In 2026, Hollow Knight: Silksong players are still mapping every corner of Pharloom, and the Putrified Ducts remains one of the most elusive optional regions. It is among the couple of tricky areas that are only accessed through a specific route, and the path is not in plain sight. Hornet must destroy an obstacle to reveal the entrance, which makes the journey feel like a secret within a secret. Although reaching the Putrified Ducts can be time-consuming, the area contains many points of interest that make the trip worthwhile.

The Main Route Begins in Memorium

The Putrified Ducts is mainly available from the Memorium area in Hollow Knight: Silksong. A lower part can be accessed from Bilewater, but that small section does not connect to the rest of the region. What players will find there is the Broodfeast quest and the Key of Apostate. For the full experience, the Memorium approach is required.

To start, players should enter Memorium by heading north from the Grand Bellway, all the way to the top. Next, they must use the double jump, which is a necessity, to climb the platform and access the area. In Memorium, Hornet should jump to the platform containing the lore board, then hop to the one above it. Hornet will arrive at the second level of the area, and the path will split.

Through the Enemy Corridor

Proceeding right leads to an area infested with enemies in all shapes and forms. Players must fight the small and big spiders, then keep running to stumble upon a mini-boss near the end of the path. The mini-boss can be fought or ignored completely to quickly go through the door. After that, players should look down and carefully descend the platforms to reach the bottom while avoiding the enemies that roll around. This section rewards patience more than aggression.

Go through the door to the right with the hanging sign to enter a seemingly empty room. Walk inside further and look up to find a narrow tunnel. Double jump and Clawline upward, then proceed forward to land on a bridge. At the end of the bridge is a tall climbable wall. Using a combination of skills like cling grip and double jump is essential. Between the two walls is an obstacle that can be destroyed. Carefully stick Hornet to the wall and try to destroy the rocks to reveal a path.

Head right and enter the dimly lit tunnel. Proceed further without touching the spikes, and players will eventually reach the Putrified Ducts area. It is very similar to Bilewater, especially the maggot-filled swamp that decreases Hornet's silk. Luckily, there is an item in this area that can protect Hornet from this water for a short period of time. Additionally, there is an NPC that will help reveal the locations of the fleas that were missed while exploring Pharloom.

Route Summary Table

Survival and Exploration Tips

The Putrified Ducts is not a place for careless exploration. The maggot-filled swamp is one of the most punishing environmental hazards in the region because it steadily decreases Hornet's silk. Players should locate the protective item early, then use its short window to cross dangerous stretches and reach safer ground. Silk management becomes a priority, since Hornet may need healing or offensive tools while navigating enemies and spikes.

The NPC in the area is another major reason to visit. This character helps reveal the locations of missed fleas across Pharloom, making the Putrified Ducts valuable for completionists. In 2026, with many players returning to old saves or starting fresh runs, this flea-reveal service remains one of the most useful rewards in the region.

The lower section accessed from Bilewater is easy to overlook. It does not connect to the rest of the Putrified Ducts, but it contains the Broodfeast quest and the Key of Apostate. Players who only take the Memorium route may miss these items entirely. A thorough explorer should visit both approaches.

Finally, the mini-boss near the end of the enemy corridor is optional. Fighting it may feel satisfying, but ignoring it is a valid strategy for players who want to preserve health and silk. The door is close enough that a quick escape is possible. Once inside the empty room, the real challenge becomes vertical navigation: Clawline, double jump, cling grip, and a sharp eye for the destructible obstacle.

With its hidden entrance, silk-draining swamp, optional mini-boss, and flea-revealing NPC, the Putrified Ducts is more than a detour. It is a compact test of everything Hollow Knight: Silksong asks from Hornet: mobility, combat awareness, environmental survival, and curiosity. The route from Memorium is long, but every step leads to rewards that justify the effort. For players aiming to complete Pharloom in 2026, the Putrified Ducts deserves a place on the map.

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