How to Reach the Ancient Basin in Hollow Knight

Go Through City of Tears

The main way to reach Ancient Basin is from the lower part of City of Tears. You need to make your way down toward the area connected to Royal Waterways and the broken lift shaft.

If you are already in City of Tears, look for paths leading downward. Ancient Basin is below the city, so keep heading lower whenever you find a route that goes down.

Use Royal Waterways

If you have a Simple Key, you can open the hatch to Royal Waterways from City of Tears. From there, explore through the waterways until you reach the large broken lift shaft.

This route can be a little confusing, but the main idea is to keep moving down. Be careful, because the area has annoying enemies and some dangerous drops.

Drop Down the Broken Lift Shaft

Once you find the broken lift shaft, carefully drop down through it. There are spikes and enemies on the way, so do not rush.

Use wall jumps and small platforms to control your fall. When you reach the bottom, keep moving through the lower path and you will enter Ancient Basin.

Alternate Route: Use the Tram

You can also reach Ancient Basin by using the Tram if you have the Tram Pass. The Tram Pass is found in Deepnest, and it lets you ride the tram system.

This is useful if you have already explored Deepnest or unlocked nearby tram stations. If not, the City of Tears and Royal Waterways route is usually the more direct path.

What to Do in Ancient Basin

Once you reach Ancient Basin, look for the bench and tram station so you have a safer travel point. This area also has useful upgrades and important progression later in the game.

Ancient Basin can be tougher than earlier areas, so upgrade your Nail if you can and bring useful charms before exploring too far.