How to Use the Simple Key in Hollow Knight: Silksong

The metroidvania Hollow Knight: Silksong features many items whose purpose may seem unclear at first. The simple key, at first glance, is straightforward—it opens specific doors. However, at the early stages of the game, it’s unknown exactly which ones. This raises the question: is it worth spending precious beads on it? You’ll find the answer to this question in our guide.

You can buy the Simple Key from a vendor in Bone Bottom, the game’s starting location. The price of 500 beads may seem high for the early stages. However, it is completely justified. Plus, you can easily get the required amount by spending a little time farming. Where to quickly earn in-game currency is explained in our dedicated guide.

There are two places where you can use the Simple Key at the start of the game. But first, acquire the “Swift Step” skill in the Deep Docks. In the same location, move east (or right) from Marrow or south from the Blacksmith. Descend and run to the right.

Using Swift Step, you should leap over lava pits. There you’ll find a door that opens with the Simple Key.

Behind it, you’ll find many enemies guarding valuable items. The most interesting of these is the Flintslate, which temporarily overheats your weapon’s blade and deals additional fire damage. This is a truly powerful ability that will make fighting local mobs and bosses much easier.

The Simple Key also unlocks a door that leads to the Wanderer Crest. This allows you to perform powerful downward strikes, just like in the first game. We have a separate guide on how to find it.