Hit a wall of bubbling lava in Hollow Knight: Silksong’s Deep Docks and wondering how to proceed safely? You’re definitely not alone. Those molten sections look intimidating, and while you can dash across them taking heavy damage, there’s a much smarter approach that’ll save your health and sanity.
The secret is the Magma Bell—a specialized tool that transforms deadly lava from a major threat into a manageable obstacle. Let me show you exactly how to get this essential piece of equipment and use it to explore Deep Docks without constantly worrying about your health bar.
Why Lava is Such a Problem (And Why You Need Protection)
Before diving into the solution, let’s talk about what makes Deep Docks’ lava sections so challenging:
Massive damage: Without protection, lava deals 2 mask damage per contact—that’s a huge chunk of your health Multiple sections: Deep Docks has several lava-filled areas, not just one or two spots Limited mobility: You can’t stand on lava, making precise platforming extremely difficult Exploration barriers: Many secrets and progression paths require crossing these molten areas
While skilled players can sometimes dash across quickly, this approach is:
- Risky (one mistimed jump = significant damage)
- Stressful (constantly worried about health management)
- Limiting (prevents thorough exploration of lava areas)
The Magma Bell changes everything by reducing that brutal 2-mask damage down to just 1 mask, plus it provides a protective flame shield that gives you precious seconds of safety.
Getting to Deep Docks: Your Starting Point
If you haven’t reached Deep Docks yet, here’s the route from The Marrow:
Prerequisites
- Access to The Marrow (normal story progression)
- Some combat skills for enemy encounters
- Rosaries for purchases (we’ll need 110 Rosaries + 1 Craftmetal)
The Route to Deep Docks
- Start from The Marrow and head to the bottom-right section
- Find the bench with Grindle’s prison cell – This is a key landmark
- Optional but recommended: Free Grindle to receive the Straight Pin tool (12 projectiles)
- Head down to the metal platforms and continue right
- Look for lava on the ground below – This marks your arrival at Deep Docks
Pro tip: Freeing Grindle isn’t required for the Magma Bell quest, but the Straight Pin tool he gives you is genuinely useful for ranged combat. If you’re curious about the implications of this choice, check out our guide on whether you should free Grindle.
Step-by-Step: Getting the Magma Bell
Once you’re in Deep Docks, here’s your path to lava protection:
Step 1: Get Your Bearings with a Map
Find Shakra, the map vendor – Head right from the Deep Docks entrance Purchase the area map – Costs Rosaries, but essential for navigation Study the layout – Deep Docks is more complex than earlier areas
Having a map isn’t just helpful—it’s practically essential for efficient navigation in this area. The lava sections can be confusing without proper orientation.
Step 2: Locate the Forge Daughter
From Shakra’s location:
- Continue heading right to the next room
- Look for a sign pointing downward – This indicates bench location
- Hit the lever and go down – Follow the path to find a bench on the right
- Continue right from the bench – You’ll find the Forge Daughter
Step 3: Make the Purchase
The Forge Daughter sells several items, but you want the Magma Bell:
- Cost: 110 Rosaries + 1 Craftmetal
- Function: Reduces lava damage and provides temporary protection
- Appearance: Creates a visible flame shield when stepping on magma
Budget tip: 110 Rosaries plus Craftmetal is a significant investment early in the game, but the Magma Bell pays for itself by preventing costly health damage. If you’re short on resources, prioritize earning more Rosaries before attempting extensive Deep Docks exploration.
For other valuable purchases in Deep Docks, including permanent tool upgrades, check out our Crafting Kits guide.
How the Magma Bell Actually Works
Understanding the Magma Bell’s mechanics helps you use it effectively:
Protection Features
Flame Shield: A visible protective barrier appears when you step on lava Shield Duration: Lasts several seconds before breaking Damage Reduction: Cuts lava damage from 2 masks to 1 mask Visual Feedback: Clear indication of when protection is active
Important Limitations
You still can’t stand on lava indefinitely – The shield breaks after a few seconds Movement is still required – This isn’t a “walk on lava” tool, it’s damage mitigation One mask damage still hurts – Plan your routes to minimize lava contact
Optimal Usage Strategy
- Plan your path before entering lava areas
- Move quickly but deliberately – Don’t rush and make mistakes
- Use platforms and safe spots whenever possible
- Treat the bell as insurance, not a primary solution
Advanced Lava Navigation Techniques
With your Magma Bell equipped, here are some pro tips for Deep Docks exploration:
Combining with Movement Abilities
Swift Step synergy: If you’ve unlocked the dash ability, combining it with Magma Bell protection makes lava crossing much safer. Check our Swift Step unlock guide if you haven’t gotten this crucial mobility upgrade yet.
Aerial approaches: Look for alternative routes that minimize lava contact—sometimes going around is better than going through.
Resource Management
Health conservation: Even with reduced damage, plan your exploration to avoid unnecessary hits Emergency exits: Always know where the nearest bench or safe area is located Backup plans: Have escape routes ready if things go wrong
Exploration Priorities
Map completion first: Understanding the full layout helps you plan efficient routes Secret hunting: Many valuable items are hidden in lava-adjacent areas Progressive exploration: Clear safer areas first, then tackle the most challenging lava sections
What the Magma Bell Unlocks
With proper lava protection, several new possibilities open up:
Immediate Benefits
- Safe exploration of previously dangerous Deep Docks sections
- Access to hidden areas and secrets near lava
- Reduced stress during platforming challenges
- Better resource conservation (fewer healing items needed)
Long-term Advantages
- Foundation for accessing other heated areas in the game
- Practice with environmental hazard management
- Preparation for similar challenges in later areas
Hidden Content Access
Many of Deep Docks’ secrets are located in or near lava areas. With the Magma Bell, you can thoroughly explore these sections without constant health anxiety.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Overconfidence: The Magma Bell helps a lot, but lava is still dangerous. Don’t get careless.
Poor route planning: Moving randomly through lava areas wastes shield time and causes unnecessary damage.
Ignoring safe spots: Always look for platforms, ledges, or other safe areas where you can pause and plan your next move.
Rushing the purchase: Make sure you have enough Rosaries and Craftmetal before heading to the Forge Daughter. Running out of resources mid-purchase is frustrating.
For more tips on avoiding common Deep Docks pitfalls, our guides on Dash ability unlocking and efficient exploration strategies cover important techniques for challenging areas.
Alternative Approaches (For the Brave or Broke)
If you can’t afford the Magma Bell immediately, here are some temporary strategies:
Careful jumping: Plan precise routes and use your dash ability to minimize lava contact Health management: Bring plenty of healing items and accept that you’ll take some damage Partial exploration: Focus on accessible areas first, then return with the Magma Bell later Skill-based crossing: With enough practice, some players can navigate lava areas through pure platforming skill
However, these approaches are generally not recommended for thorough exploration or comfortable gameplay.
Planning Your Deep Docks Adventure
With the Magma Bell in hand, consider this exploration sequence:
- Complete the map by visiting all accessible areas
- Identify lava-blocked secrets using your new protection
- Tackle progression-critical paths that require lava crossing
- Hunt for hidden content in previously dangerous areas
- Prepare for other Deep Docks challenges like combat encounters and puzzles
For efficient resource gathering during your exploration, consider combining this trip with other valuable quests like collecting Mossberries or understanding the broader area progression system.
The Investment Perspective
At 110 Rosaries + 1 Craftmetal, the Magma Bell might seem expensive, but consider the value:
Health savings: Each prevented mask of damage saves healing resources Exploration efficiency: Thorough area exploration without constant backtracking for healing Stress reduction: Comfortable gameplay without constant health anxiety Content access: Many secrets simply aren’t accessible without lava protection
The tool essentially pays for itself through prevented damage and increased exploration efficiency.
Ready to Conquer the Heat?
The Magma Bell transforms Deep Docks from a stressful, damage-heavy area into a manageable exploration zone. While lava will never be completely safe, having proper protection makes all the difference between frustrating trial-and-error and confident exploration.
Ready to start your Silksong adventure? Pick up the game on Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, or Xbox.
Remember: the goal isn’t to eliminate all risk, but to make lava traversal manageable and stress-free. With the Magma Bell equipped and proper technique, Deep Docks becomes just another area to explore rather than a constant threat to your health bar.
Happy exploring, and stay cool in there!
