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Hollow Knight: Hollow Knight 100% Completion Guide

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King's Pass and Dirtmouth

The opening stretch: one charm in King's Pass, then the town that serves as your hub for the whole game.

You start at the top of King's Pass. Work right and down to the barrier at its end, and the town of Dirtmouth sits beyond it. The well in the middle of town leads down into the Forgotten Crossroads.

Shops open as you go

Iselda's map shop stays shut until you meet Cornifer in the Crossroads, and Sly's shop opens once you find him there.

Forgotten Crossroads

The first underground area: a boss, your first spell and charm, two Stag Stations and four Grubs.

Drop down the Dirtmouth well. The Crossroads branch in every direction, and most exits need abilities you don't have yet, so this section covers only what is open now. You come back after the Mantis Claw for the rest, and before the area changes for good later in the story.

Coming back

A fifth Grub, three Mask Shards and Salubra's shop need the Mothwing Cloak or Mantis Claw. They are collected in the Mantis Claw sweep.

Greenpath

The Hunter's Journal, the Mothwing Cloak and the rescue that keeps the whole Zote questline alive.

Greenpath lies west of the Crossroads, behind an Elder Baldur that only Vengeful Spirit can break. Pick up the Hunter's Journal early so every kill from here on counts toward its notes.

Rescue Zote before the Mantis Claw

If Zote is still trapped when you pick up the Mantis Claw in the Fungal Wastes, he dies. That loses Rivalry, Dark Romance, Grey Prince Zote and five journal entries for this save.

Zote: free him from the Vengefly KingQuest stepMissablePoint of no return
Location
Greenpath · Zote's ambush
Why you can lose it
Zote dies in Greenpath if you pick up the Mantis Claw before freeing him.
Point of no return
Picking up the Mantis Claw in Mantis Village.
Summary
Kill the Vengefly King beside him, then talk to him. He shows up next in Dirtmouth.
Report an issue

Fungal Wastes and Mantis Village

Queen's Station, Leg Eater's charms, the Mantis Claw and the Mantis Lords.

With the Mothwing Cloak, enter the Fungal Wastes from the Crossroads or through Queen's Station. Collect what is open before the Mantis Claw, and make sure Zote is free first.

Last chance for Zote

Picking up the Mantis Claw kills Zote if he is still trapped in Greenpath. Free him first.

Howling Cliffs

The windswept cliffs west of Dirtmouth: a Nail Art, three charms and four collectibles.

The Mantis Claw opens the Howling Cliffs, above Greenpath and west of Dirtmouth. The Nightmare Lantern up here matters later, once you have the Dream Nail.

Crossroads and Dirtmouth: Mantis Claw sweep

Back through the Crossroads with the Claw: three Mask Shards, Bretta, Salubra, Sly's first stock, the first Grubfather rewards and the Crossroads journal entries.

The Mantis Claw opens many ledges you passed earlier. Sweep the Crossroads now, while it is still in its first state.

Finish the Crossroads journal now

Taking the Monarch Wings or killing a Dreamer infects the Crossroads for good. Gruzzers and Husk Guards get much scarcer afterwards, so finish both counts in this section.

City of Tears and the Soul Sanctum

The rain-soaked capital: a Stag Station, the Nailsmith, a Simple Key, and the Soul Master with Desolate Dive.

Use the City Crest on the gate in the Fungal Wastes to enter the City of Tears from the west. The Soul Sanctum, the tall tower of scholars, holds the boss of this section.

Relic Seeker Lemm

Lemm overlooks Fountain Square and buys every relic you find. He will not trade while you wear Defender's Crest, so take it off before you visit.

Crystal Peak

The mines above Dirtmouth: Sly's back-room key, the Crystal Heart, two spells' worth of charms and six Grubs.

Desolate Dive breaks the floor into Crystal Peak from the Crossroads. Most of the Peak needs the Mantis Claw, and its western side links back to Dirtmouth.

Myla

Myla, the singing miner near a Crystal Peak entrance in the Crossroads, turns hostile once you take the Crystal Heart. Talk to her before then if you want to hear her friendly lines; no item depends on it.

Resting Grounds

The graveyard where the Seer gives you the Dream Nail, plus a Warrior Dream, two charms and the first Essence reward.

Drop down the chasm at the eastern edge of Crystal Peak to reach the Resting Grounds. The Dream Nail you get here opens Warrior Dreams, Whispering Roots and the dream bosses everywhere you have already been.

City of Tears: east side and King's Station

The eastern City: a Stag Station, a Vessel Fragment, two Grubs and the wealthy husks' journal entries.

Take the lift from the Resting Grounds down into the eastern City of Tears. King's Station sits at the City's east edge, and a flooded passage beyond it leads toward Kingdom's Edge.

Dream Nail sweep and Dirtmouth shopping

Use the Dream Nail on everything behind you: two dream bosses, three Warrior Dreams, five roots and the Spirits' Glade. Then spend your Geo in Dirtmouth and the Crossroads, and claim the early Seer rewards.

Loop back through the areas you have cleared. Each Warrior Dream and Whispering Root adds Essence, and the Seer's rewards unlock at fixed Essence totals, so finish this loop before visiting her.

The Grimm Troupe arrives

Summon the Grimm Troupe to Dirtmouth, take Grimmchild and gather the first three flames.

The Grimm Troupe pack adds a travelling circus. Calling it needs the Dream Nail and the Mantis Claw. This section covers the first of three rounds of flames; the rest come once you can reach Kingdom's Edge.

Never banish the Troupe on this save

Later, Brumm offers to help you drive the Troupe out by breaking the Nightmare Lantern. Refuse on this save: banishing removes Grimmchild, the Nightmare King and Divine's charm upgrades. Banishment is done on cycle 2.

Royal Waterways and Isma's Grove

The sewers under the City: the Dung Defender, Isma's Tear and the Flukemarm.

Use a Simple Key on the hatch in the City of Tears to drop into the Royal Waterways. Isma's Tear, found here, lets you swim through acid and opens many spots you have passed.

Ancient Basin

The deep kingdom under the City: Pale Ore, a Simple Key, the fountain fragment and the Broken Vessel with the Monarch Wings.

Reach the Ancient Basin down the lift shaft from the City or through the Waterways. Finish the Lightseed count before the Broken Vessel, and remember that the Monarch Wings change the Crossroads for good.

The Monarch Wings infect the Crossroads

Picking up the Monarch Wings turns the Forgotten Crossroads infected for good. If the Gruzzer or Husk Guard journal counts are not done, go back first.

Monarch Wings sweep

Double jump and acid swimming open a dozen spots across the map: Pale Ore, a Nail Art, a spell, a charm and the Enraged Guardian.

Loop back through Crystal Peak, the Crossroads, the Fungal Wastes, Fog Canyon and Greenpath. Everything here needs the Monarch Wings or Isma's Tear.

Deepnest

The dark warren of the weavers: the Tram Pass, Nosk, Galien and Zote's second rescue.

Enter Deepnest through the door the Mantis Lords opened. Leave the Beast's Den, and Herrah, for later: the route visits her after the Hornet Sentinel.

Kingdom's Edge and the Hive

The ashen cliffs east of the City: Hornet's second fight and the King's Brand, the last Nail Art, and the Hive.

Swim the flooded passage east of King's Station, or ride the lower tram, to reach Kingdom's Edge. The Hive hides behind a wall near the middle of the Edge.

Colosseum of Fools: Trial of the Warrior

The first arena trial, Zote's moment of glory, and the Pale Lurker hidden behind the Colosseum.

Climb the western chasm of Kingdom's Edge to the Colosseum of Fools. The Little Fool at the entrance takes the trial fee; once paid, a trial can be repeated for free.

The Grimm Troupe: Troupe Master Grimm

The second and third rounds of flames, and the fight with Troupe Master Grimm.

After the first three flames, Grimm sends you after three Grimmkin Masters. Follow the red flame pins on your map; Grimmchild must be equipped for them to appear.

Troupe Master GrimmBossDLC: The Grimm Troupe
Location
Dirtmouth · Grimm's tent
Summary
Return the three Master flames, then talk to Grimm in his tent to start the performance.
Trophies
  • Achievement · SteamGrand Performance
  • Achievement · XboxGrand Performance
  • Bronze · PlayStationGrand Performance
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Where the last three flames are

Fandom places the Grimmkin Nightmares in the Fungal Core, the Royal Waterways and the Hive; Fextralife's quest page names other spots. Trust the red pins on your map.

The Abyss

The pit below the Ancient Basin: the Shade Cloak, Abyss Shriek, two Arcane Eggs and the Lifeblood Core.

The King's Brand opens a door in the Ancient Basin that leads down into the Abyss. Count your Sibling kills before you light the lighthouse, and take the Arcane Egg in the Lifeblood chamber before the charm.

Hunter's Journal: SiblingHidden spoiler – activate to revealCollectibleMajor spoiler
Location
The Abyss
Summary
Kill 25 for the full Hunter's notes. They swarm the Abyss near the lighthouse and in the Birthplace. Get the 25 kills before lighting the lighthouse; the ones near it stop appearing after.
Report an issue
Opening the Lifeblood door

A door in the Abyss's west wall opens only for a stack of blue Lifeblood masks: sites give 14 or 15, so bring 15. Lifeblood Heart, Joni's Blessing and Lifeseeds from cocoons add them; taking damage or resting at a bench drains them.

Arcane Egg: Lifeblood Core chamberCollectibleMissablePoint of no return
Location
The Abyss
Why you can lose it
Taking the Lifeblood Core throws you out of the chamber and seals it for good.
Point of no return
Taking the Lifeblood Core in the Abyss.
Summary
Below the altar room past the Lifeblood door. Take it before you touch the Lifeblood Core.
Report an issue

Deepnest revisit and Herrah

The Shade Cloak opens Sharp Shadow and Markoth; then the first Dreamer, Herrah the Beast.

With the Shade Cloak, sweep the Shade Gates in Deepnest and Kingdom's Edge, then go to the Beast's Den for the first Dreamer.

Hornet in the Beast's Den

Because you beat Hornet Sentinel before visiting Herrah, Hornet appears in the Beast's Den with a short scene. No item depends on it.

After the first Dreamer

Lemm closes his shop and waits by the statue in Fountain Square; talk to him there and he trades again. The Crossroads is infected now if it was not already.

Queen's Gardens

The overgrown royal garden: the Traitor Lord, the White Lady's half of the Kingsoul, the Love Key and the Delicate Flower delivery.

Reach Queen's Gardens through Fog Canyon or up from Deepnest. The Traitor Lord's arena is behind a Shade Gate.

Cloth

If you met Cloth at the Ancient Basin tram tunnel earlier, she joins the Traitor Lord fight. Either way no item depends on it.

Grey Mourner: carry the Delicate Flower to the graveHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMinor spoiler
Location
Resting Grounds · Grey Mourner
Summary
Her house in east Resting Grounds is behind a breakable ceiling; Desolate Dive gets you in. Accept the flower and carry it to the Traitors' Child grave in Queen's Gardens without taking a hit, riding a Stag or using the Dreamgate; trams and lifts are safe.
Report an issue

City of Tears: Watcher's Spire and Tower of Love

The second Dreamer, the Collector, Shade Soul and the Pleasure House.

Back in the City of Tears with the Monarch Wings, Love Key, Elegant Key and a Simple Key.

Fog Canyon and the Teacher's Archives

Uumuu, the third Dreamer, and Quirrel's farewell at the Blue Lake.

Fog Canyon links Greenpath, the Crossroads, the Fungal Wastes and Queen's Gardens. The Teacher's Archives at its heart hold the last Dreamer.

All three Dreamers are down

Mister Mushroom starts appearing, the Dung Defender falls asleep, Cornifer leaves for Dirtmouth, and the Temple of the Black Egg opens.

Quirrel: farewell at the Blue LakeHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Blue Lake
Why you can lose it
Leaving the Blue Lake room ends the scene for good; Quirrel is gone and only his nail remains.
Point of no return
Leaving the Blue Lake room after Quirrel's last talk.
Summary
After Monomon, Quirrel sits by the Blue Lake. Talk to him, then sit beside him before leaving.
Trophies
  • Achievement · SteamWitness
  • Achievement · XboxWitness
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After the Dreamers: dream fights and Essence

Two dream bosses that wait for the Dreamers, the Seer's next four rewards and the infected Crossroads journal entries.

With all three Dreamers gone, the Dung Defender sleeps and the Grey Prince Zote line is complete. Most of the Essence you need for the Seer comes from here.

White DefenderHidden spoiler – activate to revealBossDLC: Hidden DreamsMinor spoiler
Location
Royal Waterways · Under the Dung Defender's arena
Summary
Dive through the floor at the right of the Dung Defender's arena and Dream Nail him where he sleeps below.
Trophies
  • Achievement · SteamMemory
  • Achievement · XboxMemory
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Grey Prince ZoteHidden spoiler – activate to revealBossDLC: Hidden DreamsMinor spoiler
Location
Dirtmouth · Bretta's basement
Summary
With Bretta home and Zote beaten in the Colosseum, a basement opens in Bretta's house. Use the Monarch Wings to enter, then Dream Nail the Zote statue.
Trophies
  • Achievement · SteamDark Romance
  • Achievement · XboxDark Romance
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Bretta's farewell

After your fourth win over Grey Prince Zote, Bretta leaves Dirtmouth for good. Read her diary and see her house first if you want to; three wins are enough for every journal entry.

Hallownest clean-up

Mister Mushroom's seven stops, the Stag Nest and the Grubfather's last rewards.

Mister Mushroom appears only after all three Dreamers. Visit his stops in order; any ending you see afterwards adds his scene and Passing of the Age.

Mister Mushroom: Fog Canyon, by the Overgrown MoundHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMinor spoiler

Ending 1: The Hollow Knight

The first ending, which has to come before the Void Heart.

The Temple of the Black Egg in the Forgotten Crossroads is open now. Endings do not close your save: afterwards it loads back before the final fight, so you can return for every other ending.

Take this ending before the Void Heart

Once you hold the Void Heart, this ending is gone for the save. One site also says holding the complete Kingsoul blocks it, so take it before the White Palace too.

The Hollow KnightHidden spoiler – activate to revealEndingMissablePoint of no returnMajor spoiler
Location
Forgotten Crossroads · Temple of the Black Egg
Why you can lose it
Obtaining the Void Heart locks this ending out for the save.
Point of no return
Dream Nailing the egg at the end of the Birthplace, which turns the Kingsoul into the Void Heart.
Summary
Beat the Hollow Knight without the Void Heart.
Trophies
  • Achievement · SteamThe Hollow Knight
  • Achievement · XboxThe Hollow Knight
  • Gold · PlayStationThe Hollow Knight
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The White Palace and the Path of Pain

The Pale King's dream palace: the second half of the Kingsoul, three journal entries and the Path of Pain.

The White Palace is a long platforming gauntlet with few enemies. Its optional Path of Pain, added by the Grimm Troupe pack, is harder still and closes once you finish it.

The Birthplace and the Void Heart

The Kingsoul opens the Birthplace at the bottom of the Abyss, where it becomes the Void Heart.

Equip the Kingsoul and go to the floor of the Abyss: a hidden passage opens only while you wear it. Make sure the first ending is done before you go further.

Arcane Egg: the BirthplaceHidden spoiler – activate to revealCollectibleMissablePoint of no returnMajor spoiler
Location
The Abyss
Why you can lose it
One wiki says the Birthplace cannot be re-entered once you have the Void Heart.
Point of no return
Dream Nailing the egg at the end of the Birthplace, which turns the Kingsoul into the Void Heart.
Summary
In the lower part of the Birthplace. Take it before you Dream Nail the egg at the end.
Report an issue
Void HeartHidden spoiler – activate to revealItemMajor spoiler
Location
The Abyss · Birthplace
Summary
Dream Nail the egg at the end of the Birthplace. After the memory, the Kingsoul becomes the Void Heart, which costs no notches and cannot be unequipped.
Trophies
  • Achievement · SteamVoid
  • Achievement · XboxVoid
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Nightmare King and the Unbreakable charms

Divine's three upgrades, the Nightmare King and the Seer's last reward.

Divine's tent stands west of Grimm's. A charm she is holding does not count toward your completion until she gives it back, so hand each one over only when you can pay for it.

Nightmare King GrimmHidden spoiler – activate to revealBossDLC: The Grimm TroupeMinor spoiler
Location
Dirtmouth · Grimm's tent
Summary
With the three Nightmare flames collected and Grimmchild equipped, Dream Nail the sleeping Grimm in his tent. Only this fight fills his journal entry; Godhome kills do not count.
Trophies
  • Achievement · SteamRitual
  • Achievement · XboxRitual
  • Gold · PlayStationNightmare's End
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Seer: 2,400 Essence and her last wordsHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMinor spoiler
Location
Resting Grounds · The Seer
Summary
With every Warrior Dream and dream boss behind you, return to the Seer with 2,400 Essence and hear her out. She fades away afterwards.
Trophies
  • Achievement · SteamAscension
  • Achievement · XboxAscension
  • Silver · PlayStationAscension
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Colosseum of Fools: Conqueror and Fool

The two harder trials, the last Pale Ore and Nail, the Nailsmith's choice and the Hunter's Mark.

The Little Fool charges 450 Geo for the Trial of the Conqueror and 800 for the Trial of the Fool. Once paid, each can be repeated for free, which is how the journal counts here are finished.

Nailsmith: spare him, then find him with SheoHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnMinor spoiler
Location
Greenpath · Sheo's hut
Why you can lose it
Striking the Nailsmith down when he asks gives Purity instead, and the game saves at once.
Point of no return
The Nailsmith's request to be struck down after the Pure Nail.
Summary
When he asks you to strike him down, walk away instead. Once you have Great Slash and have rested at a bench, he is at Sheo's hut in Greenpath; talk to him there.
Trophies
  • Achievement · SteamHappy Couple
  • Achievement · XboxHappy Couple
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Endings 2 and 3: Sealed Siblings and Dream No More

With the Void Heart, Hornet joins the final fight and two more endings open.

Endings reload the save, so take Sealed Siblings first and Dream No More second. Finish Mister Mushroom's stops before Dream No More so his scene plays after it.

Sealed SiblingsHidden spoiler – activate to revealEndingMajor spoiler
Location
Forgotten Crossroads · Temple of the Black Egg
Summary
With the Void Heart, Hornet waits at the Temple and pins the Hollow Knight mid-fight. Keep attacking, or wait too long, and she is knocked out.
Trophies
  • Achievement · SteamSealed Siblings
  • Achievement · XboxSealed Siblings
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Dream No MoreHidden spoiler – activate to revealEndingMajor spoiler
Location
Forgotten Crossroads · Temple of the Black Egg
Summary
Beat the Radiance. If Mister Mushroom's stops are done, Passing of the Age follows, and with at least 100% on the save this ending also earns Completion.
Trophies
  • Achievement · SteamDream No More
  • Achievement · XboxDream No More
  • Achievement · SteamPassing of the Age
  • Achievement · XboxPassing of the Age
  • Silver · PlayStationPassing of the Age
  • Achievement · SteamCompletion
  • Achievement · XboxCompletion
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Godhome: the first four Pantheons

The Godmaster pack's arena: the Godtuner and the four Pantheons that count toward 112%.

Godhome is reached through the Godseeker's coffin in the Junk Pit, below the Royal Waterways. Deaths in Godhome are not real deaths: you wake at the Pantheon door.

Pantheon of the SageHidden spoiler – activate to revealBossDLC: GodmasterMinor spoiler
Location
Godhome · Pantheon of the Sage
Requires
Summary
Opens once its bosses are beaten in Hallownest; Grey Prince Zote appears in it if you beat him. Ten fights in a row with rest benches between some; the last is Great Nailsage Sly.
Trophies
  • Achievement · SteamFocus
  • Achievement · XboxFocus
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Pantheon of the KnightHidden spoiler – activate to revealBossDLC: GodmasterMajor spoiler
Location
Godhome · Pantheon of the Knight
Summary
Opens after the first three Pantheons. Ten fights in a row with rest benches between some; the last is Pure Vessel.
Trophies
  • Achievement · SteamSoul & Shade
  • Achievement · XboxSoul & Shade
  • Silver · PlayStationSoul & Shade
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The Pantheon of Hallownest

The fifth Pantheon and both Godmaster endings, plus the PlayStation platinum.

The Pantheon of Hallownest opens after the first four and needs the Void Heart. Clear it once before giving the Godseeker a flower, then once after, to see both endings.

Embrace the VoidHidden spoiler – activate to revealEndingMissablePoint of no returnDLC: GodmasterMajor spoiler
Location
Godhome · Pantheon of Hallownest
Why you can lose it
Giving the Godseeker a Delicate Flower replaces this ending with the flower version for the save.
Point of no return
Giving the Godseeker a Delicate Flower.
Summary
Climb the Pantheon of Hallownest and beat Absolute Radiance at its top, without having given the Godseeker a flower. With 112% on the save this ending also earns Pure Completion.
Trophies
  • Achievement · SteamEmbrace the Void
  • Achievement · XboxEmbrace the Void
  • Gold · PlayStationEmbrace the Void
  • Achievement · SteamPure Completion
  • Achievement · XboxPure Completion
  • Gold · PlayStationPure Completion
Report an issue
Godseeker: give her a Delicate FlowerHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepDLC: GodmasterMinor spoiler
Location
Royal Waterways · Junk Pit
Summary
Take a flower from the Grey Mourner, or one of those growing at the Traitors' Child grave, to the Godseeker's body in the Junk Pit. She accepts it once two Pantheons are cleared; the same carrying rules apply.
Report an issue
Heart of Hallownest (PlayStation platinum)Achievement

The Hall of Gods

Every boss statue in Godhome, the Void Idol, and Radiant clears for those who want them.

The Hall of Gods lies at the bottom of Godhome. Each statue offers its boss at three tiers: Attuned, Ascended (double damage, tougher boss) and Radiant (any hit kills you), and each tier only opens after the one below is beaten. Deaths here are not real deaths.

Every Hall of Gods fight and how its statue unlocks
BossUnlockPack
Gruz MotherBeat her in the Forgotten Crossroads.Base
Vengefly KingAlways unlocked.Base
Brooding MawlekBeat it in the Forgotten Crossroads.Base
False KnightBeat him in the Crossroads. Shares a statue with the Failed Champion; Dream Nail it to swap.Base
Failed ChampionBeat the dream fight. Shares the False Knight's statue.Base
Hornet ProtectorBeat her in Greenpath.Base
Hornet SentinelBeat her at the Cast-Off Shell.Base
Massive Moss ChargerBeat it in Greenpath.Base
FlukemarmBeat her in the Royal Waterways.Base
Mantis LordsBeat them in Mantis Village.Base
Sisters of BattleMeet them in the Pantheon of Hallownest.Godmaster
OblobbleBeat them in the Trial of the Conqueror.Base
Hive KnightBeat him in the Hive.Lifeblood
Broken VesselBeat it in the Ancient Basin. Shares a statue with Lost Kin.Base
Lost KinBeat the dream fight. Shares the Broken Vessel's statue.Base
NoskBeat it in Deepnest.Base
Winged NoskMeet it in the Pantheon of Hallownest.Godmaster
The CollectorBeat it in the Tower of Love.Base
God TamerBeat her in the Trial of the Fool.Base
Crystal GuardianBeat it in Crystal Peak.Base
Enraged GuardianBeat it above the Crystal Guardian's room.Base
UumuuBeat it in the Teacher's Archives. In Godhome Quirrel does not help.Base
Traitor LordBeat him in Queen's Gardens.Base
Grey Prince ZoteBeat him in Bretta's basement.Hidden Dreams
Soul WarriorBeat it in the Soul Sanctum.Base
Soul MasterBeat him in the Soul Sanctum. Shares a statue with the Soul Tyrant.Base
Soul TyrantBeat the dream fight. Shares the Soul Master's statue.Base
Dung DefenderBeat him in the Royal Waterways. Shares a statue with the White Defender.Base
White DefenderFight the Dung Defender in Godhome once, win or lose.Hidden Dreams
Watcher KnightBeat them in the Watcher's Spire.Base
No EyesBeat her dream in the Stone Sanctuary.Base
MarmuBeat her dream in Queen's Gardens.Base
XeroBeat his dream in the Resting Grounds.Base
MarkothBeat his dream in Kingdom's Edge.Base
GalienBeat his dream in Deepnest.Base
GorbBeat his dream in the Howling Cliffs.Base
Elder HuBeat his dream in the Fungal Wastes.Base
Oro & MatoMeet them in the Pantheon of the Master.Godmaster
Paintmaster SheoMeet him in the Pantheon of the Artist.Godmaster
Great Nailsage SlyMeet him in the Pantheon of the Sage.Godmaster
Pure VesselMeet it in the Pantheon of the Knight.Godmaster
Troupe Master GrimmBeat him in Dirtmouth. Shares a statue with the Nightmare King.The Grimm Troupe
Nightmare King GrimmBeat him in Grimm's dream, or meet him in the Pantheon of Hallownest.The Grimm Troupe
Absolute RadianceMeet her in the Pantheon of Hallownest. One wiki says she has no statue.Godmaster

Pantheon bindings and the Land of Storms

Twenty binding clears open the Land of Storms and the last journal entry.

Before entering a Pantheon you can choose bindings: the nail binding cuts nail damage, the shell binding caps you at four masks, the charms binding strips every charm and the soul binding caps your Soul. Bindings add no completion and earn no achievement.

Hunter's Journal: Weathered MaskCollectibleDLC: Godmaster

Cycle 2: Neglect and the five-hour ending

Start a new normal-mode save for the speed achievements and the other side of each either-or choice.
Steam, Xbox and Switch only

Cycles 2 and 3 exist for achievements that are on Steam, Xbox and the Switch's in-game list but not on PlayStation. PlayStation players are done after cycle 1.

Each new save starts from nothing, so this cycle only lists what earns an achievement. Play the critical path quickly: the timers are read from the save's play time, and an ending reloads the save, so you keep playing it toward 100% afterwards.

Leave Zote this time

On this save, do not free Zote in Greenpath. Take the Mantis Claw while he is still trapped.

Zote: leave him, then strike his bodyHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnNG+1Minor spoiler
Location
Greenpath · Zote's ambush
Why you can lose it
Freeing Zote from the Vengefly King on this save makes Neglect impossible.
Point of no return
Freeing Zote from the Vengefly King on the cycle 2 save.
Summary
Pick up the Mantis Claw without freeing Zote, then return to Greenpath and hit his remains.
Trophies
  • Achievement · SteamNeglect
  • Achievement · XboxNeglect
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An ending in under 5 hoursHidden spoiler – activate to revealEndingNG+1Major spoiler
Location
Forgotten Crossroads · Temple of the Black Egg
Summary
See any ending with less than five hours on the save. This also counts for the ten-hour achievement.
Trophies
  • Achievement · SteamSpeedrun 1
  • Achievement · XboxSpeedrun 1
  • Achievement · SteamSpeedrun 2
  • Achievement · XboxSpeedrun 2
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Cycle 2: Purity, Banishment and 100% in 20 hours

Keep playing the cycle 2 save: banish the Troupe, strike down the Nailsmith and reach 100% before 20 hours.

100% needs only 100 of the 112 points, so the Godmaster Pantheons and other pack points can be skipped on this save.

Brumm: break the Nightmare LanternHidden spoiler – activate to revealQuest stepMissablePoint of no returnDLC: The Grimm TroupeNG+1Minor spoiler
Location
Howling Cliffs · Nightmare Lantern
Why you can lose it
Leaving the lantern room after Brumm's talk there, before breaking the brazier, makes him vanish for the save.
Point of no return
Leaving the Nightmare Lantern room after Brumm's talk there.
Summary
Run the Grimm Troupe ritual past Troupe Master Grimm, then find Brumm in Deepnest's Distant Village. He meets you again at the Nightmare Lantern; strike the brazier and do not leave the room first.
Trophies
  • Achievement · SteamBanishment
  • Achievement · XboxBanishment
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100% and an ending in under 20 hoursHidden spoiler – activate to revealEndingNG+1Major spoiler
Location
Forgotten Crossroads · Temple of the Black Egg
Summary
With World Sense showing at least 100%, see any ending before the save passes twenty hours.
Trophies
  • Achievement · SteamSpeed Completion
  • Achievement · XboxSpeed Completion
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Cycle 3: Steel Soul

One life, no shade: finish the game in Steel Soul mode at 100%.
One life

A real death ends the save. Dream fights and Godhome are safe; the White Palace, the Radiance and the Lifeblood chamber are not.

Steel Soul unlocks after your first finished game. Confessor Jiji is replaced by Steel Soul Jinn and Tuk is gone. Reach 100% before your ending: one ending then earns both achievements, so you never rely on the save reloading. 100% leaves 12 points of slack, so you can skip the riskiest optional pieces.

An ending in Steel Soul mode at 100%Hidden spoiler – activate to revealEndingNG+2Major spoiler
Location
Forgotten Crossroads · Temple of the Black Egg
Summary
Beat the Hollow Knight for any ending without the Radiance fight, to keep the risk low.
Trophies
  • Achievement · SteamSteel Soul
  • Achievement · XboxSteel Soul
  • Achievement · SteamSteel Heart
  • Achievement · XboxSteel Heart
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Achievements, trophies and the 112% breakdown

Every achievement and trophy with the section that earns it, and how the 112% adds up.

Steam and Xbox share one list of 63 achievements. PlayStation has its own list of 35 trophies: 33 shared with that list, plus Nightmare's End and the platinum. The Switch has no platform achievements, only an in-game list.

All 63 Steam and Xbox achievements and the PlayStation-only trophies
AchievementPlayStation gradePackEarned in
CharmedBronzeBase1. King's Pass and Dirtmouth
EnchantedBronzeBase11. Dream Nail sweep and Dirtmouth shopping
BlessedSilverBase28. The White Palace and the Path of Pain
ProtectedBronzeBase6. Crossroads and Dirtmouth: Mantis Claw sweep
MaskedSilverBase25. After the Dreamers: dream fights and Essence
SoulfulBronzeBase7. City of Tears and the Soul Sanctum
WorldsoulSilverBase26. Hallownest clean-up
FalsehoodBronzeBase2. Forgotten Crossroads
Strength—Base11. Dream Nail sweep and Dirtmouth shopping
Test of ResolveBronzeBase3. Greenpath
Proof of ResolveBronzeBase17. Kingdom's Edge and the Hive
Illumination—Base7. City of Tears and the Soul Sanctum
Mortality—Base11. Dream Nail sweep and Dirtmouth shopping
Release—Base14. Ancient Basin
Peace—Base14. Ancient Basin
Honour—Base13. Royal Waterways and Isma's Grove
Respect—Base4. Fungal Wastes and Mantis Village
Obsession—Base23. City of Tears: Watcher's Spire and Tower of Love
Execution—Base22. Queen's Gardens
Rivalry—Base18. Colosseum of Fools: Trial of the Warrior
AttunementBronzeBase11. Dream Nail sweep and Dirtmouth shopping
AwakeningBronzeBase25. After the Dreamers: dream fights and Essence
AscensionSilverBase30. Nightmare King and the Unbreakable charms
GrubfriendBronzeBase26. Hallownest clean-up
MetamorphosisSilverBase26. Hallownest clean-up
ConnectionBronzeBase10. City of Tears: east side and King's Station
HopeSilverBase26. Hallownest clean-up
Neglect—Base37. Cycle 2: Neglect and the five-hour ending
Witness—Base24. Fog Canyon and the Teacher's Archives
Purity—Base38. Cycle 2: Purity, Banishment and 100% in 20 hours
Happy Couple—Base31. Colosseum of Fools: Conqueror and Fool
SolaceBronzeBase22. Queen's Gardens
Void—Base29. The Birthplace and the Void Heart
TeacherBronzeBase24. Fog Canyon and the Teacher's Archives
WatcherBronzeBase23. City of Tears: Watcher's Spire and Tower of Love
BeastBronzeBase21. Deepnest revisit and Herrah
CartographerSilverBase24. Fog Canyon and the Teacher's Archives
Completion—Base32. Endings 2 and 3: Sealed Siblings and Dream No More
Speed Completion—Base38. Cycle 2: Purity, Banishment and 100% in 20 hours
Keen HunterBronzeBase31. Colosseum of Fools: Conqueror and Fool
True HunterSilverBase31. Colosseum of Fools: Conqueror and Fool
Steel Soul—Base39. Cycle 3: Steel Soul
Steel Heart—Base39. Cycle 3: Steel Soul
Speedrun 1—Base37. Cycle 2: Neglect and the five-hour ending
Speedrun 2—Base37. Cycle 2: Neglect and the five-hour ending
WarriorBronzeBase18. Colosseum of Fools: Trial of the Warrior
ConquerorSilverBase31. Colosseum of Fools: Conqueror and Fool
FoolGoldBase31. Colosseum of Fools: Conqueror and Fool
The Hollow KnightGoldBase27. Ending 1: The Hollow Knight
Sealed Siblings—Base32. Endings 2 and 3: Sealed Siblings and Dream No More
Dream No More—Base32. Endings 2 and 3: Sealed Siblings and Dream No More
Passing of the AgeSilverBase32. Endings 2 and 3: Sealed Siblings and Dream No More
Memory—Hidden Dreams25. After the Dreamers: dream fights and Essence
Dark Romance—Hidden Dreams25. After the Dreamers: dream fights and Essence
Grand PerformanceBronzeThe Grimm Troupe19. The Grimm Troupe: Troupe Master Grimm
Ritual—The Grimm Troupe30. Nightmare King and the Unbreakable charms
Banishment—The Grimm Troupe38. Cycle 2: Purity, Banishment and 100% in 20 hours
Brotherhood—Godmaster33. Godhome: the first four Pantheons
Inspiration—Godmaster33. Godhome: the first four Pantheons
Focus—Godmaster33. Godhome: the first four Pantheons
Soul & ShadeSilverGodmaster33. Godhome: the first four Pantheons
Embrace the VoidGoldGodmaster34. The Pantheon of Hallownest
Pure CompletionGoldGodmaster34. The Pantheon of Hallownest
Nightmare's EndGoldThe Grimm Troupe30. Nightmare King and the Unbreakable charms
Heart of HallownestPlatinumBase34. The Pantheon of Hallownest
The 112% breakdown
CategoryPointsWhat counts
Bosses141 each: the 14 bosses from the False Knight to the Watcher Knights
Charms361 each; Fragile and Unbreakable versions share a point, as do Grimmchild and Carefree Melody, and Kingsoul and Void Heart
Colosseum of Fools31 per trial (sections 18 and 31)
Dreamers3Herrah, Lurien, Monomon (sections 21, 23, 24)
Dream Nail and Essence3Dream Nail, its awakening at 1,800, and the Seer's last words at 2,400
Equipment142 each: Mothwing Cloak, Mantis Claw, Crystal Heart, Monarch Wings, Isma's Tear, Shade Cloak, King's Brand
Masks41 per completed mask (16 shards)
Nail Arts3Cyclone, Dash and Great Slash
Nail upgrades4Sharpened, Channelled, Coiled, Pure
Spells6Three spells and their three upgrades
Soul vessels31 per completed vessel (9 fragments)
Warrior Dreams71 each
The Grimm Troupe6Dreamshield, Grimmchild or Carefree Melody, Sprintmaster, Weaversong, Troupe Master Grimm, Nightmare King Grimm or Banishment
Lifeblood1Hive Knight
Godmaster5Godtuner and Pantheons 1 to 4; the Pantheon of Hallownest adds nothing
Hidden Dreams0Nothing in this pack adds percentage
Total112Completion and the 100% achievements need 100; Pure Completion needs 112
Nightmare's End on PlayStation

This guide earns it with the Nightmare King on cycle 1. Whether the banishment branch also earns it is unconfirmed.

About this guide

Expect a demanding platformer with many optional bosses. The full collector route adds the Pantheons with every binding, a speedrun save and a one-life Steel Soul save on Steam, Xbox and Switch.

Last verified: Oct 29, 2026 · Patch 1.5.12620 · 0 community corrections shipped

Unofficial fan guide. Not affiliated with the publisher.