The Bell Beast is one of the first big challenges in Hollow Knight: Silksong. Defeating it proves you’ve learned the basics of Hornet’s combat, movement, and resource management. But once the fight is over, many players ask the same question: Where should I go next?
This guide breaks down the main paths, NPCs, and secrets you can explore after claiming victory over the Bell Beast.
Step 1: Ring the Bell and Unlock Travel
After the battle, continue to the right of the arena and interact with the large bell. Ringing it unlocks a fast-travel system, much like the Stagways in the first game. This makes backtracking and exploring Pharloom much easier, so it’s your first milestone after the fight.
Step 2: Explore The Marrow Prison
Keep heading right and you’ll eventually find a prison building marked with a circular symbol. Inside is Grindle, an imprisoned thief.
- Freeing him gives you access to the Straight Pin Tool, which lets Hornet fire a small forward projectile.
- If you rest at a bench and return, Grindle becomes a vendor who sells secrets for Rosaries.
This is one of the earliest choices in the game, and it pays off to release him.
Step 3: Head Into the Deep Docks
From the prison, descend into the large chasm. You’ll enter a transition zone that connects The Marrow to the Deep Docks. Here you’ll find:
- Shakra, who now sells the Deep Docks map and pins.
- A nearby bench, which costs 30 Rosaries to activate.
- Dangerous lava hazards that deal heavy damage if you fall in.
The Deep Docks introduce new enemies, vertical traversal challenges, and another crucial NPC — the Forge Daughter — who can craft items from Craftmetal and Rosaries.
Step 4: Acquire the Swift Step Skill
Early in the Deep Docks, you can reach the Swift Step ability. This lets Hornet dash into a sprint, even in mid-air, greatly expanding her mobility. Learning Swift Step opens up new routes and makes combat encounters much smoother.
Step 5: Prepare for New Bosses
Two bosses block further progress:
- The Ant Guardian (Hunter Guardian) — found above Grindle’s prison in The Marrow. Defeating it grants access to Hunter’s March.
- Lace — located to the right of Shakra’s spot in the Deep Docks. Beating her unlocks the Far Fields.
Both encounters require mastery of your new tools, especially Swift Step and the Straight Pin.
Step 6: Side Quests and NPC Discoveries
Once you branch into new areas, you’ll encounter more side content:
- Bone Bottom’s Wishwall unlocks quests like Bone Bottom Repairs and Garb of the Pilgrims.
- The Seamstress in the Far Fields offers upgrades to Hornet’s cloak.
- Additional vendors and travelers expand Pharloom’s story and reward exploration.
Which Path Should You Take First?
There’s no single “right” answer. Silksong encourages branching exploration, so the best approach depends on your playstyle:
- Want more combat variety? Head for the Ant Guardian to push into Hunter’s March.
- Prefer mobility and traversal? Progress through the Deep Docks, acquire Swift Step, and challenge Lace.
Both routes advance the story while offering unique rewards.
See also: Silksong Prisoner Choice Explained: Should You Free Grindle?
Beating the Bell Beast marks the start of true open progression in Silksong. Whether you explore The Marrow further, dive into the Deep Docks, or test yourself against Lace, every path opens up new tools, NPCs, and storylines.
Take your time — the early game is about experimenting, upgrading, and finding the route that best fits your playstyle. Pharloom is massive, and the Bell Beast is only the beginning. Play Now!
