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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:

StageRegionShakra AvailableMaps OfferedSpecial Items
StartMoss Grotto❌ NoNoneTutorial area only
1The Marrow✅ YesThe MarrowCompass, Quill, Markers
2Bone Bottom✅ SummonAny missed mapsFallback location
3Deep Docks✅ YesDeep DocksRing Marker
4Far Fields✅ YesFar FieldsStandard items
5Greymoor✅ YesGreymoorStandard items
6Shellwood✅ YesShellwood + BellhartDual map availability
7Bellhart✅ YesBellhartIf not acquired from Shellwood
8Wormways✅ YesWormwaysMid-game progression
9Hunter's March✅ YesHunter's MarchHunt Marker
10Blasted Sands✅ YesBlasted SandsLate 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)

  1. Compass - Absolute priority
  2. Quill - Second priority
  3. Area Map - Third priority
  4. Markers - Optional, based on available currency

Mid Game (Deep Docks - Greymoor)

  1. Area Maps - For each new region
  2. Ring Markers - If pursuing completionist gameplay
  3. Currency Management - Save for essential items

Late Game (Bellhart+)

  1. Specialized Markers - Hunt Markers when available
  2. Complete Map Collection - Fill in any gaps
  3. 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

  1. Check Bone Bottom: Shakra can always be summoned here
  2. Previous Region: Sometimes Shakra lingers in the previous area
  3. 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.