Benches are vital in Hollow Knight: Silksong, serving as save points, respawn locations, and spots to replenish Hornet’s Silk. In the toxic depths of Bilewater, benches become even more important since the maggot-infested waters constantly drain your strength. While this area is technically optional, completionists will want to find every bench. Below is a full breakdown of all four Bilewater bench locations, including how to reach them and what to watch out for.
Before diving into their exact locations, it’s worth noting that Bilewater benches provide more than convenience. They give you a safe point before major fights and help manage the draining effects of the poisonous pools. Some benches in this area are also hidden behind breakable walls or tied to bosses, making them easy to miss if you don’t explore carefully.
Bilewater Bench #1 – Bell Beast Station
Your first bench in Bilewater is located inside the room with the Bell Beast station. This is the most straightforward checkpoint and is well signposted as you begin exploring the area. If you’re just entering Bilewater, follow the Bell Beast markers, and you’ll naturally be led to this bench.
Bilewater Bench #2 – Exhaust Organ
From the first bench, head left until you find a breakable wall. Smashing through it takes you into the Mist area, where you’ll discover the Exhaust Organ. Inside this eerie structure, climb up and to the left to activate the second bench. This one is free of charge, making it one of the most useful resting spots in the region.
Bilewater Bench #3 – Hidden Bench Behind Breakable Wall
The third bench is located higher up in Bilewater and requires the Faydown Cloak (double jump) to reach. It’s hidden behind a breakable wall, so keep an eye out for suspicious cracked surfaces as you climb. Be cautious, though: some signs in the area deliberately mislead you toward a trap bench that collapses into infected water. To avoid this, rely on the map (or memory) rather than the misleading markers. Once you smash through the correct wall, you’ll find a legitimate bench to rest at.
Bilewater Bench #4 – Boss Bench (Groal the Great)
The final Bilewater bench only becomes available after defeating Groal the Great, the boss waiting at the top of the area. Once the battle is complete, the bench unlocks, giving you a safe place to heal and prepare for the next stage of your journey. This makes the Groal fight far less punishing, as you won’t have to repeat the entire climb again.
Quick Tips for Exploring Bilewater
- Bring the Wreath of Purity: This defensive tool prevents debuffs for the first several dips into the poisonous water and refreshes when you rest at a bench.
- Prioritize double jump: Many areas, including the third bench and the map location, require the Faydown Cloak. Don’t attempt full exploration without it.
- Beware of traps: Not all benches are genuine. If you see one that seems too convenient, check for alternate paths or signs of trickery.
- Use Shakra’s map: You can purchase the Bilewater map from Shakra for 90 Rosaries once you have double jump. It makes finding benches and exits far easier.
Bilewater is one of Silksong’s most treacherous areas, but with all four benches unlocked, it becomes much more manageable. From the reliable Bell Beast station to the hidden Exhaust Organ and the boss-tied final bench, each checkpoint plays a role in surviving the poisonous depths. Keep an eye out for breakable walls, don’t be fooled by the trap bench, and make sure you’ve secured the double jump before fully committing to exploring this hostile zone. Play Now!
Want more help with tough encounters? Browse our Silksong walkthrough collection.
