Swift Step—the ability that lets Hornet dash and sprint—is found at a shrine in the upper, northern part of Deep Docks. Head through the region’s middle section, go upward, then double back west toward a bench and the shrine. Interact with the shrine to unlock it.
Where to find Swift Step in Deep Docks
Search the northernmost, upper section of Deep Docks for a shrine. Game8 places the ability in the region’s northernmost area, while PCGamesN describes a route through the middle section, upward, and then back west toward a bench and the shrine.
The available route descriptions do not identify every room or establish whether directions vary by game version, so use the shrine as your landmark rather than expecting a room-by-room walkthrough.
How to unlock the dash
- Travel to Deep Docks and make your way through its middle section.
- Go upward, then double back west toward the bench and shrine in the upper part of the region.
- Interact with the shrine to acquire Swift Step.
What Swift Step does and how to use it
Swift Step combines a forward dash with a sustained ground sprint. The Hollow Knight Wiki describes tapping Sprint to dash forward on the ground or in the air, and holding Sprint to run along the ground. While airborne, holding down and tapping Sprint performs a downward dash.
#1 Best Overall
![Hollow Knight: Silksong Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51mOgOC8xEL._SL160_.jpg)
- Discover the fallen insect kingdom of Pharloom! Explore mossy grottos, gilded cities and misted moors as you ascend to the shining citadel at the top of the world.
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PCGamesN reports the default input as the right trigger on a controller or C on keyboard. These are reported defaults, not guaranteed settings for every setup; if the input does not work, check the game’s control settings for your assigned Sprint button.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
![Hollow Knight - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51nXCF+sf5L._SL160_.jpg)
- Classic side-scrolling action, with all the modern trimmings.
- Forge your own path! The world of Hallownest is expansive and open. Choose which paths you take, which enemies you face and find your own way forward.
- Evolve with powerful new skills and abilities! Gain spells, strength and speed. Leap to new heights on ethereal wings. Dash forward in a blazing flash. Blast foes with fiery Soul!
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Rank #3
- Classic side-scrolling action, with all the modern trimmings.
- Tightly tuned 2D controls. Dodge, dash and slash your way through even the most deadly adversaries.
- Explore a vast interconnected world of forgotten highways, overgrown wilds and ruined cities.
- Forge your own path! The world of Hallownest is expansive and open. Choose which paths you take, which enemies you face and find your own way forward.
- Evolve with powerful new skills and abilities! Gain spells, strength and speed. Leap to new heights on ethereal wings. Dash forward in a blazing flash. Blast foes with fiery Soul!.Equip Charms! Ancient relics that offer bizarre new powers and abilities. Choose your favourites and make your journey unique!.An enormous cast of cute and creepy characters all brought to life with traditional 2D frame-by-frame animation..
Rank #2
- Hollow Knight: Silksong is the epic sequel to Hollow Knight, the award winning action-adventure.
- Journey to all-new lands, discover new powers, battle vast hordes of bugs and beasts and uncover secrets tied to your nature and your past.
Sources
- Game8: “How to Unlock Dash: Swift Step Location | Hollow Knight: Silksong” (guide last updated September 8, 2025).
- PCGamesN: “How to unlock Dash in Hollow Knight Silksong – Swift Step location.”
- Hollow Knight Wiki: “Swift Step.” Ability mechanics may change as the reference is updated.
- Nintendo Life: “Hollow Knight: Silksong: Every Silk Skill & Ancestral Art.”
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