Dash and Sprint are key mechanics that are a must in any platformer, and Hollow Knight Silksong is no exception in that. However, unlike many games, here, you must unlock it through a special ability. The dash and sprint in Silksong is called Swift Step. It lets you quickly dodge attacks and cross tricky gaps, making it one of the most important early upgrades. In this guide, learn how to unlock the Swift Step ability in Hollow Knight Silksong and the ways to Dash or Sprint using it.

Where to Find the Swift Step Location in Hollow Knight Silksong

To get Dash and Sprint skills in Silksong, you must unlock Swift Step. The Swift Step is located in the Deep Docks, one of the first major areas after The Marrow. To unlock it, you need to reach the Swift Step Idol hidden in the upper regions of the Deep Docks.

How to Unlock Dash and Sprint in Hollow Knight Silksong

Given Hollow Knight Silksong’s length of 50+ hours, having this skill early on is crucial. Once you are ready to venture forward, follow the simple steps below to reach the location and get the Swift Step skill:

Enter the Deep Docks

Upon arrival, you will find an elevator leading to a shrine that can be converted into a Rest Bench. Activate it to save, then take the elevator back down and head right.

You will soon hear Shakra, the Map Merchant, at the bottom, outside the fast travel area. You can buy a map for 50 Rosaries if you want an easier time navigating. From here, start climbing the platforms above.

Cross the Lava

Keep climbing and heading right past enemies until you reach a lone platform surrounded by lava. It looks deadly, but you can actually walk across it safely. Watch for falling rocks as you cross and avoid fighting while on the lava platform.

Break the Orange Node

Once across, climb up until you spot an orange node in the ceiling. Hit it, then retreat to avoid the explosion. This opens a hidden passage.

Reach the Idol

Go through the new opening and keep moving left. You will face a mandatory ant sub-boss fight, but they are manageable. Keep pushing left until you reach the Swift Step Idol. Interact with it using the D-Pad up or down key to unlock the Dash and Sprint in Hollow Knight Silksong.

How to Use Dash and Sprint in Hollow Knight Silksong

Once you unlock the Swift Step skill, performing Dash and Sprint is easy in Hollow Knight Silksong. To dash in a specific direction, hold the direction button and press the Sprint button (R2 on PS5, RT on Xbox, C on PC). To sprint, hold the same button for a longer period.

That ends our guide to unlock the Swift Step ability in Hollow Knight Silksong. Have you unlocked it already? How far are you in the game? Let us know in the comments.

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