Where to Get Simple Keys in Hollow Knight In Hollow Knight, Simple Keys unlock special doors and gates scattered across Hallownest, essential for accessing hidden areas, NPCs, and progression paths. There are exactly four Simple Keys to collect, each in a distinct location requiring varying skills like wall-breaking or abilities such as Crystal Heart.

Key 1: Dirtmouth (Easiest Grab)

Purchase this from Sly , the bug shopkeeper in Dirtmouth, for 950 Geo —a straightforward early-game buy once you've farmed some currency from basic enemies.

It's perfect for new players, as Dirtmouth serves as your hub, and Sly stocks other useful charms too.

Key 2: City of Tears

Head below the City Storerooms to a large room patrolled by Winged Sentries near a Whispering Root.
Clear the enemies, then climb to the top-right alcove for the key—no special abilities needed , just platforming and combat smarts.

Pro Tip : This area's moody rain-drenched vibe hides many secrets; explore thoroughly!

Key 3: Ancient Basin

Descend the looping left path in Ancient Basin , using Crystal Heart (super dash) to zip past spikes.
At the bottom, enter a Mawlurk corpse to find a Royal Retainer's body holding the key—fight the Mawlurk first for safe access.

This late-game spot demands precise movement; one slip means restarting from a bench.

Key 4: Colosseum of Fools Secret

Outside the arena, break the wall to the right of the cage area (above the main path) to enter a hidden zone.
Chase and defeat the Pale Lurker —a fast, spiky enemy that drops the key upon death.

Challenge Alert : Its speed and ball attacks test your reflexes; lure it carefully!

Where to Use Them

Each key fits one lock—single-use only. Key spots include:

Location| What's Inside| Requirements
---|---|---
Royal Waterways Entrance (City of Tears)| Access to waterways, bosses| None extra 1
Dirtmouth Graveyard Cave| Confessor Jiji (Shade summon with Rancid Egg)| Post-key purchase 3
Pleasure Room (Kingdom's Edge)| Zote's quirky side content| Late-game access 1
Godseeker's Cocoon (Junk Pit)| Godseeker progression| Multiple abilities 1

Player Stories from Forums

"That Pale Lurker chase had me raging for 20 mins—worth it for the satisfaction!" – Reddit thread, 2023

"Bought the first key early, saved it for Jiji when my Shade glitched in Resting Grounds. Lifesaver!" – Hollow Knight Wiki forums

Collecting all keys unlocks 100% completion vibes , side quests, and lore tidbits—no major spoilers here. As of early 2026, these spots remain unchanged in Hollow Knight (no Silksong patches affected them yet).

TL;DR : Buy #1 from Sly, grab #2 in City of Tears, dash for #3 in Ancient Basin, hunt #4 at Colosseum—use at Waterways, Jiji cave, Pleasure Room, Godseeker.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.