Introduction
The Journey Begins
The world of *Hollow Knight*, a masterpiece of Metroidvania design, is a sprawling, interconnected labyrinth. From the shimmering, sun-drenched vistas of Greenpath to the claustrophobic, bug-infested tunnels of Deepnest, every area beckons exploration. Yet, reaching every corner of Hallownest is no simple task. Many of these areas are locked off, guarded by environmental puzzles, fearsome creatures, and, crucially, geographical barriers. This is where the game’s ingenious traversal mechanics come in, and in the case of the murky depths of the Waterways, a vital piece of infrastructure: the tram. This guide will walk you through the essential process of gaining access to the tram and, therefore, unlocking the secrets that lie within the mysterious Waterways.
A World of Adventure
Navigating *Hollow Knight* is a thrilling endeavor. You begin as a silent knight, armed with little more than your trusty nail, venturing forth into the decaying kingdom of Hallownest. As you delve deeper, you’ll uncover the tragic history of this fallen civilization, battle a menagerie of grotesque foes, and acquire powerful new abilities that will transform you from a fragile warrior into a force to be reckoned with. But before you can even begin to consider challenging the most formidable threats of Hallownest, you’ll need to master the fundamentals of traversal. And sometimes, the simplest routes are the most important.
What are the Waterways?
A Subterranean Realm
What exactly *are* these Waterways, and why should a courageous knight bother to venture there? Waterways is a vast, subterranean area, a network of tunnels and chambers filled with murky, acidic water and teeming with unsettling creatures. The air hangs heavy with the stench of decay, and the ambient music is particularly unsettling. This environment presents a significant change of pace from much of the game’s early-to-mid game content, adding a sense of dread and claustrophobia.
Rewards and Resources
The Waterways are also home to some valuable treasures and vital resources. Exploring its depths offers the chance to discover crucial upgrades that will enhance your combat capabilities and your capacity for exploration. It provides essential components needed to craft key items that will later assist in traversing the game. Moreover, the area is the gateway to a boss fight that is crucial for obtaining one of the game’s more versatile charms. It also offers a visual contrast to some of the more brightly lit areas in Hallownest. Venturing into the depths of the Waterways is an essential part of any player’s journey.
The Tram’s Importance
A Gateway to the Depths
Now, the reality of accessing the Waterways might seem daunting at first, particularly if you’re trying to traverse the game’s map without an existing route. The layout of Hallownest is carefully designed to provide a degree of challenge, presenting opportunities for discovery along with well-planned obstacles. The Waterways, however, are effectively sealed off. Attempting to simply “walk” into Waterways is almost certainly a fool’s errand. The area is physically separated from most accessible locations. You won’t get far; you will be confronted with impassable terrain. This is where the tram becomes absolutely indispensable.
Fast Travel and Beyond
The tram functions as a crucial form of fast travel. It allows you to quickly move between distant points of the map, saving valuable time and effort. The tram also serves as a means to gain access to key areas, including the crucial Waterways. Without the tram, reaching this area is simply not possible. The game’s map design is such that the tram provides a direct, though initially locked, route to the Waterways. The tram acts as the essential connection, the lifeline for any explorer hoping to delve into this hidden region.
Finding the Tram Stations
City of Tears Station
Finding the tram station, which leads to the essential entrance to Waterways, can feel a little like a treasure hunt in itself. The tram station is connected to, and most easily reached from, two key locations: the City of Tears and Deepnest.
The tram station in City of Tears is quite easy to find, once you know where to look. From the main entrance into the City of Tears, take the elevator downward. Move past the large, ornate building with the Soul Sanctum entrance. You will eventually come across a passage on the left. Head down that passage. You will eventually encounter another elevator, which leads you down to a new area, which is the tram station.
Deepnest Station
The Deepnest tram station is a significantly more perilous journey. You’ll need to navigate the horrific tunnels of Deepnest, a zone notorious for its darkness, claustrophobia, and aggressive, spider-like enemies. From the entrance to Deepnest, near the crossroad, travel southeast through the twisting passages and winding tunnels. This section requires a careful approach, as the environment is treacherous. The tram station can be found on the far western side of Deepnest. Be prepared to face a tough climb and some challenging encounters. As you navigate Deepnest, be sure to have the correct charms and abilities as you make your way towards the tram.
Unlocking the Tram
The Tram Pass Quest
But simply *finding* the tram station is only half the battle. The tram itself is locked. It’s not just a matter of walking up and hopping aboard. You need to gain access. The path to unlocking the tram isn’t immediately apparent. It involves a specific set of actions, a series of encounters, and the acquisition of the correct key. This is where the journey truly begins.
Obtaining the Tram Pass
The main method of getting on board the tram involves a sequence of events centered around The City of Tears. The key to unlocking the tram lies in obtaining the Tram Pass, a small item that looks very ordinary. You’ll encounter a unique boss in the City of Tears, who is guarding a building near the main entrance. The Tram Pass can only be found once this enemy is defeated.
You will need to be prepared for this boss fight. It can be challenging, so make sure you have the right nail upgrades, and that your Soul Vessel is near maximum capacity. The boss will put up a significant fight, so make sure you have the right charms for the fight. This fight serves as a test, preparing you for the challenges that lie ahead, and it’s a crucial step towards accessing the tram and Waterways.
Once the boss has been defeated, find the Tram Pass inside the building. Once you obtain the Tram Pass, you are ready to ride the tram. Head back to any tram station, activate the lever next to the tram door, and board. The tram will then begin its journey.
Riding the Tram and Journey to Waterways
The Tram Ride
Now that the Tram Pass is in your possession and you’ve found a Tram station, you’re ready to use the tram itself. Find the tram stations we’ve already discussed. Once inside, head towards the main doors of the tram. You’ll see a panel next to the doors. Interact with this, and the tram will begin its automated ride. As the tram hurtles forward, you’ll be swept into the world of Hallownest. The experience of riding the tram for the first time is a memorable one.
The journey on the tram provides its own visual experience, offering glimpses into the dark and mysterious depths of Hallownest.
Arrival in the Waterways
And soon enough, the tram will arrive at its destination, the entrance to Waterways. Disembark, and you will find yourself in the dark, damp, and eerie landscape of the Waterways. Now, the real adventure begins.
Exploring the Waterways
The Murky Depths
The Waterways are a challenging area to navigate. The terrain is treacherous, with sections of submerged pathways, narrow tunnels, and tight spaces. The air is filled with noxious gasses and the echoes of unwholesome activity.
Enemies and Challenges
Enemies in the Waterways are numerous and aggressive. They will be relentless in their assault. You’ll encounter a variety of foes, each with their own unique attack patterns. Some enemies lurk in the water, waiting to ambush unsuspecting travelers. Mastering your movement and learning the attack patterns of the various creatures you encounter is key to survival.
Secrets and Strategies
The Waterways also contains a secret, a boss arena. The boss is a significant challenge, so ensure you are equipped with the right charms and nail upgrades. Victory here unlocks further progress and grants access to yet more of Hallownest’s secrets.
Navigating the Waterways can be made easier by certain charms. Consider the Quick Focus charm, which allows you to heal faster. Another useful charm would be the Deep Focus charm.
Also, keep an eye out for hidden paths and secret chambers. Exploration is rewarded in *Hollow Knight*. You may uncover resources that are valuable for crafting upgrades or for survival, or that enhance your overall gameplay.
As you begin your exploration of the Waterways, remember the lessons you’ve learned on your journey to this point. Adapt and overcome.
Conclusion
Recap
So, to recap, the tram is a vital link in the interconnected world of *Hollow Knight*. It connects disparate locations and is crucial for accessing several key areas, including the Waterways. The process of obtaining the Tram Pass, finding the tram station, and riding the tram may seem challenging at first, but it is absolutely essential.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, with this guide, you will be able to use the tram in *Hollow Knight* to access the mysteries of the Waterways and the secrets that lie within. Explore the world of *Hollow Knight* and enjoy the journey. Now go forth and discover the secrets that Hallownest holds!
Call to Action
So, now that you’ve gained access to the tram, are you ready to explore the Waterways? What did you think of the area when you first ventured inside? Are there any areas you struggled with? Share your experiences in the comments below!
