ollow Knight. Just saying the name conjures images of a sprawling, melancholic world, challenging combat, and an almost overwhelming sense of discovery. It's a game that has cemented itself as a modern classic, a masterpiece of the Metroidvania genre. Yet, like many games with such depth and complexity, it doesn't hold your hand. Its allure lies in its mystery, its refusal to spoon-feed information, and its expectation that you, the player, will explore, experiment, and learn through trial and error.
Having now poured countless hours into this beautiful, brutal world, achieved its myriad endings, and even delved into its notoriously difficult DLC, I’ve accumulated a mental list of insights. These aren't criticisms of the game's design, but rather a collection of advice, revelations, and "aha!" moments that would have significantly smoothed my initial journey through Hallownest. For anyone considering or just starting their adventure, here are the things I wish I knew before playing Hollow Knight.
Embrace the Exploration, But Don't Get Lost Forever
Hollow Knight is a game about exploration. The map is initially blank, and you fill it in as you go, buying cartographer's notes from Cornifer. This is brilliant design, encouraging genuine discovery. What I wish I knew, however, was just how massive and interconnected Hallownest truly is. Early on, I found myself wandering aimlessly for long stretches, unsure if I was progressing or just going in circles.
My advice: don't be afraid to backtrack. If an area seems too tough, or a path appears to be blocked, it almost certainly means you need a new ability or charm from elsewhere. The game is meticulously designed, and there are always multiple paths and secrets to uncover. Keep an eye out for seemingly insignificant details – a cracked wall, a shimmering light, a subtly different texture – as these often hide hidden passages. And for the love of all that is buggy, always buy Cornifer's map when you find him. He hums, listen for him! His notes are invaluable for navigation and understanding the layout of the vast underground kingdom. Without the map, you are truly lost in the darkness.
Combat is About Patience, Pattern Recognition, and Charms
Coming from other action games, I initially approached Hollow Knight's combat with an aggressive mindset. This was a mistake. Every enemy, from the simplest Vengefly to the most fearsome boss, has a distinct attack pattern. Rushing in blindly will almost always result in a swift death.
What I wish I knew was the importance of patience and observation. Take the time to learn enemy tells. Dodge, weave, and wait for openings. Your primary attack, the Nail, is deceptively simple but incredibly versatile. Master the pogo jump for both combat and traversal. It’s not just a stylish move; it's essential for bouncing off enemies and spikes to reach new areas or avoid damage.
Furthermore, Charms are not just optional buffs; they are integral to your build and can dramatically alter your combat effectiveness. Experiment with different combinations. Some charms enhance your Nail damage, others improve your Soul regeneration, and some offer utility like increased mobility or defense. Don't be afraid to swap them out before challenging a boss. A charm setup that works for general exploration might be completely ineffective against a specific adversary. For example, the Shaman Stone significantly boosts spell damage, making it a must-have for spell-focused builds, while Quick Slash turns your Nail into a flurry of attacks. Understanding these synergies is key.
Healing is a Limited Resource, Use it Wisely
In many games, healing is something you can spam whenever you take damage. In Hollow Knight, healing leaves you vulnerable and consumes a valuable resource. I often found myself trying to heal during intense boss fights, only to get hit again and lose even more health.
The crucial lesson here is to only heal when you have a clear opening. Bosses often have "stagger" states or predictable lulls in their attack patterns that provide a brief window for healing. Recognize these opportunities. Sometimes, it’s better to just keep attacking and try to end the fight quickly rather than risk taking more damage while attempting to heal. Charms like Quick Focus can reduce the time it takes to heal, making it a valuable addition to your build, especially for beginners. The Stalwart Shell can also be useful, as it extends the invincibility period after taking damage, potentially giving you more time to focus.
The story of Hallownest, its fall and the tragic figures who shaped its destiny, is incredibly compelling once you start putting the pieces together.
Don't Underestimate the Power of Spells
Early on, I relied almost exclusively on my Nail. Spells felt secondary, a bonus rather than a core part of my offensive strategy. This was a significant oversight. Spells in Hollow Knight are incredibly powerful and can turn the tide of a difficult battle.
The Vengeful Spirit, Desolate Dive, and Howling Wraiths are your main offensive spells. Each has an upgraded version that deals even more damage. What I wish I knew was just how much utility they offer. Desolate Dive, for instance, provides invincibility frames, making it an excellent evasive maneuver during boss attacks. Howling Wraiths is fantastic for hitting flying enemies or multiple enemies above you. Learn when and how to weave spells into your Nail combos. They consume Soul, which is generated by hitting enemies with your nail, which creates a satisfying combat loop of attack, generate Soul, cast spell, repeat.
Death is a Learning Opportunity, Not a Punishment
You will die in Hollow Knight. A lot. Especially during boss fights. My initial reaction was often frustration, but I quickly learned that each death was a valuable lesson. The game forces you to analyze your mistakes. Did you miss a dodge? Did you heal at the wrong time? Did you use the wrong charm setup?
When you die, a Shade appears at the spot of your demise, holding all your Geo. You must return to that spot and defeat your Shade to reclaim your Geo. This mechanic, while potentially punishing if you die in a hard-to-reach area, reinforces careful play and encourages you to learn from your previous attempts. Don't view death as a failure, but as feedback. Analyze what went wrong, adjust your strategy, and try again. And if you’re really struggling to reclaim your Geo, the Confessor Jiji in Dirtmouth can help you retrieve your Shade for a small fee, which can be a literal lifesaver.
The Lore is Deep and Subtly Delivered
Hollow Knight's story is not presented through cutscenes or lengthy exposition dumps. It's woven into the environment, hinted at through cryptic dialogue, and pieced together through item descriptions and environmental storytelling. For someone who enjoys rich narratives, I initially found this approach a little daunting.
What I wish I knew was to truly pay attention to every detail. Read every lore tablet. Talk to every NPC multiple times; their dialogue often changes or expands. Observe the ruins, the dead creatures, the subtle shifts in atmosphere. The story of Hallownest, its fall, and the tragic figures who shaped its destiny, is incredibly compelling once you start putting the pieces together. It’s a story of sacrifice, plague, and the struggle for hope, told with a quiet elegance. Don't rush through areas; linger and absorb the melancholy beauty of the world. Engaging with the lore enhances the entire experience and provides a deeper appreciation for the game's exquisite craftsmanship.
The DLC is Integrated and Expansive
I initially thought the "Godmaster" and "Grimm Troupe" DLCs were separate experiences that you accessed from a menu. What I wish I knew was that they are seamlessly integrated into the main game world, offering new areas, bosses, and lore. This means you might stumble upon them organically during your playthrough.
"Grimm Troupe" adds a fascinating side quest-line with a new character, combat trials, and a challenging boss. "Godmaster," on the other hand, is endgame content, a brutal gauntlet of boss rushes designed to test the skills of even the most seasoned players. Don't feel pressured to tackle them immediately. Enjoy the main game first, develop your skills, and then, if you're craving more challenge, dive into the additional content. Be warned: "Godmaster" is not for the faint of heart, but it offers a true test of mastery over Hollow Knight's combat system.
Don't Be Afraid to Look Up Help (Sometimes)
While discovering everything on your own is part of the Hollow Knight experience, there are times when getting stuck can genuinely detract from your enjoyment. If you've been wandering for hours and feel completely lost, or if a particular boss seems insurmountable, don't be afraid to consult a guide or watch a video.
I wish I had been less stubborn in my initial playthrough. A quick hint about a hidden path or a boss's weakness could have saved me hours of frustration. However, use guides sparingly. The magic of Hollow Knight lies in its discovery. Use external help as a last resort, just enough to get you unstuck, and then dive back into the adventure on your own terms. The satisfaction of overcoming a challenge through your own perseverance is one of the game's greatest rewards.
Take Breaks
Hollow Knight can be intense, demanding focus and persistence. It’s easy to fall into a cycle of repeated attempts at a boss or endlessly searching for a hidden path, leading to burnout. My biggest regret was pushing through moments of intense frustration when a short break would have been far more beneficial.
Stepping away, even for just 15-30 minutes, can reset your perspective. You might come back with a clearer mind, notice a detail you missed, or simply find renewed patience for a difficult encounter. Hallownest will still be there, ready for your return, and often, a fresh approach after a break is exactly what you need to break through a wall.
Conclusion
With these insights in mind, your journey through Hollow Knight's melancholic beauty should be a more rewarding one. It's a game that demands much but gives back even more in terms of atmosphere, challenge, and unforgettable moments. Embrace the struggle, savor the discoveries, and remember that even in the deepest, darkest corners of Hallownest, there's always something new to learn. Go forth, little ghost, and reclaim the kingdom!