Hollow Knight Silksong Deep Docks Diving Bell Guide & Location

The Diving Bell in Hollow Knight Silksong confuses many players when first discovered in the Deep Docks. It sits locked at the bottom of the region, teasing a path into the Abyss. The bell is not something you can open early. Instead, it becomes part of the late-game Act 3 questline called The Dark Below. This guide explains where to find the Diving Bell, how to unlock it, and what role it plays in progression.

How to Unlock the Diving Bell in Hollow Knight Silksong

The Diving Bell cannot be opened during Act 2. To use it, you must advance to Act 3 by completing the Snared Silk ending. After this, the Act 3 quest The Dark Below begins.

Start the quest at the Forged Order by speaking to Bellow. He will later appear near the Diving Bell itself. Once you reach the bell chamber and meet him again, Bellow gives you the Diving Bell Key. With this key, you can finally unlock the bell and descend.

Location of the Diving Bell

The Diving Bell is found in the lower Deep Docks. To reach it, use a Simple Key to open the passage beneath the metallurgy shop. From here, progress downward through the platforms, enemies, and traps until you arrive at the bell chamber.

If you come from the Far Fields, there is also a breakable wall that links back into the Deep Docks. This shortcut lets you reach the Diving Bell from either side.

Path to the Diving Bell

Reaching the Diving Bell requires careful navigation:

Begin at the bench near the lower Deep Docks.
Use levers to open gates and bridges as you move through the platforms.
Watch for collapsing platforms and lava traps while clearing enemies in the chambers.
Drop into the lower shaft and continue right until you see the Diving Bell chamber.
The NPC Bellow will be waiting above the bell in a control room, where he provides the key.

The route includes multiple benches, but many require Rosaries to activate. Farming in earlier areas before entering the Deep Docks makes this section easier.

Diving Bell Questline Details

The Diving Bell is the focus of the Act 3 quest The Dark Below. After obtaining the key from Bellow, you can use the bell to descend into the Abyss. This marks a major shift in the story and unlocks one of the hardest questlines in the game.

The quest ties into the shrine priest tasks, side quests, and Flea Caravan progress that lead up to the Snared Silk ending. Only once these conditions are met does the bell become available.

Preparation Tips

Carry extra Rosaries, as benches along the route cost payment.
Clear enemies before attempting difficult platforming sections to avoid getting knocked into traps.
Unlock shortcuts and bridges whenever possible to make future attempts easier.
Keep your silk gauge charged so you can heal in safe openings during hazard runs.

Final Blurb

The Diving Bell in Hollow Knight Silksong is not just a hidden structure in the Deep Docks. It is locked until Act 3, where it becomes the centerpiece of The Dark Below questline. By meeting Bellow and earning the Diving Bell Key, you gain access to the Abyss and some of the hardest late-game content. Patience and preparation are key to making it through this path.