The Cradle — Hollow Knight

Late‑game Cradle guide for Hollow Knight: Silksong — how to reach The Cradle, Shakra’s map location, benches, via bells, puzzle locks, and safe, conservative routes for multi‑phase objectives.

#Areas #the Cradle #Map #Benches #Fast Travel #Shakra

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Overview

Interwoven platforms with narrative gates. Expect longer commitments between safe rooms.

How to Get to The Cradle

Approach: Advance through late‑game interior routes and complete prerequisite objectives to unlock access.
Prep: Stabilize your route with nearby benches and unlock bell travel before committing to lengthier puzzle chains.
Cartography: Purchase the area map from Shakra when available to plan multi‑phase routes.

Map Highlights

Benches: Secure each before exploring side spurs.
Via Bells: Save time on multi‑phase objectives.
Merchant: Check for Shakra to buy the area map.

Get the Cradle Map (Shakra)

Approach: Follow upper‑route signage; listen for humming near safer ledges.
Buy and rest: Purchase the area map, then rest at a bench to update parchment. Quill/Compass improve orientation in layered rooms.
Missed it? Shakra can sell missed maps later once you’ve progressed.

Hazards & Traversal

Narrative gates: Expect locks requiring prior objectives—mark them and circle back.
Multi‑level rooms: Clear ranged threats before engaging across levels.
Elevators/levers: Open return paths early to shorten retries.
Long stretches: Plan resources for extended sequences between benches.

Suggested Objective Loop

Entry → First Bench: Anchor a nearby bench for safe retries.
Bench → Shakra: Buy the Cradle map; add Quill/Compass for tracking.
Loop unlocks: Find and flip elevator/door levers that connect back to your bench or bell.
Gate scouting: Check narrative gates; note requirements and alternate paths.
Push phases: Attempt one story segment at a time; retreat to bench between phases.

Bench Order (Suggested)

Approach Bench: First checkpoint near initial locks/lifts.
Mid‑Route Bench: Reduces run‑backs during lever and puzzle segments.
Bell‑Adjacent Bench: Best once the bell node is active for multi‑phase objectives.

Tips for Late‑Game Routes

Build prep: Favor sustain/defense crests for longer chains.
Path memory: Trace safe returns before committing to a new branch.
Resource cadence: Bank progress after each major unlock, even if it means a short backtrack.

Connections

Interior links: Multi‑level paths that tie back into central late‑game hubs
Bells: Critical to reduce run‑backs across narrative gates and puzzle locks

FAQ

I found a locked gate—what now? Progress adjacent regions or objectives, then return.
Where’s the map vendor? Near upper routes with safer footing; listen for humming.
Any helpful upgrades? Health/needle improvements and mobility help a lot—see guides below.

Open Interactive Map (All Areas)

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