10 Pro Tips and Hints for Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight can be too fun — Which is why it sucks when you’re stuck at a level. We’ve played the game, explored its heights and lows, and then looted to gain an edge against our opponents. To you, enjoy these Hollow Knight tips and hints — They’ll make it easier to conquer all the biomes in the game.

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Tip #1: Prioritise Dodging More

The more you dodge in Hollow Knight, the better you get at controlling the flow of fights in the game. It’s natural to mash buttons together in the beginning but we’re confirming that it’s not the most productive of tactics. Unlike Dead Cells, which is a fast-paced video game that encourages players to attack first, Hollow Knight wants players to watch and learn each enemy’s moves before wiping them off the map. Boss fights are even tougher because you can get bumped to death. So, learning the boss’ moves and attack speed will help you dodge easily. Once you’ve picked apart the move set, you can start exploiting the little breathing space in between the moves. You can outlast any boss or enemy with this tactic.

Tip #2: Test the Nail’s Range

When we think of nails, we think of small objects used in carpentry that are no bigger than your index finger. So, it’s easy to think that the Nail used by Hollow Knight has a short range. On the contrary, it’s longer than it appears to be — Only showing its proper form when you attack with it. Keeping your distance will help you avoid bumping into an enemy while exploiting the Nail’s full range. Just keep chipping away at your opponent’s health. 

Tip #3: Bounce Using the Spikes

Thankfully, the developers introduced a nifty trick to jump after an initial jump in Hollow Knight. It’s a manoeuvre that you can execute by slashing the otherwise deadly spikes in a downward motion. You’ll immediately bounce back up and you can execute this move as many times as you want. This makes it easier to reach certain parts of the biomes you’ll explore in Hollow Knight.

Tip #4: Benches Will Help You Get Around Quicker 

Benches can be used to fast travel around the areas of Hollow Knight. Also, players will always resume the game on the last bench that they used. This makes it easier to backtrack the game. It can also serve as a getaway route when the going gets tough.

Tip #5: Use Quick Cast More

The Quick Cast lets players cast a spell in the blink of an eye. Besides this method, players can also cast spells using Focus Cast which pauses for players to either heal themselves or attack with a spell. On the other hand, the Quick Cast simply just calls a spell. It can’t be used to heal the Hollow Knight so don’t bother holding down the trigger button. 

Tip #6: Save Up on Geo

While a bank for storing Geo would have been appealing, it would make the gameplay too easy. So, we’re glad Team Cherry tucked away the ability to keep Geo in the City of Tears. Or to be more specific, there’s a Relic Seeker Lemm who buys Arcane Eggs for as much as 1,200 Geo. So, spend any Geo that you have but keep the artefacts and items you gathered on your journey. Later on, when you do need Geo, just sell the items in your inventory. 

Tip #7: Bosses Are Limited to Only a Few Movesets

You know what? Beating bosses doesn’t have to be hard anymore! In Hollow Knight, the developers designed each boss so that they possess tremendous strength capable of tearing through your health. To their advantage, they’re also extremely resistant to attacks from the Hollow Knight. So, to cheese, their fights, be committed to the game enough to know that other humans developed this. They want to test if you’re willing to learn the move sets and then react. This isn’t a Souls Game where the bosses will mix and match different move sets. Instead, their move sets are static so you can just memorise them. Whenever they’re stationary, you can then deal the most damage — Cutting your way through the boss’ health like a scythe through wheat. Thankfully, the bosses only have three to five moves per set so they’re easy enough to remember.

Tip #8: Get a Map and Compass — Then Upgrade It

One of the ways to make exploration easier in Hollow Knight is to get a map of the area you’re exploring as soon as you get enough Geo. It’ll make it far easier to navigate the twists and turns of the labyrinthine that the Hollow Knight lives in. After you’ve got the map, then you need a compass to help you navigate the game. 

While you’re still in the area where you purchased a map and compass, don’t forget to buy a Quill, Benches Pin, and even Vendor Pin. The Quill lets you add new locations to your map, the Benches Pin marks the locations of Benches on the map, and the Vendor Pin marks the locations of Vendors on your map.

Tip #9: Use Charms More

Charms are important to the Hollow Knight because they can enhance his attributes, attitude, and ease of mobility. There are all sorts of Charms in Hollow Knight, including ones that’ll allow you to dash more, gather more souls from your kills, and achieve many more feats. Just keep in mind that you can only equip a few Charms at a time. 

To increase the number of Charms you can use, you’ll find or buy Notches for your Charms. Also, Charms can be discovered in secret zones or you can purchase them from Merchants like Salubra who has gathered many different Charms and Notches. To purchase Charms from Salubra, you’ll need the Mothwing Cloak before you can find her. She’ll be on a high ledge on your way through the Forgotten Crossroads. 

Tip #10: Retrieve Your Lost Wealth

You can easily recover any wealth you acquired from your last run by beating your dark spirit. Your dark spirit is usually waiting where you lost the round so all you have to do is return to that spot, have a swift battle, and you’re good. If you can’t easily find your dark shade, a Vendor in the main settlement can help you find your shade. All it’ll cost you is just a Rancid Egg.

Thankfully, your shade isn’t all that powerful. But you must be decisive because it can hurl magic at you whenever you get complacent. Finally, ignore this tip if your shade isn’t holding tons of wealth.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Which Weapon Is the Best in Hollow Knight?

The best weapon in Hollow Knight is Pure Nail and it costs 4,000 Geo and 2 Pale Ores. In other words, you’ll have to work for the ultimate form of the Nail, which is the Hollow Knight’s primary weapon throughout the game. Unlike titles like Dead Cells, Hollow Knight’s combat gear system is straightforward. In fact, Dead Cells’ tips and hints don’t apply since you only have to upgrade your primary weapon. No need to search for it. 

What’s the Best Biome in Hollow Knight?

The best biome in Hollow Knight has to be the City of Tears, followed closely by the Greenpath. We chose the City of Tears first because of its beautiful scenery and sad undertone. One of the few games that pulled this off is The Last of Us since players will explore cities that have been ruined by the infection. The same case applies to the City of Tears. What’s more — The music is phenomenal.

What’s the Hardest Area in Hollow Knight?

The hardest biome in Hollow Knight has to be the Soul Sanctum because of the boss fight at the end. You’ll encounter the Soul Master who can teleport around the area to deal explosive damage to the Hollow Knight. So, you keep moving to beat him which is easier said than done.