Accessing the Putrified Ducts in Hollow Knight: Silksong

Embark on a crucial expedition within the sprawling world of 'Hollow Knight: Silksong' to uncover the elusive Putrified Ducts. This comprehensive guide outlines two distinct pathways to this vital, albeit inhospitable, zone. Successfully navigating these routes is paramount for players aiming to secure essential upgrades, including the formidable Longclaw and the purifying Wreath of Purity. While the region may not offer the most scenic vistas or the simplest terrain, the rewards are indispensable for advancing your journey. The primary challenge lies in discovering an entry point to this hidden northeastern sector of Pharloom, which lacks a conventional entrance. The preferred and less perilous route involves a careful traverse through Memorium, demanding mastery of the Faydown Cloak's double jump ability. Alternatively, a more demanding journey awaits through the hazardous Bilewater region, promising greater obstacles and a formidable boss encounter. Regardless of the chosen path, preparedness and strategic ability utilization are key to unlocking the secrets held within the Putrified Ducts.

Navigating to the Putrified Ducts: A Detailed Exploration

Players of 'Hollow Knight: Silksong' face a significant challenge when attempting to enter the Putrified Ducts, a crucial region for acquiring powerful tools. Two main routes present themselves, each demanding specific abilities and strategic navigation. The most recommended path leads through Memorium, while a more arduous journey can be undertaken via Bilewater.

The Memorium Route: A Calculated Ascent

To access the Putrified Ducts through Memorium, players must first make their way from the Choral Chambers into the Memorium region via a narrow passage. This endeavor hinges on possessing the Faydown Cloak, which grants the essential double-jump ability. The journey begins by thoroughly exploring the Choral Chambers, where optional actions include unlocking the Grand Bellway Station, Grand Bellway Ventrica Station, and the Ventrica Station at the First Shrine (Songclave) to facilitate future travel. Following this, descent into Whiteward and the Underworks is necessary to obtain the Clawline ability, an important prerequisite. The Underworks also offers opportunities to collect valuable spool fragments and craftmetal. With the Clawline secured, players must enter The Slab through a passage northwest of the Citadel Spa, locate the Bellway station in the lower area, and proceed west into Mount Fay. Reaching the summit of Mount Fay is critical, as it is here that the Faydown Cloak is acquired, unlocking the indispensable double-jump. This ascent can be seamlessly integrated with the 'Liquid Lacquer' quest, which also directs players to the top of Mount Fay after completing 'My Missing Courier' and 'The Great Taste of Pharloom'.

Upon successfully executing the double jump through the vertical passage into Memorium, players should shatter the ceiling to gain entry to a larger chamber. From there, take the second-lowest exit to the right and continue until reaching another expansive chamber, then descend. The room marked by a wooden sign is the next destination. Inside this room, players have the option to spend 70 rosaries to acquire the Memorium map. To progress towards the Putrified Ducts, execute a jump towards the grey curtains on the ceiling, revealing a hidden passage. After dropping from the balcony and traversing a bridge, strike a breakable wall on the opposite side, again utilizing the double jump. Within the spiked room, a final double jump upwards will lead directly to the passage opening into the Putrified Ducts.

The Bilewater Route: A Treacherous Alternative

For those seeking a more challenging approach, the Putrified Ducts can be entered from the southern Bilewater region. However, this path is considerably more demanding due to a higher concentration of adversaries, intricate parkour sections, and a particularly difficult boss battle. Despite the increased difficulty, the preparation phase mirrors that of the Memorium route, as the Faydown Cloak's double jump remains indispensable for both. Should players opt for this route, the initial step involves entering the Sinner’s Road region, situated above Greymoor. Proceed eastward until reaching a bench sign within a vertical chamber, where a brief respite might be considered. While the bench is initially broken, it can be repaired by breaking the wall above it (on the left side) and completing a short parkour sequence. Exiting the vertical chamber through the ceiling, head east and destroy a wall to gain entry into Bilewater.

Continue moving right until a massive vertical chamber is encountered. On the left side of this chamber, employ the double jump to access a narrow passage. Navigate upwards through a series of parkour challenges, then take the upper road to the east once further vertical progress is blocked. Follow the winding path as it circles back to the upper left, where the formidable boss Groal The Great awaits. Defeating this boss is not only a prerequisite for this route but also necessary to reach Act 3 of the game. After triumphing over Groal, exit the boss arena to the left and jump upwards to finally enter the Putrified Ducts.

Ultimately, while both routes lead to the same destination, the journey through Memorium is generally considered the less perilous option, making it ideal for players prioritizing a smoother progression to the Putrified Ducts. The Bilewater path, while more challenging, offers an opportunity for seasoned players to test their skills against greater odds and formidable foes.