Hollow Knight: Silksong - Guide to Finding and Using the Apostate Key
The world of Pharloom in Hollow Knight: Silksong is replete with intricate paths and locked doors, often requiring specific keys to progress. Among these, the Apostate Key stands out as a crucial item for those looking to fully explore The Slab, a notorious prison region. This guide will detail precisely where to locate the Apostate Key and how to utilize it to unlock new areas, encounter powerful foes, and discover valuable upgrades.
What is the Apostate Key?
The Key of Apostate is a Key Item in Hollow Knight: Silksong designed to unlock two specific doors within The Slab. This grim prison complex can be encountered by heading left out of the Choral Chambers in Act 2, or by being kidnapped by The Slab's jailers. While other keys like the Key of Indolent and Key of Heretic unlock initial paths, the Apostate Key grants access to the prison's deeper secrets, including optional challenges and a major boss fight.
Where to Find the Apostate Key
The Apostate Key is not found within The Slab itself; rather, it is located in the remote and dangerous Putrified Ducts region, situated in the top-right corner of Pharloom's world map. Reaching this area and acquiring the key necessitates certain movement abilities, primarily the Faydown Cloak (double jump), and often benefits from Cling Grip and Swift Step (dash).
Prerequisites for Accessing Putrified Ducts
Before embarking on your quest for the Apostate Key, ensure you have acquired the Faydown Cloak ability by successfully climbing Mount Fay. Cling Grip, which allows Hornet to latch onto walls, and Swift Step, for dashing across gaps, are also highly recommended for navigating the treacherous paths.
Navigating to Putrified Ducts: Two Primary Routes
There are two main avenues to reach the Putrified Ducts:
Route 1: Via Memorium
This route generally begins higher up in the world, leading from the Choral Chambers.
- Head to Songclave: Start from Songclave and locate the first shrine. Follow the path that leads towards the Cogwork Dancers boss.
- Ascend to Memorium: Along this route, you will find a point where you can jump up into the Memorium area, located on the top level of the Choral Chambers. One source indicates finding a "secret opening in the ceiling" in one of the rooms to access this.
- Cross to the Exit: Once in Memorium, proceed to the far right of the area. You will emerge outside onto the top of a long bridge, where you will likely be attacked by bats (this is also where you can find the merchant Jubilana during The Lost Merchant quest).
- Enter Putrified Ducts: Jump up at the far end of this bridge, utilizing your abilities to climb walls. Destroy a breakable wall or rock at the upper reach to gain access to the Putrified Ducts.
Route 2: Via Bilewater
This alternative route often starts from a lower-right entry point into Putrified Ducts.
- Start from Bilewater: Begin from the bench checkpoint west of Groal the Great in the Bilewater region. Alternatively, you can defeat Groal the Great at the top of Bilewater to open a shortcut.
- Traverse Spiked Paths: Proceed to the left from the bench into an area featuring a vertical path riddled with spikes on both sides. You will need both the Faydown Cloak and Cling Grip to safely ascend this challenging section.
- Climb Higher: Continue climbing until you reach the top of this vertical section, eventually finding an entrance to the Putrified Ducts. Be wary of Muckmaggots infesting the contaminated water in Bilewater; equipping the Wreath of Purity is advisable here.
Pinpointing the Apostate Key's Exact Location
Once inside the Putrified Ducts, the key's precise location is described as:
- In a Smashable Cage: Navigate to the lower-left section of the zone (or upper-left corner of a large chamber). You'll typically find a main vertical shaft; descend to the bottom, then head left. Look for a dark tunnel also going left, and jump into it. At the far end of this corridor, the Apostate Key is encased in a smashable cage or glowing object.
- Enemies and Hazards: Be prepared for hazards such as carnivorous vines that grab Hornet, giant enemies, or creatures with long tongues. The Huntress NPC for the Broodfeast quest can also be found in this zone.
Where to Use the Apostate Key in The Slab
After acquiring the Key of Apostate, return to The Slab. There are two critical doors it will unlock, each leading to significant discoveries.
Lock 1: The First Sinner's Chamber
- Location: This lock is found at the bottom of the main shaft in The Slab, conveniently close to a bench and fast travel point.
- Access: Using the key here unlocks an eerie chamber containing a cell with multiple chains.
- Consequence: Breaking these chains will initiate a boss battle against the formidable First Sinner.
- Reward: Defeating the First Sinner grants you the powerful Rune Rage silk skill.
Lock 2: Mask Shard Platforming Challenge
- Location: The second Apostate Key door is situated in the top-right portion of The Slab's main shaft.
- Access: Unlocking this door reveals a demanding jumping and traversal segment.
- Challenge: This area involves activating a mechanism that releases spinning bladed wheels. You'll need to skillfully use your double jump and Clawline ability to pogo off these wheels and cling to walls, climbing to the very top.
- Reward: Successfully navigating this challenge leads to a valuable Mask Shard, a permanent health upgrade for Hornet.
Essential Tips for Your Journey
- Metroidvania Exploration: Hollow Knight: Silksong is highly non-linear. Expect to revisit regions multiple times as you gain new abilities.
- Map Utilization: Always consult The Slab map, once acquired, to orient yourself and understand the prison's layout.
- Ability Mastery: Practice your Faydown Cloak, Cling Grip, and Swift Step. These are indispensable for tackling Silksong's demanding platforming and combat.
With this guide, you should be well-equipped to locate the elusive Apostate Key in the Putrified Ducts and unlock the crucial paths and secrets it guards within The Slab, furthering your adventure in Pharloom.