Overview
The Wormways is an optional hidden area in Hollow Knight: Silksong, accessible via a locked door in Bone Bottom that requires a Simple Key. This subterranean network of tunnels carved by massive worms connects several areas of Pharloom and contains some of the game's most rewarding optional content. Despite being entirely skippable, the Wormways houses the Wanderer Crest, the Alchemist Zylotol's quest, and a crucial connection to the Chapel of the Wanderer behind Moss Grotto. Savvy players who explore the Wormways gain significant advantages for the challenges ahead.
Area Characteristics
- Hidden optional area requiring the Simple Key to access
- Worm-carved tunnel network with organic, textured walls
- Sections requiring Simple Keys to unlock (multiple keys needed for full exploration)
- Home to Alchemist Zylotol and the Plasmium quest
- Connection to the Chapel of the Wanderer
- Located above Moss Grotto
- Unique worm-themed enemies and environmental hazards
How to Reach the Wormways
Requirements
- Simple Key — The first can be purchased from the merchant in Bone Bottom. A second Simple Key can be found later in Sinner's Road.
Access Route
- Travel to Bone Bottom.
- Head to the upper-left section of the village.
- Locate the locked door past a long corridor guarded by a large acid-spewing bug.
- Use the Simple Key to open the door.
- Enter the Wormways.
When to Visit
The Wormways becomes accessible as soon as you can afford the Simple Key in Bone Bottom, which is relatively early in Act 1. However, certain sections within the Wormways require additional Simple Keys to unlock, so full exploration may require return visits. The IGN walkthrough recommends exploring the Wormways after reaching Bellhart (area #10 in progression), when you have enough abilities and resources to fully explore.
Key Items and Collectibles
Wanderer Crest
The Wanderer Crest is the Wormways' most valuable reward, obtained in the Chapel of the Wanderer. This Crest enhances Hornet's exploration abilities and is one of several Crests that provide permanent stat improvements.
How to Obtain the Wanderer Crest
- Navigate through the Wormways toward the Moss Grotto connection.
- Locate the entrance to the Chapel of the Wanderer.
- Complete the Chapel's platforming and combat challenges.
- Claim the Wanderer Crest from the Chapel's altar.
Alchemist Zylotol's Plasmium
Alchemist Zylotol is an NPC found within the Wormways who gives you the Plasmium quest (also known as the "Alchemist's Assistant" quest). This sidequest involves gathering Plasmium samples throughout Pharloom.
Plasmium Quest Details
- Zylotol requests specific Plasmium samples from various areas
- Samples are hidden in hard-to-reach locations across Pharloom
- Returning samples to Zylotol yields crafting materials and unique rewards
- Completing the full quest grants a powerful alchemical tool
- This is a Wishboard quest that can be tracked from any Wishboard
Wormways Map
The Wormways map reveals the full tunnel network, including locked sections and hidden passages. It can be obtained from a map post within the area.
Silk Heart Fragment
A Silk Heart fragment is hidden in one of the deeper worm tunnels, behind a breakable wall in the eastern section of the Wormways.
Rosary Deposits
The worm tunnels contain rich Rosary deposits:
- Crystallized deposits embedded in tunnel walls (breakable)
- Hidden chambers behind collapsed tunnel sections
- Reward rooms after defeating worm-themed enemies
The Chapel of the Wanderer
The Chapel of the Wanderer is the Wormways' major destination — a sacred site located behind Moss Grotto, accessible only through the Wormways' tunnel network.
Chapel Layout
- Entrance Hall: Lore tablets about the Wanderer and Pharloom's pilgrimage tradition
- Platforming Gauntlet: A series of precision platforming challenges through the chapel's vertical chambers
- Combat Trial: A wave-based combat encounter testing your abilities
- Inner Sanctum: The altar where the Wanderer Crest is claimed
Chapel Difficulty
The Chapel of the Wanderer is designed to test mid-game abilities. You'll need:
- Confident wall-jumping and platforming
- Swift Step for precise dashes
- Thread Storm for crowd control in the combat trial
- Patience — the platforming gauntlet has no checkpoints
Environmental Hazards
Acid Pools
The worm tunnels contain pools of acid, likely digestive residue from the massive worms that carved these passages:
- Green-tinted pools deal damage on contact
- Some pools rise and fall on timers
- Acid drips from ceiling in certain corridors
Unstable Tunnels
Some worm-carved passages are structurally unsound:
- Ceiling collapses triggered by movement
- Floor sections that crumble after being stepped on
- Rumbling warnings before major collapses
Worm Secretions
Sticky secretions on tunnel walls and floors:
- Slow Hornet's movement when walking through them
- Can trap Hornet briefly if not cleared with attacks
- Some secretions are flammable and can be ignited
Enemies
The Wormways features unique enemies adapted to the tunnel environment:
- Tunnel Grubs — Fast-moving worm larvae that attack in swarms
- Acid Spitters — Stationary enemies that spit acid projectiles
- Bore Worms — Large worms that burst through tunnel walls
- Parasite Crawlers — Ceiling-dwelling enemies that drop onto Hornet
- Crystalline Beetles — Armored enemies found near Rosary deposits
- Tunnel Stalkers — Camouflaged predators that ambush from tunnel walls
- The Acid Guardian — A mini-boss protecting a key tunnel intersection
Secrets and Hidden Areas
Second Simple Key Door
Within the Wormways, a second locked door requires another Simple Key (found in Sinner's Road or purchased elsewhere). Behind this door lies:
- Additional Rosary caches
- A shortcut to a distant part of the tunnel network
- Access to the deeper Wormways sections with unique enemies
Zylotol's Laboratory
After completing enough of the Plasmium quest, Zylotol opens his private laboratory:
- Unique crafting station for alchemical items
- Lore about the nature of Plasmium and its connection to Pharloom
- A powerful consumable reward
Worm Fossil Chamber
Deep in the tunnels, a massive chamber contains the fossilized remains of the original worm that carved the Wormways. This area contains lore tablets and a hidden charm.
Connection to Moss Grotto Depths
A hidden tunnel connects the Wormways to the deepest parts of Moss Grotto, creating a shortcut for late-game backtracking and accessing the Maiden's Soul location.
Hidden Meditation Alcove
A small, peaceful alcove hidden behind a breakable wall. Resting here fully restores health and triggers unique dialogue about Hornet's journey as a wanderer.
Connections to Other Areas
Accessible From
- Bone Bottom (upper-left locked door, requires Simple Key)
Leads To
- Chapel of the Wanderer (primary destination)
- Moss Grotto (hidden connection via deep tunnels)
- Above Moss Grotto (the Wormways sit above the grotto geographically)
Tips for Exploration
- Buy the Simple Key from Bone Bottom as soon as you can afford it — early Wormways access provides valuable rewards.
- Save the second Simple Key usage for a return visit when you have more abilities.
- The acid-spewing bug in the corridor before the Wormways entrance can be defeated or dodged; dodging saves health for the actual area.
- Bring plenty of healing resources; the Wormways has limited safe resting spots.
- The Chapel of the Wanderer's platforming gauntlet has no checkpoints — be patient and learn each section before committing.
- Track the Plasmium quest on the Wishboard; samples are scattered across many areas you'll visit naturally.
- The Wanderer Crest is worth the effort; its exploration bonuses save significant time in later areas.
- Return after reaching Sinner's Road for the second Simple Key to fully explore locked sections.
The Wormways exemplifies Silksong's philosophy of rewarding curious players. This entirely optional area contains some of the game's best rewards — the Wanderer Crest, Zylotol's unique quest, and shortcuts that connect distant corners of Pharloom. Don't let its hidden entrance fool you; the Wormways is essential content for any player aiming for full completion and the true ending.