, beautifully challenging world of Pharloom. As you guide Hornet through this Metroidvania masterpiece, finding and using the Apostate Key is a key step in advancing the story and uncovering powerful upgrades. This guide provides a step-by-step breakdown of where to find the key, how to use it, and its role in your journey through the game.

Finding the Apostate Key

The Apostate Key is tucked away in the Putrified Duct, a hidden area located north of Bilewater, accessible only after overcoming significant challenges.

To reach this point, you’ll need to have progressed through Bilewater and acquired the Double Jump ability, which is critical for navigating the vertical platforming sections leading to the key.

Start at the Bench in the northern part of Bilewater. From there, head left and begin your ascent. You’ll encounter a series of enemies and obstacles, including a barrier that can be knocked down.

Defeating the guardian boss, Groal the Great, is a prerequisite, as this battle unlocks the path forward. Once Groal is defeated, continue left from the boss’s location. Use your Double Jump to climb higher platforms, moving upward through the Putrified Duct.

As you progress, you’ll face several enemies. Clear them out and keep moving left until you reach a cage-like structure at the end of the path.

Inside this structure, you’ll find the Apostate Key.

Break the cage on the ground to release the key, then interact with it to add it to your inventory. This area demands precise platforming and combat skills, so ensure Hornet is well-equipped with charms and abilities to handle the challenges.

Using the Apostate Key

Once you’ve secured the Apostate Key, your next destination is the Slab, accessible via the Choral Chambers or Slab Bellways, depending on your progression route. The Slab is a critical late-game area where the key unlocks a sealed door, paving the way for significant story progression and rewards.

To use the key, follow these steps from the Slab’s Bench:

• Move left and ascend to the area above.
• Continue right and jump onto the platform above, where you’ll find a keyhole next to a locked gate.
• Interact with the keyhole to use the Apostate Key, unlocking the door and granting access to the next area.

Alternatively, if you’re coming from the Choral Chambers, head to the left side of the Slab and drop down at the far end. Descend through several levels, then move right until you reach the locked gate. Using the Apostate Key here will open the path forward, potentially leading to encounters with tougher enemies or bosses.

Progression with Apostate Key and its rewards

Unlocking the door with the Apostate Key is more than just a checkpoint—it’s a gateway to deeper exploration and valuable rewards. One of the most notable rewards tied to this path is the potential to acquire a second upgrade for Hornet’s Needle.

This upgrade significantly enhances your combat capabilities, making it easier to tackle the game’s challenging bosses. Additionally, the areas unlocked by the key may contain collectibles like Mask Shards, Spool Fragments, or Rosaries, which are essential for strengthening Hornet and progressing through Pharloom.

The Apostate Key also plays a role in accessing the route to the First Sinner boss fight, though this requires collecting additional keys, such as the Key of Indolent and the Key of Heretic. These keys, combined with the Apostate Key, unlock a complex path that tests your skills and rewards your perseverance with critical story advancements.

Tips for navigating the Putrified Duct and Slab

Navigating the areas surrounding the Apostate Key can be daunting, especially for players new to Silksong’s demanding mechanics. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

• Master the Double Jump: The Putrified Duct requires precise platforming, so practice your Double Jump timing to avoid falling or missing platforms.
• Equip combat charms: The enemies in the Putrified Duct and Slab are tough. Charms that boost attack power or health regeneration can make a big difference.
• Save at Benches: Always rest at the nearest Bench before tackling challenging areas like the Groal the Great boss fight or the Slab’s locked gate.
• Explore thoroughly: The Putrified Duct and Slab are filled with hidden paths and collectibles. Take your time to explore every corner to maximize your rewards.

Why the Apostate Key matters in Silksong?

The Apostate Key stands out as one of the game’s most meaningful progression tools. It doesn’t just open doors—it grants access to sanctums that shape the narrative, unlock valuable upgrades, and reveal hidden truths about Pharloom’s history.

For players aiming to strengthen Hornet, deepen their understanding of the world, or simply complete every challenge Silksong offers, the Apostate Key is essential. Its blend of lore significance and gameplay impact makes it one of the most important items you’ll uncover on your journey.