Overview
Shakra is a traveling map merchant who plays a crucial role in the "Trail's End" questline, which is essential for unlocking Act 3 in Hollow Knight: Silksong. This mysterious NPC can be found in multiple locations throughout Pharloom, selling valuable area maps and providing important quest progression.
Why Shakra is Important:
- Sells essential area maps for navigation
- Key NPC for the "Trail's End" questline
- Required for Act 3 progression
- Reasonable prices for valuable information
The Trail's End Questline
The "Trail's End" quest is one of the most important questlines in Silksong, directly connected to unlocking the game's final act. Shakra is central to this quest's completion.
Quest Overview
Trail's End Requirements:
- Find Shakra in multiple regions of Pharloom
- Purchase area maps from different locations
- Visit key areas: The Marrow, Deep Docks, Hunter's March
- Return to Bellhart (Bell Heart Town) for quest completion
- Speak with Pavo to unlock the Bellhome reward
Shakra Location Guide
Shakra can be found in several key locations throughout Pharloom. Here's where to find this elusive map merchant:
Primary Locations
- The Marrow: Near the bone gardens, look for a small tent setup
- Deep Docks: Close to the harbor entrance, among the merchant stalls
- Hunter's March: In the forest clearing, set up near the waystation
Timing & Availability
- Always Available: Once discovered, Shakra remains in location
- Quest Dependent: Some locations unlock after story progress
- Multiple Visits: Can be visited repeatedly for different maps
Shakra's Map Inventory
Shakra offers different maps depending on the location where you encounter them. Each map reveals important details about the corresponding area.
Available Maps & Prices:
The Marrow Map
Complete layout of the bone gardens and catacombs
Deep Docks Map
Harbor layout with hidden passages and Bilewater
Hunter's March Map
Forest paths and hunting grounds navigation
Special Region Maps
Additional areas unlocked through quest progression
Step-by-Step Quest Completion
Follow this detailed walkthrough to complete the Trail's End questline and progress toward unlocking Act 3.
1 Visit The Marrow
Travel to The Marrow and locate Shakra's tent near the bone gardens. Purchase the area map and explore the region thoroughly.
2 Explore Deep Docks
Find Shakra at the Deep Docks harbor area. This map is essential for navigating the Bilewater sections and finding the Seeker Soul.
3 Navigate Hunter's March
Locate Shakra's setup in the forest clearing of Hunter's March. This area contains important NPCs and quest items.
4 Return to Bellhart
After visiting all required areas, return to Bellhart (Bell Heart Town) and speak with the quest giver to update the Trail's End progression.
Tips and Strategies
Navigation Tips
- • Purchase maps as soon as you find Shakra
- • Mark important locations on your mental map
- • Use maps to plan efficient exploration routes
- • Look for Shakra's distinctive tent markers
Economy Tips
- • Save Rosaries for essential maps first
- • Maps are permanent purchases
- • Consider maps as investments in exploration
- • Some areas have hidden currency caches
Connection to Act 3 Unlocking
Act 3 Progression Chain
Completing the Trail's End questline through Shakra is one of three major requirements for unlocking Act 3, along with the Bone Bottom and Songclave questlines.
Complete Quest Chain:
- Complete Trail's End (Shakra questline) → Get Bellhome
- Complete Bone Bottom tasks → Get Hornet Statuette
- Complete Songclave Final Audience → Get Cogwork Heart
- All three unlock "Silk and Soul" questline
- "Silk and Soul" completion unlocks Act 3
Related Guides
Act 3 Unlock Guide
Complete walkthrough for unlocking the final act
Bilewater Guide
Explore the dangerous Bilewater region and find Shakra's location
Troubleshooting
Common Issues:
Can't find Shakra in expected locations?
Make sure you've progressed far enough in the main story. Some locations only become available after certain story milestones.
Trail's End quest not updating?
Ensure you've actually purchased and reviewed the maps from all three required locations: The Marrow, Deep Docks, and Hunter's March.
Not enough Rosaries for maps?
Explore thoroughly for hidden currency caches, defeat enemies for drops, and complete other NPC quests for rewards.
Conclusion
Shakra plays a vital role in both navigation and story progression in Hollow Knight: Silksong. By following this guide to locate Shakra in all key areas and complete the Trail's End questline, you'll be well on your way to unlocking Act 3 and experiencing the full scope of Hornet's journey through Pharloom.
Happy mapping! Shakra's guidance will illuminate the hidden paths of Pharloom.