Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsAfter defeating Soul Master in Hollow Knight, collect Desolate Dive and use it on cracked or trembling floors to open new passages. From there, you can continue toward the Royal Waterways if you have a Simple Key, or revisit breakable floors that can lead toward Crystal Peak and other areas. There is no single required next destination established by the available route guidance.
Get out of Soul Sanctum with Desolate Dive
Soul Master’s reward is Desolate Dive, a spell that lets the Knight slam into certain unstable floors and break through them. From the arena, follow the newly opened exit and use the spell on the glass-like, breakable floor passages along the way. The Soul Master reference describes the spell’s floor-breaking use, while this walkthrough traces the immediate route out of the area.
Choose a next route
The walkthrough’s planned next leg is the Royal Waterways, but that is one route choice rather than a mandatory progression gate. Desolate Dive also gives you a reason to revisit areas you have already explored.
| Route | Why consider it | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Waterways | The walkthrough continues there after leaving Soul Sanctum; it opens more of the City of Tears. | You need a Simple Key for the route described in the walkthrough. It is not established as the only valid next destination. Walkthrough |
| Crystal Peak | Desolate Dive can open access toward Crystal Peak from the Forgotten Crossroads. | Whether this branch is practical depends on what you have already unlocked in your save. Walkthrough |
| Other breakable floors | Cracked or rumbling ground in places such as the City of Tears and Forgotten Crossroads may conceal passages. | Look for suspicious floors as you revisit explored rooms. Soul Master reference; walkthrough |
How to decide where to go
- Check your inventory for a Simple Key. If you have one and want to follow the walkthrough’s route, head toward the Royal Waterways.
- Use your map and benches to revisit nearby areas. Search floors that look cracked or seem to tremble, then cast Desolate Dive on them.
- Try another branch if you lack the key. The spell can help open routes toward Crystal Peak and other breakable-floor passages; your most practical choice depends on your current map and unlocked abilities.
A player who has just beaten Soul Master and obtained the spell is asking a common navigation question, not missing a single compulsory instruction: the next destination depends on the route and items available in that save. Player discussion
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
![HOLLOW KNIGHT [E10]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51gHoLA9kNL._SL160_.jpg)
- Includes four giant bonus content packs: Hidden Dreams, The Grimm Troupe, Lifeblood, and Godmaster
- Classic side-scrolling action, with all 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
Rank #3
![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.
- Engage in lethal acrobatic action! Wield a huge suite of deadly moves as you dance between foes in swift, beautiful combat.
- Craft powerful tools! Master an ever-expanding arsenal of weapons, traps, and mechanisms to vanquish your enemies and explore new heights.
- Solve shocking quests! Hunt down rare beasts and solve ancient mysteries to grant the wishes of the downtrodden and restore the kingdom’s hope.
- Face over 200 ferocious foes! Beasts and hunters, monsters and knights. Defeat them all with bravery and skill!
Rank #2
![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!
- Equip Charms! Ancient relics that offer bizarre new powers and abilities. Choose your favorites and make your journey unique!
- An enormous cast of cute and creepy characters all brought to life with traditional 2D frame-by-frame animation.
#1 Best Overall
- Classic side-scrolling action, with all the modern trimmings. Dodge, dash and slash your way through even the most deadly adversaries.
- Tightly tuned 2D controls. Dodge, dash and slash your way through even the most deadly adversaries.
- 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.
- An enormous cast of cute and creepy characters all brought to life with traditional 2D frame-by-frame animation.
- Leap into minds with the Dream Nail. Uncover a whole other side to the characters you meet and the enemies you face.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.
