Summary
- Don’t rush boss battles. Take time to learn attack patterns.
- Master the pogo jump for versatile maneuverability.
- Explore every area thoroughly for hidden secrets and optional bosses.
Hollow Knight has become a classic in the Metroidvania genre. The game follows the story of The Knight, an enigmatic warrior who descends into the ruined kingdom of Hallownest. As players explore, they uncover a vast and vibrant world, filled with infected enemies, tough bosses, and helpful NPCs.
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However, Hollow Knight can be challenging for new players due to its fast-paced action, complex platforming, and labyrinthine map. While the game can be difficult, there are ways to make the game easier. Hollow Knight does not have difficulty levels, but it does have abilities, items, and upgrades that will help players improve and grow stronger as they progress. Hollow Knight is one of the best modern Metroidvania games available and, for new players, a challenge worth taking on.
10
Don’t Rush Battles
Learn Attack Patterns
Like all the great Metroidvanias, one of the standout elements of Hollow Knight is its boss battles. From the early game encounters with False Knight and Hornet to memorable battles with Dung Defender and Nosk, each fight is a unique experience that tests the player’s skills.
Hollow Knight’s boss fights are fast, complex, and often very challenging. While the early game eases players into these encounters, the difficulty only increases. However, every boss has a specific attack pattern that can be learned. Rushing a boss will often lead to death, so taking a few extra attempts to learn their attacks will ultimately lead to more success throughout the game.
9
Practice Dodging
Avoid Attacking And Focus On Surviving
While combat is a big part of Hollow Knight, movement might be an even more important aspect of the game. Hollow Knight’s varied movement mechanics allow for fast-paced, quick reactions to the game’s toughest challenges.
During boss fights, staying alive for as long as possible by only dodging will help players learn the attack patterns faster. Practicing the complex movement in the game will also help players during Hollow Knight’s toughest platforming challenges, most notably the Path of Pain.
8
Use Charms
Experiment With Different Combinations
For new players looking to gain a powerful advantage in Hollow Knight, players should use the game’s many Charms. Each Charm offers a different bonus. These range from Dash, where the player moves faster, to Long-Nail, which extends the player’s weapon range, and faster healing or a protective shell.
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However, placing specific Charms next to one another can create unique combinations, from powerful shotgun-like attacks to AOE spore clouds that deal damage over time. The hidden effects of Charms are a fun aspect of the game that can make Hollow Knight all the easier for new players.
7
Practice The Pogo Jump
Bounce Off Spikes &Enemies Alike
Hollow Knight is a surprisingly versatile game. Players can attack in any direction, which, when mixed with its diverse set of movement and attack abilities, creates a set of complex mechanics that can take a long time to master. One of the most useful mechanics to practice early is the pogo ability. By attacking down, players can jump from enemy to enemy without touching the ground.
This attack also works on specific surfaces, such as spiked floors. This allows players to reach new areas and find hidden secrets. Pogoing is one of the toughest mechanics to master in the game, but once perfected, it will make Hollow Knight all the easier to play.
6
Purchase Maps From Cornifer
Never Get Lost Again
When first setting out in Hallownest, new players quickly discover they are without a map. This soon changes after exploring the Forgotten Crossroads. Players will meet Cornifer, a friendly cartographer who is willing to sell the player a map of the area they find him in. He will reappear in each new region, easily found by following the sound of his cheerful humming — and the sight of some scattered pages on the right path.
Collecting these region maps is one of the most useful things a player can spend their Geo on. Hollow Knight has a large and complex map, and navigating the world is much easier with the maps of the different regions. Even if players miss Cornifer in one region, each map can be easily purchased in Dirtmouth from the shop. Additionally, players should also buy the Quill from the shop, which will update the map each time the player rests at a bench.
5
Purchase Map Markers
Never Get Lost Again
As previously stated, Hollow Knight’s map is a complex labyrinth that is a pleasure to explore. The world is filled with hidden secrets, shadowy areas, and numerous locations. Navigating Hollow Knight’s world can be made easier with the compass charm. However, some of the most useful items in the game are the Map Markers.
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Bought in Dirtmouth in the Cornifer’s shop, these markers will show players every bench and fast travel location on the map after the player discovers them. For new players just starting in Hollow Knight, these simple purchases can save a lot of time when exploring the game.
4
Learn The Map
Navigate With Ease
Hollow Knight is a very well-designed game, with each region presented as a visually distinct area. Each new location has a unique look and sound and features new enemies to fight. However, this does not mean the world is easy to navigate — new players will easily get lost and need the game’s maps to help them get around.
Spending some time in each region is highly recommended. There are often multiple routes to different areas, as well as hidden locations. Learning the map by memory will help players traverse Hallownest a lot more quickly, making backtracking simple and fun.
3
Upgrade Equipment Whenever Possible
Become Overpowered
Hollow Knight features a wide variety of items and abilities to help players progress through the game. However, the item most often used is the Knight’s weapon, The Nail. This item can be upgraded throughout the game after players have found enough Pale Ore.
Upgrading The Nail means the player deals more damage, ending boss fights much more quickly. This is vital for late-game enemies when the difficulty of the game increases. In addition to The Nail, players can upgrade their number of health masks and Soul Vessels, allowing for more health and power.
2
Use Every Ability
Become A Master
From the Vengeful Spirit or Desolate Dive spells to the Monarch Wings and Shade Cloak, Hollow Knight is filled with abilities that will help players navigate the world and its bosses.
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While some of these are straightforward, learning each spell and ability will open new pathways for the player. New players will discover some of the abilities have multiple uses. Desolate Dive, for instance, is an effective attack, as well as a tool for further exploring. Once mastered, the various spells and abilities give players a huge amount of freedom, both in traversal and in combat.
1
Explore Every Area
Discover Secrets & Mysteries
Hollow Knight has many hidden areas, secret bosses, and discoverable items. Uncovering these secrets can help new players who are struggling with the game. From new Charms, level shortcuts, extra geo, or vessel and mask fragments, exploration will always reward players.
Hollow Knight is a vast game with a rich and detailed map. Unlocking every location is one of the most satisfying aspects of the game and will help new players improve both their skills and game knowledge. There are also numerous bosses found throughout Hallownest that are completely optional. These bosses are some of the best in the game, from the tough Dream bosses to the creepy Nosk or The Collector. Each one will pose a new challenge for players, while rewarding perseverance with new items.
- Released
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February 24, 2017
- Developer(s)
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Team Cherry
- OpenCritic Rating
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Mighty
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