In Hollow Knight, the Stagways offered players a way of dashing to remote regions. In Silksong, Team Cherry has offered up the same but different in the Pharloom Bellways, which gives Hornet her own method of dashing around the vast world. Shortcuts such as elevators and hidden doors remain, but the Bellways are the true support to fast traveling.
The Bellways Explained
Spaced intermittently throughout Pharloom, Bellway points allow Hornet to ride upon a massive creature known as the Bell Beast. Bellway points can be found by signposts containing three right-pointing chevrons. With them opened, the Bell Beast can take Hornet instantly between any previously reached point. There are a total of ten Bellway points on the map and they function similarly to the network of the Last Stag’s from the original game.
But there’s a catch: as opposed to the Last Stag, the Bell Beast isn’t necessarily friendly right off. Hornet has to first locate and overpower it before she can reap its assistance.
Unlocking the Bell Beast
The fast travel option is available after players push further into The Marrow and Moss Grotto. It begins near Bone Bottom, where Hornet encounters Shakra, Pharloom’s cartographer merchant. Follow the left path from Shakra’s room and then upwards to reach the sub-zone Mosshome.
Here, Hornet can unlock a shortcut to Bone Bottom by striking the lever on the left side of the room, simplifying further travel. In front of this shortcut lies a trapped room leading to the Weaver symbol that grants Hornet Silkspear power. Silkspear power is critical to what is coming.
Back at the area north of Shakra, Hornet will encounter a sign with the characteristic chevron markings. Follow this path has her confront the Bell Beast, bound up in silken ropes. With Silkspear, she must break through its bonds simultaneously, which triggers a straining battle.
The Bell Beast Battle
The battle against the Bell Beast is all about timing and agility. The beast attacks by charging around the arena, dropping bells onto the arena from above, and jumping up into the air to stomp on Hornet. Victory lies in paying careful attention to these habits: avoiding falling bells, leaping over charges, and hitting safely once the beast touches down.
After losing, Hornet is pushed into a dream world sequence in which she must climb up to the highest point to conquer the Silk Heart, a reward that confirms her bond with the creature. She wakes up once more within the boss arena, and Hornet gets full access to the Bellways. From any station that has been unlocked, she can call forth the Bell Beast and instantly journey to another.
Why It Matters
The Bellways not only speed exploration but also help to contain Pharloom’s enormous, vertical design. Unlike Hollow Knight’s Stagways, this system has a direct connection to the game’s themes of mastery and struggle: Hornet earns fast travel only by showing her dominance over the beast that powers it.
