The Putrified Ducts in Hollow Knight: Silksong are one of Act 2’s most interesting areas. They are swampy, full of hazards, and hide valuable items. You will find rare tools like the Longclaw and the Apostate Key here. There are hidden passages, useful benches, and NPCs to meet. You also need the double jump ability from the Faydown Cloak to explore most of the ducts. Visiting this area makes your playthrough more complete.
“The Putrified Ducts are a test of skill and patience, but the rewards make it worth every jump.”
How to Enter the Putrified Ducts
The main way to enter is from the Choral Chambers. You must have the Faydown Cloak to double jump to higher platforms. Without it, you cannot reach many paths or items.
You can also enter from Bilewater. This route is shorter but guarded by Groal the Great. You cannot explore the full area this way. For the full experience, unlock double jump first, then backtrack to the Choral Chambers.
Step-by-Step Path to the Putrified Ducts
- Start at the eastern hallway of the Choral Chambers.
- Cut through the vines to reach Memorium. Rest at the nearby bench to save progress.
- Go right from the bench and break walls or vines to keep moving. You may face large enemies, but you can jump over them.
- Pay 70 rosaries at the citadel model to unlock the map for the area. This helps navigate the chambers.
- Look for hidden paths in the ceiling. Use double jump to reach a balcony above. Cross the bridge and climb walls to reach the Putrified Ducts proper.
- The ducts have many hazards. Take your time and watch for traps.
5 Major Rewards in the Putrified Ducts
1. Huntress’ Longclaw Tool
The Longclaw tool is given by the Huntress through the Broodfeast wish. She is in a chamber at the bottom of the ducts. Rest at her makeshift bench while you talk to her. Longclaw is useful for stronger enemies.
2. Apostate Key
The Apostate Key is found in a smashable cage near the bottom left of the ducts. You must reach this area with double jump. This key opens locked sections of the Slab. Without it, you miss a lot of hidden content.
3. Fleatopia & the Flea Caravan
Fleatopia is in the Pale Lake section of the ducts. The Flea Caravan moves here after you return a certain number of fleas (22). Returning all 30 fleas unlocks the Flea Games. Vog, a vendor at the top of the ducts, sells maps for lost fleas. This makes completing the Flea Games easier.
4. Wreath of Purity
The Wreath of Purity is in a hidden room above the central chamber. It repels Muckmaggots. This makes swamp areas easier to cross. It is one of the most helpful items in the ducts.
5. Silk Soar Ability (Act 3)
Once you reach Act 3, the Silk Soar ability lets you access areas above Pale Lake. You can start the Passing of the Age content here. This adds late-game challenges and rewards.
Extra Finds and Challenges
The ducts have benches and a Bellway station. The bench costs 60 rosaries. The Bellway station costs 80 rosaries. Use them to save and fast travel.
Craftmetal and rosaries are scattered throughout. Watch for traps and strong enemies. Some enemies can be avoided, but others must be defeated.
The area has hidden corners and walls you can break. Exploring fully rewards you with extra items and shortcuts.
Why You Should Explore the Putrified Ducts
The Putrified Ducts are not optional. Skipping them means missing tools, keys, and Fleatopia. They are a test of your platforming skills and timing. The area also contains story elements and NPCs like the Huntress and Vog.
Returning to the ducts with the Faydown Cloak is worth it. Even just for Longclaw, the Apostate Key, and the Wreath of Purity, it improves your gameplay. You also get access to the Flea Games and late-game content.
The ducts feel alive with hidden paths, enemies, and rewards. They offer some of the most engaging challenges in Act 2. Every visit teaches new ways to move, jump, and fight.
Fun Facts About the Putrified Ducts
- Players often call it “Silksong’s Swamp” because of its vines and murky water.
- The Apostate Key is one of the most missable but game-changing items.
- Fleatopia is similar to Hollow Knight’s Grubfather questline, but with more rewards.
- Some hidden walls can only be reached after mastering double jump and careful climbing.
- Returning all fleas in the ducts is satisfying but takes patience and memory.
