Movement abilities in Hollow Knight: Silksong are more than simple upgrades—they completely change how you interact with the world. One of the first and most important skills you’ll want to obtain is Dash, also known as Swift Step. This ability allows Hornet to dodge enemy attacks, cross wide gaps, and reach areas that were previously inaccessible. Unlocking it early makes exploration smoother and combat far more forgiving.
Silksong’s world is built with layered verticality and hidden shortcuts. Without Dash, you’ll often find yourself staring at unreachable ledges or struggling against enemies that demand quicker movement. Unlocking Swift Step not only expands your exploration options but also serves as a safety net in fast-paced fights.
Where to Unlock Dash in Silksong
To gain the Dash ability, you must locate the Swift Step Idol in the Deep Docks, one of the earliest major zones after The Marrow.
Here’s the step-by-step path to reach it:
- Enter the Deep Docks
- On arrival, activate the elevator shrine to turn it into a Rest Bench for saving progress.
- From here, head down and right to find Shakra the Map Merchant, who sells the area map for 50 Rosaries.
- Climb Upward Through the Platforms
- Begin ascending the platforms above the merchant. Enemies will attempt to slow you down, so stay alert.
- Cross the Lava Platform
- Eventually, you’ll find a solitary platform surrounded by lava. Surprisingly, Hornet can safely walk across it, but be wary of falling rocks while doing so.
- Break the Orange Node
- After crossing, climb until you see an orange orb embedded in the ceiling.
- Strike it and quickly retreat—the resulting explosion will open a hidden passage.
- Defeat the Ant Sub-Boss
- Progress left through the new path and prepare for a mandatory ant mini-boss encounter. Defeat them to continue.
- Reach the Swift Step Idol
- Beyond the fight, you’ll find the Swift Step Idol, a bug-carved altar.
- Interact with it to unlock Dash (Swift Step).
How to Use Dash and Sprint
Once Swift Step is unlocked, the controls become available instantly:
- Controller (PlayStation/Xbox): Press R2 / RT
- Keyboard (PC): Press C
- Dash: Tap the button while holding a direction to perform a quick burst.
- Sprint: Hold the same button to run continuously. There’s no stamina limit, allowing Hornet to sprint freely across areas.
Both Dash and Sprint can also be used in midair, giving you much more freedom to navigate tricky platforms and dodge in aerial battles.
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Best Ways to Use Dash in Silksong
- Combat Advantage: Use Dash to weave through enemy attacks instead of always jumping away.
- Exploration: Revisit earlier areas—many ledges, shortcuts, and hidden items become accessible after unlocking Swift Step.
- Boss Fights: Dash and Sprint help maintain offensive pressure while avoiding heavy hits.
- Experimentation: Some destructible walls and hidden routes are only accessible if you Dash into them.
Unlocking Dash in Silksong is a turning point in the game. From the moment you obtain Swift Step, Hornet’s movements feel faster, smoother, and more precise. Whether you’re dodging a boss’s crushing blow or sprinting across newly accessible areas, this ability makes the world of Pharloom open up in exciting ways.
Have you unlocked Swift Step yet, or are you still battling through The Marrow? Play Now!
