Hollow Knight Silksong Surgeon’s Key Guide: Location, How to Unlock Whiteward, and Boss Fight

The Surgeon’s Key in Hollow Knight Silksong isn’t just another collectible—it’s a progression item that opens up Whiteward, unlocks a major boss fight, and rewards you with one of the rare Silk Hearts. If you’re aiming to strengthen Hornet for tougher battles ahead, this key is absolutely essential.

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This guide will walk you through where to find the Surgeon’s Key in Silksong, how to unlock Whiteward, and how to use it to face a hidden boss.

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How to Get the Surgeon’s Key in Hollow Knight Silksong

The Surgeon’s Key location is inside Whiteward, but you’ll need to gain access first. Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Find the White Key

   • Head to Songclave, near the First Temple in the Citadel’s northeast.

   • Walk past the temple’s main entrance until you reach the fence at the very end of the path.

   • The White Key will be lying on the ground here.

2. Unlock Whiteward

   • Take the White Key to the Citadel lift.

   • This will open Whiteward, a hidden zone that eventually connects to the Underworks.

3. Retrieve the Surgeon’s Key

• From Whiteward’s entrance, climb upward and keep moving right.

• At the path split, take the left route.

• Break through a wall block with your attacks.

• Above this section, you’ll spot a hanging lever shaped like a ring.

• Use Clawline to grapple onto the ring, which releases the Surgeon’s Key.

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Where to Use the Surgeon’s Key in Silksong

Once you’ve secured the key, using it is straightforward:

1. Start from the Whiteward bench.

2. Move west and take the elevator down.

3. At the bottom, continue west until you reach the far end of the chamber.

4. You’ll encounter an Ornate Lock, where the Surgeon’s Key fits.

Opening this lock grants access to The Unravelled, Whiteward’s main boss.

The Reward: Silk Heart

Defeating The Unravelled isn’t optional if you’re chasing upgrades. Beating this boss rewards you with a Silk Heart, one of the rarest power-ups in the game. Since Silk Hearts enhance Hornet’s survivability and Silk regeneration, the Surgeon’s Key is a must-have item for completionists and players preparing for late-game challenges.

The Surgeon’s Key in Hollow Knight Silksong plays a critical role in unlocking Whiteward, accessing one of the game’s hidden bosses, and earning a Silk Heart. By tracking down the White Key, entering Whiteward, and retrieving the Surgeon’s Key, you’ll not only progress the story but also gain a major gameplay advantage.

For more tips, make sure to check out our full collection of Hollow Knight Silksong special keys guides to uncover every hidden upgrade and secret.