In the sprawling kingdom of Pharloom, exploration is often dictated by the tools and items Hornet carries. Among the most vital consumable items are Simple Keys. These rusted, triangular-topped keys are essential for bypassing gates, freeing NPCs, and accessing high-tier rewards that define a character's build. There are exactly four Simple Keys scattered across the world of Hollow Knight: Silksong, and knowing where to find them—and more importantly, where to spend them—is the difference between struggling in the early game and mastering the mid-game challenges.

Simple Keys are single-use items. Once a key is inserted into a lock, it breaks, meaning players must strategically choose which doors to prioritize based on their current needs, whether that be new combat skills, currency storage, or access to optional biomes.

Where to Find All Four Simple Keys in Pharloom

Acquiring all four keys requires a mix of economic management, combat prowess, and environmental awareness. Unlike the first game, where keys were often found in static locations, Silksong integrates them into the game's new quest and currency systems.

1. Purchase from Pebb in Bone Bottom

The earliest opportunity to obtain a Simple Key occurs in the hub area of Bone Bottom, located just past the Moss Grotto. Pebb, the small scavenger merchant, offers a Simple Key for 500 Rosaries.

For early-game players, 500 Rosaries represents a significant investment. Efficient farming is necessary to secure this key quickly. The Marrow, the area connecting Bone Bottom to the deeper regions, is the most effective spot for this. By looping through the upper tunnels and defeating the Pilgrim mobs, players can gather enough currency within approximately 20 minutes of consistent play. While the key is available early, it is often better to prioritize needle upgrades first unless immediate access to the Wormways is desired.

2. Defeat the Roachkeeper in Sinner's Road

The second key is a reward for combat mastery. It is dropped by the Roachkeeper, a mini-boss stationed at the summit of a vertical gauntlet in Sinner's Road. Reaching this boss requires navigating a series of spike-lined shafts that demand precise wall-climbing and use of the Claw Line ability.

The Roachkeeper fight focuses on spatial management. The boss utilizes a heavy overhead slam that creates a shockwave, forcing Hornet to stay mobile. A recommended strategy is to bait the slam, dash behind the Roachkeeper, and land a two-hit combo before retreating. Once defeated, the boss drops the Simple Key, which is often used immediately in the same region to progress an NPC questline.

3. The Desert Corpse in Sands of Karak

The third key is found through pure exploration in the Sands of Karak, a high-altitude biome characterized by golden dust and shifting platforms. This region is accessible from the western edge of the Blasted Steps.

To find the key, navigate to the easternmost edge of the region. There is a specific rest point (a bench) sheltered under a stone outcropping. Sitting on this bench is a deceased pilgrim; interacting with the corpse yields the third Simple Key. The challenge here is not combat, but rather the environmental hazards of the Sands, including temporary platforms that disappear shortly after being struck.

4. Purchase from Jubilana in Songclave

The final Simple Key is held by Jubilana, a specialized merchant in the Songclave area. Unlike Pebb, Jubilana does not appear by default. Players must first complete "The Wandering Merchant" quest, which involves locating her in the choral chambers and clearing a nearby path of enemies.

Once her shop is established in Songclave, she sells the Simple Key for 650 Rosaries. This is the most expensive key in the game. By this stage, players should have access to the Choral Chambers, where the large Reed Guards drop substantial amounts of Rosaries, making the high price tag more manageable.

Strategic Locations to Use Simple Keys

With four keys in hand, players encounter four distinct locks. Each lock offers a unique category of reward, from combat tools to entirely new sub-zones.

The Wormways Entrance (Bone Bottom)

Located to the left of Moss Home, a locked stone gate leads into the Wormways. Using a key here is highly recommended for players who favor agility and fast-paced combat.

Rewards:

  • Crest of the Wanderer: This crest alters Hornet’s core moveset, trading reach for significantly higher attack speed. It also changes the downward aerial attack into a precise swipe, which is excellent for "pogoing" off enemies.
  • Lost Fleas: Several collectible fleas are hidden in the vertical shafts of this area.
  • Memory Locket: An item used for lore progression and unlocking specific dialogue with NPCs.

The Deep Docks Lower Level

Directly below the Forge Daughter’s forge in the Deep Docks lies a heavy door chained with a simple padlock. Unlocking this door provides early access to a high-difficulty section of the Docks that usually requires the Claw Line to reach from the other side.

Rewards:

  • Flint Slate: This is a powerful offensive tool that ignites Hornet’s needle. When equipped, successful hits build up heat, eventually causing attacks to deal fire damage and ignite enemies for damage-over-time.
  • Craft Metal: Rare materials used for high-level tool crafting.
  • Far Fields Shortcut: This path allows for quick travel between the Docks and the southern Far Fields.

The Green Prince’s Cage (Sinner’s Road)

In the central vertical room of Sinner's Road, a vibrant green NPC known as the Green Prince is held behind bars. Using a Simple Key here frees him, which is a prerequisite for one of the game's major optional questlines.

Rewards:

  • Access to Lost Verdania: Freeing the Green Prince eventually triggers his appearance in the Citadel. In the later acts of the game, this interaction unlocks the entrance to Lost Verdania, a lush, overgrown biome filled with unique bosses and Charms.
  • NPC Assistance: The Green Prince provides tactical information regarding the bosses in the Citadel.

The Rosary Bank (High Halls)

In the High Halls, west of the Ventrica Station, there is an ornate door that requires the final Simple Key. This area serves as a financial and tactical hub.

Rewards:

  • Rosary Cannon: This long-range tool consumes Rosaries to fire high-velocity projectiles. It is one of the most powerful ranged options in the game, particularly effective against flying bosses like the Steel Assassin Sharpe.
  • Rosary Storage: This area allows players to "bank" their Rosaries, protecting them from being lost upon death. This is a crucial mechanic for late-game players attempting to save for expensive upgrades.

Which Key Should You Use First?

For most players, the Wormways or the Deep Docks should be the first priority. The Crest of the Wanderer found in the Wormways fundamentally changes how Hornet handles, making subsequent platforming challenges and boss fights in the early game much more forgiving. However, if you find yourself struggling with damage output, the Flint Slate in the Deep Docks offers a more immediate combat advantage.

The Green Prince’s cage can be delayed until you are ready to tackle the Citadel, while the High Halls lock is best saved for when you have a surplus of Rosaries and need a reliable way to store them or a powerful tool like the Rosary Cannon to deal with endgame threats.

Economic Management: Farming Rosaries for Keys

Since two of the four keys require a total of 1,150 Rosaries, managing your economy is vital.

  1. Don't Hoard: Rosaries are lost upon death unless you reach your shadow. If you are close to 500, return to Pebb immediately rather than pushing into a new, dangerous area.
  2. Target Large Mobs: In the Songclave, the Cogwork Dancers and Reed Guards provide the highest currency yield per minute.
  3. Sell Components: Excess Shell Shards can often be traded to specific merchants for Rosaries if you are just short of the amount needed for a key.

Summary of Simple Key Mechanics

Simple Keys are the gatekeepers of Pharloom’s secrets. By collecting all four from Pebb, the Roachkeeper, the Sands of Karak, and Jubilana, you gain access to the game’s most influential tools and regions. Whether you are seeking the fire-imbued power of the Flint Slate or the strategic safety of the Rosary Bank, these keys are the most valuable consumables in Hornet’s inventory.

FAQ

Can I buy more than four Simple Keys? No. There are only four Simple Keys available in a single playthrough. Once all four are used on their respective locks, no more can be obtained.

What happens if I lose my Rosaries before buying a key? You will need to farm them again. The keys remain in the merchant's inventory until purchased.

Is the Rosary Cannon worth a Simple Key? Yes, especially for players who prefer a ranged playstyle. It deals significant damage, though it does require a steady supply of Rosaries to use as ammunition.

Do I need a Simple Key to finish the main story? Technically, most Simple Key areas are optional or provide shortcuts. However, freeing the Green Prince is highly recommended for players who want to experience the full scope of the game’s lore and secret biomes.

Which key is the hardest to get? The key from Jubilana is often considered the most difficult because it requires both a quest completion and the highest currency payment in the game.