King's Pass map

King's Pass is a single downward corridor that runs from the top of the cliffs to the gates of Dirtmouth. It exists to teach you three things: the nail swings in four directions, spikes and pits hurt for one mask, and scenery in this game breaks. Nothing here can kill you quickly, so use it to get comfortable with the jump arc and the downward pogo before you reach anything that fights back.

Two things in the pass are easy to miss. Partway down there is a wall of loose rock on the right that hides a small chamber with a chunk of Geo. Lower down, just before the final drop, a hidden alcove holds more Geo and a lever puzzle in some versions of the route. None of it is required, but the early Geo pays for a good chunk of the Quill later, and it is the first hint that Hallownest hides rooms behind ordinary looking walls. Hit suspicious surfaces. Do it for the rest of the game.

There is no map to buy here. Cornifer never visits King's Pass, and the pass is small enough that it shows on the world map as a thin strip above Dirtmouth once you pass through. You cannot get lost, so do not worry about the Quill yet.

From the bottom of the pass you step into Dirtmouth. The route is one way in practice: once you are in the village you will never need to climb back up unless you want to reach the Howling Cliffs from the west edge of town. Rest at the bench by the well, talk to Elderbug, and go down.

Places inside King's Pass

• Cliffside descent
• Hidden Geo alcove
• Dirtmouth gate

Tips

• Break the loose rock walls on the way down. Two of them hide Geo.
• Practise the downward pogo on the spike pits. You will use it constantly in Deepnest and the White Palace.
• There is nothing missable here, so do not restart a save over it.
• Do not buy anything before you reach Dirtmouth. You have nothing to spend Geo on yet.

All 2 locations in King's Pass