Exploring the expansive subterranean ruins of Hallownest in Hollow Knight requires unlocking various shortcuts and secret chambers to progress efficiently. Among the most versatile items in the game are Simple Keys, which unlock four distinct locks scattered across the map. Knowing where to find each key and prioritizing where to use them can save players considerable time during their journey.
Where to Find Every Simple Key in Hallownest
The first Simple Key can be purchased directly from Sly in Dirtmouth for 950 Geo once his shop is unlocked. This is often the earliest key accessible to new players as they explore the surface town.
A second key is located in the City of Tears within a large alcove near the City Storerooms station. Players must venture into the alcove and defeat a guard enemy to safely claim the item from a corpse.
The third key resides in the Ancient Basin inside the belly of a dead Mawlurk. To reach it, you must navigate through a sub-area filled with hostile environment hazards near the broken elevator shaft.
The fourth key is found in Kingdom's Edge behind a breakable wall in the lower section of the region. Players tracking daily gaming news and indie guides often highlight this key due to its hidden placement near the Colosseum of Fools.
Where to Use Your Simple Keys
One lock is located in Dirtmouth to the far right, which opens Confessor Jiji's cave. Opening this door allows players to recover their Shade without traveling back to the spot of their death.
Another lock opens the Pleasure House in the City of Tears, granting access to a hot spring and the musician Maramu. This location serves as an effective checkpoint for restoring health and Soul quickly.
A third lock is situated in the Royal Waterways, unlocking the entrance to the Godseeker and the Godhome content. This path is essential for players looking to take on boss rush challenges late in the game.
The final lock opens the door leading to the Royal Waterways from the City of Tears. Unlocking this shortcut makes traveling between the central regions of Hallownest much faster.
Best Order to Spend Your Simple Keys
For most initial playthroughs, spending your first key on Confessor Jiji or the Royal Waterways door offers the best immediate value. Jiji provides safety for accumulated Geo, while the Watery shortcut aids early map traversal.
Saving the Godseeker key for late-game progression is recommended since Godhome content demands high nail upgrades and many unlocked charms. Deciding when to unlock each door depends on your current gameplay goals and exploration pace.
