Can You Go Back to Act 1 Areas in Silksong

After opening the Grand Gates by defeating the Last Judge at the end of Act 1 of Hollow Knight: Silksong, players will find themselves stranded deep within the Underworks without a clear way to return to where they came from.

The elevator that takes players down to the Underworks breaks immediately, and it is impossible to use Wall Climb to go back up to the surface. Those with unfinished quests left behind in Act 1 will want to know if it is possible to go back, and how to do it if so. Here’s the breakdown.

How to Get Back to Act 1 in Silksong

To physically return to Act 1 areas of Silksong, you will first have to reach the Choral Chambers area by going up through the Underworks.

1. From the first Choral Chambers bench, turn left and go past the pilgrims to the very edge of the room.
   

2. There will be a breakable section of the floor that can be destroyed by using a downward slash.
   

3. Destroy this area and go through the tunnels with the spinning blades, and you’ll find yourself back in the Grand Gate area.
4. Drop down to the bottom and head left to return to the Blasted Steps.

If you didn’t activate any Bellways in Act 2, the only way you can return is by using this route, as the elevator is broken.

Where to Find a Bellway in Act 2 in Silksong

While it is possible to go back to Act 1 on foot, the trek is very long and more tedious as you further explore the Citadel. Luckily, there are two Bellways very close to the starting section of Act 2 of Silksong that players can unlock straight away; one is located in The Slab, while the other can be found in The Grand Bellway.

Both are equally easy to reach but the Grand Bellway is a better first destination as it contains a Ventrica Tube as well, making it an excellent mid-way point for the two types of fast travel methods in Silksong. Here are both of their locations.

Grand Bellway Location

After falling down into the Underworks, go through the tunnels to climb to the Choral Chambers.

1. Turn left from the first Choral Chambers bench, then drop down, before heading left again past the pilgrims.
   

2. In the large hall, Wall Climb to the top, turn right, then go up again to the floating platform in the middle of the room.
   

3. Go up through the tunnel above the platform, then go across the room with the four pilgrims to find a lever at the end.
   

4. Hit the lever to open a path below that leads to another room on the right.
5. Cross this room as well to reach a large hallway with floating platforms and hanging bells you can use to pogo.
   

6. Use parkour to reach the top of the room and enter the chamber to the right that has a bench sign beside it.
   

7. Sit on the bench to set a new respawn point and then continue right to the gauntlet room.
   

8. Activate the lever on the ground to access a tunnel system below and navigate through it to reach the area below.
   

9. Turn right in the hallway and keep going until you reach another large room with platforms and hanging bells.
   

10. Drop down to the bottom and enter the room to the right to find the Grand Bellway, a bench, and a Ventrica fast travel point.

The Slab Bellway Location

The Slab Bellway is located to the left of the Choral Chambers, and reaching it requires following much of the same route as the Grand Bellway. Here’s how:

1. Follow Steps 1-7 from the section above.
   

2. Turn left from the bench in Step 7 and look for an opening on the left side of the room.
   

3. In the next room, use the floating platforms to reach the top, and you’ll see two openings to the left, one above the other. The bottom one leads to a bench, while the one on the top is a direct route straight to The Slab area.
   

4. Take the path on the top left and keep going in a straight line.
5. Cross the large ornate bridge to reach The Slab.
   

6. From the entrance, keep heading left, and you’ll immediately see a Bellway signboard pointing down.
   

7. Jump down and cross the two rooms with enemies before dropping down again to reach The Slab Bellway.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Released

September 4, 2025

ESRB

E10+ For Everyone 10+ // Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood

Developer(s)

Team Cherry

Publisher(s)

Team Cherry

Engine

Unity