Dash It Like You Mean It: The Quest for Speed
In the whimsical world of Metroidvania games, a certain power takes the cake—quite literally in the case of those pesky pastries that seem to bounce around. This time, the star of the show is none other than the Aerial Dash, which has taken a new guise in Silksong as the aptly named “Quick Step.” Buckle up for a joyride of discovery in this guide aimed at unlocking this high-speed maneuver for Hornet, leading to some exciting areas, fabulous bonuses, and the occasional boss-beating shenanigan!
Hornet kicks off her journey quite literally at the bottom of the abyss in Hollow Knight Silksong. It’s a metaphorical deep dive, too, since she’s lost most of her powers. To rebound from this low point, navigating every nook and cranny of Pharloom is the name of the game to recover abilities, including the pièce de résistance: the Dash. It’s like getting your car keys back after a long, wild party—necessary!
How to Acquire the Elusive Dash
Fear not, dear adventurers! The start of this escapade is surprisingly linear, so there’s little chance of missing this must-have power. It quickly becomes a requirement for further exploration—because nothing says “fun” like losing all hope of progress! Luckily, developers must actually like their players and haven’t hidden it under a rock—this power just requires a little effort, that’s all. First, a player must snag a map of the regions, including the Bone Abyss (yep, sounds like a delightful tourist destination) and the den of creepiness known as The Lair.
Next up, the mighty Silk Lance ability must be unlocked, paired with a showdown against the Bell Beast—because every hero needs a little drama! After some strategic wandering to the right, players will eventually stomp their way into the Deep Docks. Locate Sharam and buy a map, because wandering aimlessly is only fun until it turns into a lifetime commitment.
- With the prized map in hand, head to the top of the chamber where that pesky door on the right awaits. This leads directly into a subregion of the Deep Docks called the Hunter’s Path. Caution is key here—those Red Ants aren’t part of any friendly picnic.
- Leap from platform to platform, and don’t hesitate to dodge the fights. No need to ensure everyone gets a personal meet-and-greet with Hornet, particularly if the outcome isn’t favorable. Eventually, players will reach a Weaver’s Altar. Interacting with this altar will unveil the mighty Dash power, also dubbed the Quick Step.
Quick Step Power: Features and Functions
The description of this dazzling ability might leave many thinking it’s just about moving fast. Spoiler: This power does so much more than just get users from point A to point B quicker than the average snail in a hurry. Holding down RT while moving allows for some impressive speed and soaring leaps, but wait, there’s an entire universe of functionalities wrapped up in this sparkly gem. For starters, pressing the attack button while sprinting unleashes a special attack; the exact form this takes can depend on the equipped emblem. An emblem featuring a Reaper, for instance, orchestrates a lofty uppercut!
A quick tap on the RT trigger prompts the infamous Dash, providing a horizontal rocket boost. This functions both on the ground and in the air, meaning users can sprint, jump, then dash nobly through the air! This ability is vital not just for navigating around pesky obstacles but also gives an edge in duels with bosses, such as that intimidating Red Ant known as Skarragarde.
One final warning: The dash doesn’t come with nifty invincibility frames. It does not magically allow dodging enemy attacks like some gaming fairy tale. The only way to avoid getting hit is to stay out of the attack zone altogether, which, frankly, can require some expert maneuvering and a bit of luck.

