Update your settings

Let me paint you a picture: it's 2026, I've got my cup of coffee going cold, my cat is judging me from the sofa, and I'm staring at a wall in a video game. Not just any wall—this wall belongs to The Slab, an optional biome in Hollow Knight: Silksong that takes "I'm not lost, I'm exploring" to a whole new level. I stumbled into it early, thinking it would be a quick detour. Boy, was I wrong. The Slab is less of a zone and more of a locked-box puzzle that Hornet herself probably finds irritating, and if you're here, you're probably also stuck, cold, and running low on patience. So let me hold your hand (metaphorically—I need both of mine for this controller) and walk you through every cracked tile, every frozen toe, and every key you'll need to not lose your mind.

How I Stumbled Into This Mess: Reaching The Slab

If you've been bouncing around Pharloom like a caffeinated flea, you can end up in The Slab fairly early. I did, right after I beat the Last Judge and crawled through the Underworks. From the Choral Chamber, I drifted left at about mid-height, and suddenly there it was: a bunch of locked doors and a distinct feeling that the game was laughing at me. You can technically find The Slab from the Choral Chamber area just by heading left, but without the Key of Apostate, you're about as useful as a moth in a bell tower. You can poke around and even unlock the Bellway bench for a shortcut, which is a small mercy, but you'll quickly hit a dead end if you don't have that key.

To get the key, I had to detour to the Putrified Ducts—bottom left corner of that delightful sewer maze. You can reach it via Bilewater or a sneaky path to the right of Memorium. It's the kind of errand that makes you wonder if Hornet is an adventurer or a glorified locksmith. The key is sitting there like it owns the place, and once you snag it, the real fun begins.

The Three-Key Tango: Actually Beating The Slab

With the Key of Apostate in hand (or tucked into whatever dimensional pocket Hornet uses for her infinite inventory), I zipped back into The Slab through the Bellway. The door that had been taunting me just above the Bellway finally opened. Cue a brief moment of triumph, followed immediately by more confusion. The Slab is basically a locked-box party, and you're the guest who forgot the invitation for two of the three doors. Here's how I stumbled, double-jumped, and occasionally shrieked my way through.

The first trick: after using the Apostate key, I climbed up, hit a lever to open the way down, and then spotted two tablets in a room below. Just above them, a wall-jump nook led to a hidden tunnel—classic Silksong. I crawled through and broke the floor above me, emerging in a higher area. There, a grumpy mob stood between me and a bench. Defeating it gave me access to a hidden map (because who doesn't love a map that hides in a secret tunnel behind a breakable ceiling? Only in this game).

After grabbing the map, I smashed another ceiling, dodged some very rude traps (the kind that make you go "WHO PUT THAT THERE"), and popped out briefly into Mount Fay. Yes, you have to leave The Slab to continue in The Slab. Makes perfect sense. That detour into the snowy mountain gave me the Key of Indolent, which was dangling from a shiny metal ball I smacked with glee. With this key, I unlocked a door in the room where I'd broken the ceiling earlier, and also another door near the middle bench. Then the game locked me in a room with a bunch of enemies, because of course it did. After clearing them, I climbed the rightmost wall, braved another Mount Fay stint (and nearly froze solid because I hadn't nabbed the Faydown Cloak yet—let me tell you, Hornet does not appreciate being turned into an ice cube), and finally descended into yet another fight that coughed up the Key of Heretic.

Now armed with three keys and a growing sense of mild insanity, I went far down in the middle area, unlocked bridges and doors, double-jumped off hidden walls, and eventually found a bell covered in Silk. Break four silk points, interact with the statue, and you're face-to-face with the First Sinner. It's a boss fight that feels like a pop quiz on everything you've learned. Beat it, and you get the Rune Rage Silk Skill. That's the official "You survived The Slab" trophy, and I wore it with pride.

Every Shiny Thing I Found: All Collectible Locations

Because I'm a completionist glutton for punishment, I also sniffed out every last trinket. Here's a reference list for the brave (or stubborn):

If you made it this far, congratulations: you've beaten The Slab and probably need a lie-down. The Rune Rage Silk Skill is honestly pretty sweet, and the sheer number of rosaries and shards makes the ordeal worthwhile—once the frustration fades. Just remember, Hornet went through all that so you could read a guide and skip the head-scratching. You're welcome.

As you relish the victory of conquering The Slab, it's always a good time to look ahead to your next gaming adventure. Whether you're in the mood for another challenging quest or a more laid-back exploration, the gaming world is full of possibilities. Finding the right game at the right price can be as rewarding as unlocking that final collectible.

If you're eager to discover your next favorite game without breaking the bank, consider checking out the game deals today available at DealNest. They offer a wide range of options, ensuring that every gamer can find something that piques their interest. Happy gaming!