Hollow Knight: Silksong – How to unlock the map, quill, and compass
By Ryan Woodrow
If you’re jumping into Hollow Knight: Silksong without playing the first game, then you’ll need to get used to the game’s unique mapping system. Unlike other games, the map isn’t automatically uncovered as you go; instead, you’ll need to unlock that ability. On top of that, you’ll have to buy the rough sketches of each area to help you navigate, after which you can then fill it in yourself in more detail.
We’ll explain where you get all of these items, so you know what to look for and can get your barings easier in Silksong.
How to unlock the map, quill, and compass – HK: Silksong
As you head through the first main area of the game, you’ll eventually run into a bug named Shakra, who you’ll hear from a distance thanks to their singing. They’ll explain that they’re a navigator and offer you some useful items for Rosaries, the main currency in Silksong.
When you first meet her, she’ll have the map sketches for both The Marrow and Mosshold, though more important than those are the other two items she sells, the Quill and the Compass, which are both must-buy items.
The Quill is the item that lets you fill in the map. Whenever you rest at a bench, you’ll automatically fill in the map from everywhere you’ve been, which will be more detailed than the sketches you buy, which typically don’t highlight everything. The Compass isn’t necessarily essential, but it is very useful as, although it takes up a charm slot, it does highlight your location on the map, which can stop you from getting lost. If you can track that in your head though, feel free to skip it.
It’s worth grinding a few Rosaries and picking up these items before defeating the Bell Beast and unlocking fast travel in Silksong, as after that Shakra will move and you won’t see them again for a little while.