Deep Docks Overview
Deep Docks is a crucial mid-game industrial forge area in Hollow Knight: Silksong that serves as your gateway from The Marrow to Far Fields. This lava-filled region is where Hornet acquires the essential Swift Step dash ability and faces her first encounter with the formidable boss Lace. The area features treacherous molten lava pools, armored enemies with distinctive bell helmets, and complex platforming challenges that test your movement skills.
As an industrialized dock area, Deep Docks showcases flowing lava backgrounds, metal carapaces used as coal containers, chains, and other metallic objects crafted by the resident Forge Daughter blacksmith. The environment demands careful navigation as lava damage can quickly deplete your health, making proper route planning and bench management essential for success.
Key Features & Objectives
Essential Abilities Obtained
- Swift Step: The most important ability acquired in Deep Docks, enabling dash movement and sprinting. Located at an idol altar after platforming through the main area.
- Enhanced Movement: Swift Step is crucial for accessing Lace boss fight and progressing to Far Fields
Important NPCs & Merchants
- Shakra (Map Vendor): Found in a large vertical chamber, sells Deep Docks map (50 Rosaries), Vendor Pins, Ring Marker, and Bellway Pins
- Forge Daughter: Blacksmith merchant offering valuable items including Sting Shard and Magma Bell (110 Rosaries for fire resistance)
- Ballow: Worker found near the Forge Daughter
Major Boss Encounter
- Lace: First encounter with this recurring antagonist, wielding a saber with lunging attacks and rapid combos
Get the Deep Docks Map (Shakra Location)
Finding Shakra: From The Marrow entrance, move right until you reach a small area with a bench sign pointing upward. Continue right and listen for Shakra's distinctive humming sound. Drop down to the lower section to find her shop.
Map Cost: 50 Rosaries for the Deep Docks map - essential for navigation in this complex area with multiple vertical sections and hidden passages.
Additional Items Available:
- Vendor Pins for easier exploration
- Ring Marker for area identification
- Bellway Pins for fast travel optimization
Environmental Hazards & Navigation
Lava Hazards
- Molten Lava Pools: Unlike spikes, lava doesn't instantly kill but deals significant damage over time
- Hot Rocks: Jump carefully between scorching rock platforms - consider purchasing Magma Bell for fire resistance
- Ember Floors: Time your movements to avoid heat damage bursts
Platforming Challenges
- Tight Corridors: Clear armored enemies before committing to narrow ledges
- Vertical Shafts: Multiple floor navigation with elevator systems and lever-activated shortcuts
- Moving Platforms: Industrial machinery creates dynamic platforming scenarios
Route Tips
- First stabilize: Secure a bench and buy the map before exploring side bays.
- Exiting upward: Routes toward Far Fields open as you clear switches and lifts.
- Backtracking: Activate the bell node to shorten repair runs.
Related Guides
- /guides/tutorial/how-to-get-out-of-far-fields
- /guides/tutorial/map-locations-early-game
- /guides/routes/100-percent-map
FAQ
- Where is the Deep Docks map? From the Marrow entrance, follow bench signage to a large vertical room; Shakra’s humming marks her shop.
- Is there a boss here? Expect set-piece encounters in this act; prepare for heat rooms and multi-switch loops.
- How do I leave Deep Docks? Use elevator/lever loops to reach upward exits toward Far Fields.
Sources
- Video (leave Deep Docks): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYR7BpQxmno
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