How to Unlock Every Pharloom Map Location in Hollow Knight Silksong

Pharloom is a kingdom defined by its staggering verticality. Unlike the sprawling, interconnected caverns of Hallownest, Hornet’s journey in Hollow Knight: Silksong requires an upward ascent toward the Citadel. Navigating this vast landscape is impossible without a comprehensive map. This guide details every major region in Pharloom, the specific locations of the cartographer Shakra, and the costs associated with completing your world map.

The Core Mechanics of Mapping Pharloom

In Pharloom, mapping is not automatic. To see the layout of a region, you must first locate the cartographer and purchase a preliminary sketch.

Who is Shakra the Cartographer?

Shakra serves as the equivalent of Cornifer from the first game. She is a skilled warrior and scout who can be found in almost every major biome. Players can identify her proximity by two distinct cues:

1. The Sound of Singing: Shakra often hums or sings while working on her charts.
2. Throwing Rings: Her signature golden rings are often scattered on the ground or embedded in walls near her camp.

If you progress through a zone without finding her, she typically relocates to the hub village of Bonebottom, where you can purchase any missed maps, though often at a slightly higher convenience.

Essential Mapping Tools

Before diving into the depths of Pharloom, you must visit Shakra’s first shop to acquire essential equipment. These tools are required to make the map functional:

• The Quill (50 Rosaries): Essential for updating the map. Without this, Hornet will not draw in the paths and rooms she discovers after purchasing the regional map.
• Wayward Compass (70 Rosaries): Shows Hornet’s current position on the map. In the vertical labyrinths of the High Halls, this is indispensable.
• Bench Pins (60 Rosaries): Automatically marks the locations of Benches—your primary save points—on the map.
• Bellway Pins (60 Rosaries): Marks the fast-travel stations known as Bellways.

Early Game Map Locations: The Foundations of Pharloom

The first act of the game takes Hornet through mossy grottos and industrial docks. These areas are relatively linear but contain vital secrets.

Moss Grotto

The Moss Grotto is the verdant starting area where Hornet first breaks free. It is characterized by thick foliage, breakable moss walls, and relatively weak insectoid enemies.

• Map Cost: 40 Rosaries.
• Shakra’s Location: She is typically found in the transition zone between the Grotto and The Marrow. Look for a small camp tucked behind a breakable vine wall.
• Regional Highlight: This area introduces the "silk" mechanics. Ensure you practice your heals here before the first major boss encounter.

The Marrow

As the moss thins out, you enter The Marrow, a skeletal region built upon the remains of ancient giants. The terrain is rocky, and the heat begins to rise as you approach the lower lava lakes.

• Map Cost: 50 Rosaries.
• Finding Shakra: From the Bonebottom entrance, head east and follow the crumbling platforms. You will eventually hear her singing near a lever-operated cage system.
• Exploration Tip: The Marrow acts as a central hub for early-game travel. Many paths here are locked until you obtain the basic dash and climb abilities.

Deep Docks

The Deep Docks is an industrial forge zone filled with flowing lava and armored enemies. It is home to the Forge Daughter and serves as the setting for the first encounter with Lace.

• Map Cost: 50 Rosaries.
• Finding Shakra: She is located in the upper-right section of the Docks, near a large metallic crane. You must navigate a series of conveyor belts and avoid falling into the molten pools to reach her.
• Environmental Hazard: The lava here is lethal. The map will show the primary paths, but many "shortcuts" require precise mid-air dashes that aren't immediately obvious.

Mid-Game Map Locations: The Vast Biomes

Once Hornet secures her basic movement tools, Pharloom opens up into massive, non-linear regions that define the mid-game experience.

Greymoor

Team Cherry has noted that Greymoor is one of the largest regions ever created for the series. It is a dim, dust-choked expanse filled with dilapidated towers and roach-like guards.

• Map Cost: 70 Rosaries.
• Where to find Shakra: Due to the size of Greymoor, Shakra can be hard to spot. She is located in the lower-right quadrant, near a ruined clocktower. If you reach the Moorwing boss arena, you have gone too far.
• Navigation Note: Because Greymoor is so vast, the map is essential for tracking which towers you have already explored. It is highly recommended to have the Bench Pins equipped here.

Far Fields

The Far Fields are characterized by powerful thermal updrafts and wide-open caverns. It is a region where wildlife flourishes despite the heat from below.

• Map Cost: 50 Rosaries.
• Finding Shakra: Look for the rising air currents. Shakra is perched on a high ledge in the central cavern. To reach her, you will likely need the Drifter’s Cloak to catch the updrafts.
• Regional Secret: The Far Fields contain several hidden sub-areas like the "Hunter's March" which are not immediately visible on the base map.

Bellhart and Shellwood

These two interconnected regions are themed around Pharloom’s obsession with bells. Bellhart is a town built within a vein of giant bells, while Shellwood is a thorny, overgrown forest.

• Map Cost: 40 Rosaries for Bellhart / 70 Rosaries for Shellwood.
• Shakra’s Location: Shakra often camps in the transition tunnel between these two zones. Specifically, search the area near the elevator that descends from Shellwood into the lower Bellhart district.
• Key Ability: You will likely find the Cling Grip in Shellwood. This tool allows you to scale the flat walls found in the upcoming Blasted Steps.

Late Game Map Locations: Ascending to the Citadel

The final ascent involves treacherous environments and the most complex navigation in the game.

The Blasted Steps

A desolate, vertical wasteland where sandstorms and heavy winds can push Hornet off platforms. This is the gateway to the Citadel.

• Map Cost: 70 Rosaries.
• Finding Shakra: She is located in a sheltered alcove about halfway up the ascent. You must time your jumps between wind gusts to reach her small cave.
• Pro Tip: The map for the Blasted Steps is vital because the sandstorms often obscure the next platform. Following the map’s indicated ledges is often the only way to progress during a heavy storm.

Choral Chambers

Inside the Citadel, the aesthetic shifts to opulence and gold. The Choral Chambers are filled with music-themed puzzles and elite enemies.

• Map Cost: 70 Rosaries (or purchased from a vending machine in some versions).
• Location: Shakra is found near the Grand Bellway station. If you find the settlement of Song Clave, she is just two rooms to the left.
• Farming Rosaries: This area is excellent for farming the currency needed to buy the final map pins and charms.

Underworks (West and East)

The Underworks represent the grim reality of the Citadel’s labor force. It is a sprawling basement filled with machinery and "Sinner's Roads."

• Map Cost: Found for free by scaling the leftmost wall in the first main shaft.
• Shakra’s Role: Shakra does not sell the map here; instead, the player finds a discarded chart left by a previous worker.
• Unique Mechanic: Benches in the Underworks are often single-use or require Rosaries to activate. The map will help you plan your route between these scarce rest points.

Specialized and Secret Map Locations

Beyond the main path, Pharloom contains several "Optional" biomes that are essential for 100% completion and lore hunters.

The Abyss (Pharloom Variant)

While not the same as the Abyss in Hallownest, this deep, dark pit at the bottom of the kingdom requires a specialized light source to navigate.

• Map Availability: Shakra will only sell this map once Hornet has acquired the Lumafly Lantern (or its Pharloom equivalent).
• Location: Found at the very entrance of the pit, just before the light fades completely.

Verdania

A lush, hidden paradise that serves as a late-game sub-area. It is filled with the most aggressive flora in the game.

• Map Cost: 90 Rosaries.
• Finding Shakra: She is hidden behind a waterfall in the upper reaches of the canopy.
• Difficulty: The enemies here deal double damage. Ensure your map is fully updated with Bench Pins before exploring deep into the woods.

Sands of Karak

The crusted heights above the Blasted Steps. This area is ancient and filled with the ruins of great warriors.

• Map Cost: 90 Rosaries.
• Shakra’s Location: Located in the center of the winding ruins. Look for her golden rings near a large statue of a fallen knight.

How to use Bellways for Fast Travel

As your map grows, walking from Moss Grotto to the Choral Chambers becomes tedious. Pharloom uses a system called Bellways.

• Activation: To use a Bellway, you must find the station and strike the Great Bell.
• Mapping Stations: You can buy Bellway Pins from Shakra. Once equipped, every station you visit will appear as a golden bell icon on your map.
• Ventrica Stations: In certain industrial areas like the Cogwork Core, you may find Ventrica Stations, which serve as a sub-network for fast travel within the Citadel itself.

Tips for 100% Map Completion

To earn the Cartographer Achievement (acquiring a map of every area), follow these professional strategies:

1. Listen for the Hum: Never enter a new room without pausing to listen for Shakra’s singing. Missing a map early can make the boss of that region significantly harder to find.
2. Buy the Quill First: It is the single most important purchase in the game. Without it, your map is a static image that doesn't track your movement.
3. Check the "Holes": If your map has a gap or an unfinished edge, there is likely a breakable wall. Maps in Silksong only show "intended" paths; the best secrets are always in the blank spaces.
4. Visit Bonebottom Regularly: Shakra returns to the village often. If you have the Rosaries but can't find her in the wild, check her shop in town to fill in the gaps.

Summary of Known Regions and Shakra Costs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What happens if I can't find Shakra in a region?

Don't panic. If you defeat the main boss of a region or move to the next biome, Shakra’s map will become available for purchase at her permanent stall in Bonebottom. You won't be locked out of the map permanently.

Does the map show secret areas or breakable walls?

No. The maps purchased from Shakra represent the "official" blueprints of the kingdom. Secret paths, hidden rooms, and breakable walls must be discovered by the player. When you find them, Hornet will draw them in—provided you have the Quill equipped.

Are there interactive maps available?

Yes, the community has developed several interactive maps (such as Map Genie) that allow you to filter for specific items like Mask Shards, Silk Spools, and Tool materials. However, for the most immersive experience, using the in-game mapping system is recommended.

How do I mark locations I want to return to?

You can purchase Shell Markers and Ring Markers from Shakra for 40 Rosaries each. These allow you to manually place icons on your map to remember locked doors or difficult platforming challenges.

Is there a map for the final boss area?

The final area, The Cradle, does not have a traditional map sold by Shakra. You must rely on your navigation skills and the experience you've gained throughout Pharloom to reach the peak.

In conclusion, the key to mastering Pharloom’s map is a combination of keen ears (to hear Shakra) and the right tools (the Quill and Pins). By systematically unlocking each of these 28+ locations, you will not only ensure you never get lost but also uncover the deep mysteries hidden within the Citadel’s shadow.