Game Guide
Shakra Locations & Items
Shakra is the essential map vendor in Hollow Knight: Silksong. This guide details where to find Shakra in each region and what items are available for purchase.
Shakra Location Timeline
Based on guides from GameSpot, PCGamer, and community research, here's the complete progression of Shakra's locations throughout Act 1:
Stage | Region | Shakra Available | Maps Offered | Special Items |
---|---|---|---|---|
Start | Moss Grotto | ❌ No | None | Tutorial area only |
1 | The Marrow | ✅ Yes | The Marrow | Compass, Quill, Markers |
2 | Bone Bottom | ✅ Summon | Any missed maps | Fallback location |
3 | Deep Docks | ✅ Yes | Deep Docks | Ring Marker |
4 | Far Fields | ✅ Yes | Far Fields | Standard items |
5 | Greymoor | ✅ Yes | Greymoor | Standard items |
6 | Shellwood | ✅ Yes | Shellwood + Bellhart | Dual map availability |
7 | Bellhart | ✅ Yes | Bellhart | If not acquired from Shellwood |
8 | Wormways | ✅ Yes | Wormways | Mid-game progression |
9 | Hunter's March | ✅ Yes | Hunter's March | Hunt Marker |
10 | Blasted Sands | ✅ Yes | Blasted Sands | Late game items |
Essential Tool Purchases
Priority 1: Compass
- Function: Shows Hornet's position on the map
- Why Essential: Without this, you can't see where you are
- Purchase Location: First available in The Marrow
- Cost: [Varies by region]
- Recommendation: Buy immediately when first encountered
Priority 2: Quill
- Function: Updates explored areas when resting at benches
- Why Important: Automatic map updates save significant time
- Purchase Location: Available in The Marrow alongside Compass
- Usage: Automatic - just rest at any bench to update maps
- Recommendation: Second essential purchase
Priority 3: Markers
Different marker types become available throughout your journey:
Ring Marker
- Availability: Deep Docks and later regions
- Function: General purpose location marking
- Uses: Mark secrets, collectibles, important NPCs
- Recommendation: Useful for completionist players
Hunt Marker
- Availability: Hunter's March
- Function: Specialized marking for hunt-related content
- Uses: Track hunt targets and related locations
- Recommendation: Essential for hunt questlines
Regional Breakdown
The Marrow (First Encounter)
What's Available:
- The Marrow area map
- Compass (PRIORITY)
- Quill (PRIORITY)
- Basic markers
Strategy:
- This is your first real opportunity to get essential tools
- Budget your currency - Compass and Quill are most important
- Purchase the area map to better understand the region layout
Bone Bottom (Fallback Location)
Special Function:
- Shakra can be summoned here if missed in other regions
- Acts as a safety net for tool purchases
- Available throughout the game as a backup
When to Use:
- If you missed Shakra in any region
- If you need to purchase essential tools you skipped
- As a central hub for map services
Deep Docks
What's Available:
- Deep Docks area map
- Ring Marker (new tool type)
- Standard navigation tools if not already purchased
Notable Features:
- First availability of Ring Markers
- Good location for tool upgrades
Shellwood (Dual Map Access)
Special Feature:
- Offers both Shellwood AND Bellhart maps
- Convenient for planning exploration of both areas
- Efficient tool shopping for late Act 1
Strategy:
- Consider purchasing both maps for better route planning
- Good opportunity to stock up on markers before complex areas
Shopping Strategy
Early Game (The Marrow)
- Compass - Absolute priority
- Quill - Second priority
- Area Map - Third priority
- Markers - Optional, based on available currency
Mid Game (Deep Docks - Greymoor)
- Area Maps - For each new region
- Ring Markers - If pursuing completionist gameplay
- Currency Management - Save for essential items
Late Game (Bellhart+)
- Specialized Markers - Hunt Markers when available
- Complete Map Collection - Fill in any gaps
- Preparation - Stock up before difficult areas
Finding Shakra Tips
Visual Identification
- Appearance: [Describe Shakra's visual appearance]
- Location Patterns: Usually found in central or easily accessible areas
- Audio Cues: Listen for distinctive vendor sounds
If Shakra is Missing
- Check Bone Bottom: Shakra can always be summoned here
- Previous Region: Sometimes Shakra lingers in the previous area
- Progress Gates: Some locations require story progression
Currency Management
Early Game Priorities
- Essential Tools Only: Focus on Compass and Quill
- Map Basics: Purchase area maps as you go
- Save Currency: Don't buy everything immediately
Currency Sources
- Enemy Drops: Regular source of small amounts
- Exploration Rewards: Hidden caches and secrets
- Challenge Completion: Bonus rewards for difficult content
Spending Strategy
- Tools First: Navigation tools provide the most value
- Maps Second: Area knowledge improves exploration efficiency
- Markers Last: Convenience items, not essential
Advanced Tips
Completionist Approach
- Mark Everything: Use markers extensively for 100% completion
- Map Collection: Acquire all available maps for reference
- Tool Mastery: Learn to use all available tools effectively
Speedrun Approach
- Minimal Purchases: Only buy absolutely essential items
- Route Optimization: Use maps to plan fastest paths
- Skip Optional: Avoid markers and non-essential maps
Balanced Play
- Core Tools: Always get Compass and Quill
- Selective Maps: Buy maps for complex or large areas
- Useful Markers: Purchase when exploring challenging regions
Remember: Shakra is your lifeline for navigation in Silksong. Don't skip opportunities to purchase essential tools, and remember that Bone Bottom always provides a fallback option if you miss Shakra elsewhere.