Hollow Knight Silksong will have you unlock plenty of new tricks for Hornet, granting her all the tools she’ll need to hack it out in the Hollow Knight Silksong map and survive the trials afforded to her by the Hollow Knight Silksong bosses. To these ends, dashing and sprinting are two of the most important skills you can pick up as you navigate Silksong’s early game. Fortunately, both mobility skills are rolled into one ability, Swift Step, which we’ll show you how to unlock below.
Where to Unlock Swift Step
Deep Docks Area
Image via Silksong
Swift Step is located within the Deep Docks, an early-game location that you can access after passing through the Marrow. This is where the shrine containing the ability can be found.
Route to the Shrine
To unlock Dash and Sprint in Hollow Knight Silksong, you’ll need to interact with the shrine in the upper part of the Deep Docks, granting you the Swift Step ability.
As you can see on the map, this requires a bit of a loop, heading east from where you first enter the region through the middle section, before hopping up. From there, double back on yourself westwards towards the bench. Eventually, you’ll happen upon the shrine.
Image via Silksong
Upon interacting with the shrine, Hornet will be infused with the Swift Step skill, granting her the means to Dash and Sprint using the right trigger on your controller, or the ‘C’ key by default on your keyboard.
Step-by-Step Path
For those who prefer a step-by-step approach:
- Enter Deep Docks inwards, past the elevator, and also Map Merchant Shakra.
- Ascend the upper platforms gradually.
- Carefully cross the lava section.
- Destroy the orange node above to clear the concealed passage.
- Continue, kill the ant sub-boss along the way.
- Head left until you reach the idol, and then engage to open the skill.
How to use Swift Step
Basic Controls
- PC: Press C
- PlayStation 5: Hold R2
- Xbox: Hold RT
Dash and Sprint
- Dash: Hold the direction and press the sprint button once.
- Sprint: Hold down the button to keep running.
This makes Hornet able to combine both dash and sprint in her movement.
And that’s how to unlock Dash and Sprint in Hollow Knight Silksong. Now you’re ready to Swift Step you’re way through Pharloom, check out what lies ahead with our Hollow Knight Silksong Hokers guide, and consult our Hollow Knight Silksong length guide if you’re wondering how long Hornet’s journey will take.
Benefits of Swift Step
Image via Silksong
- Mobility: This helps to dodge enemies and cover distances quickly.
- Traversal: Smoother and faster to traverse the big map.
- Combat Advantage: Enables improved positioning and aggressive offensive play.
Acquiring Swift Step in Hollow Knight: Silksong is a key step in Hornet’s journey. Located within the Deep Docks shrine, it integrates sprint and dash into a single fundamental ability. Despite having some criticism with regard to minor flaws, the upgrade is focused on pacing exploration, combat, and general movement within Pharloom.
