Locating the Jailer in Hollow Knight: Silksong can be confusing—players might unexpectedly get dragged into The Slab prison, while others never encounter the event. This guide explains how to access the prison with or without being captured.
How to Enter the Prison
- Method 1: Kidnapping
Jailers in specific areas can trigger a scripted capture, complete with unique dialog and an escape sequence. - Method 2: Apostate Key
Acquire the Key of the Apostate in the Putrified Ducts (east of Songclave) to unlock prison doors manually. Requires double jump or a late-game movement upgrade.
Jailer Spawn Areas
- Greymoor
Possible spawn between Bellhart and Bellway node during Act 2. - Hunter’s March
Often appears near the bench leading to Far Fields. - Bilewater
Rare spawns reported in deeper sections past benches.
Note: Spawns may depend on quest progress (e.g., the Courier’s questline) and stop after using the Apostate Key.
Using the Apostate Key
Once unlocked, explore The Slab for breakable ceilings and hidden passages. A secret roof exit in a scroll-filled room provides direct prison access. Double jump suffices, though the final movement upgrade helps.
Key Takeaways
- The prison holds lore, maps, and progression routes—no achievements are missable.
- Skipping capture skips optional dialog but doesn’t block content.
FAQ
- Can you miss the prison?
No—the Apostate Key guarantees access. - Do Jailers despawn after using the key?
Reports suggest kidnappings cease once doors are unlocked. - What upgrades are needed for the secret passage?
Double jump works; final upgrade eases traversal. - Penalty for avoiding capture?
No rewards lost—only the cutscene is skipped.