Moss Grotto Walkthrough

Welcome to the first part of our Hollow Knight: Silksong walkthrough. Your pilgrimage through Pharloom begins in the Moss Grotto, a lush, verdant area with damp caverns that serves as the game’s starting location. After a dramatic escape, Hornet falls into the depths of this new land.

This guide will walk you through the optimal path, ensuring you find all secrets and items on your way to the area’s boss.

Moss Grotto

Overview

• Main Boss Moss Mother
• Next Area Deep Docks

Full Moss Grotto Walkthrough

1. The Awakening & First Secret

   The game begins with Hornet lying on the mossy ground. Once you gain control, your first instinct might be to head right, but go left first. Jump up the small ledge behind your starting point to find the area’s First Secret Cache of Shell Shards.

2. Crossing the Swamp

   Head back to the right. You’ll encounter your first enemies: Green Spiky Worms. Their attacks are linear; practice your new, faster Needle strikes on them. After a few worms, you will reach a swamp. Use the two floating platforms to cross to the other side.

3. Ascent & First Item

   After the swamp, you must begin your ascent. Head upwards and to the right, defeating a Flying Moss Insect. You will find a platform guarded by another flying insect and a spiky worm. Defeat them to reach and collect your first key item, a Mossberry.

4. Path to the Chapel

   Drop down from the Mossberry platform and continue right through a glowing path. The next area is a chasm requiring a long jump. After landing, you’ll enter another path with a rolling enemy. A simple jump attack will defeat it. Continue climbing up and to the left, watching out for camouflaged spiky insects on the path.

5. Ruined Chapel

   After more platforming, you will reach an entrance covered with vines. Cut them and proceed left to find the Ruined Chapel. You can rest at the Bench here to save your progress and set your respawn point before the boss fight.

6. Reaching the Boss Arena

   From the Chapel bench, jump up to the platform on the right, then perform another jump up and to the left to reach the boss entrance above the Chapel. Cut the two vines blocking the way to enter the arena and immediately begin the fight with the Moss Mother. For a full guide on this fight, see our Moss Mother Boss Guide.

After the Boss

After defeating the Moss Mother, a new path will open to the left. A rope will help you ascend. As you climb, Hornet will faint, and upon waking, you will find yourself in the next location, the Deep Docks.