Can You Still Play Hollow Knight After Killing the Hollow Knight? Absolutely!
Yes, absolutely! Beating the Hollow Knight in the initial encounter isn’t the end of your adventure in Hallownest. Instead of triggering a “game over” screen, the game smartly returns you to the bench right outside the boss room. This allows you to continue exploring, collecting, and completing any unfinished business, including unlocking the other available endings.
Delving Deeper: What Happens After the First Ending?
Many players are surprised, and thrilled, to learn that defeating the Hollow Knight for the first time is just the beginning. Think of it as a stepping stone. Here’s what unlocks or becomes available after that initial victory:
- Steelsoul Mode: Completing the game once unlocks Steelsoul Mode, a permadeath challenge for those seeking a true test of their skills.
- Progress Percentage: Your completion percentage appears on the main screen, giving you a clear goal to strive towards.
- Access to Other Endings: This is crucial. The first ending is just one of five! To see them all, you’ll need to fulfill specific criteria and revisit the Hollow Knight.
- Continued Exploration: Every nook and cranny of Hallownest remains open for exploration. Collect those missing Charms, Grubs, and Mask Shards.
- New Challenges: The Colosseum of Fools remains ready for you to test your combat prowess, and quests like the Delicate Flower quest are still available.
So, don’t worry about rushing to the final boss. Take your time, explore thoroughly, and savor everything Hallownest has to offer. Your journey is far from over!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify what you can do after defeating the Hollow Knight and enhance your understanding of the game’s post-game content.
1. What exactly does killing the Hollow Knight do to the game world?
Killing the Hollow Knight for the first time triggers the first ending, where the Knight seals the Radiance within, taking the Hollow Knight’s place. However, this isn’t the true ending. The game world remains unchanged, allowing you to pursue other endings and challenges.
2. Is the Hollow Knight the last boss of Hollow Knight?
Not exactly. While the Hollow Knight is the final boss of the game’s initial storyline, the true final boss is the Radiance. You can only access the Radiance fight by using the Dream Nail on the Hollow Knight during a specific moment in the fight, when Hornet gives you the opportunity.
3. How many endings does Hollow Knight have, and how do I get them?
Hollow Knight boasts a total of five endings. Three are linked to the original release, and two were introduced with the Godmaster DLC. Each ending requires specific actions and quest completions. Exploring the game thoroughly and experimenting with different choices is the key to unlocking them all.
4. Can I fight the Radiance after killing the Hollow Knight in the standard ending?
Yes, you can! After achieving the first ending, you simply need to load your save and fulfill the requirements to trigger the Radiance fight. This typically involves obtaining the Void Heart charm and triggering the Hornet cutscene before the Hollow Knight fight.
5. What happens if I die after beating the Hollow Knight but before achieving other endings?
Dying in Hollow Knight, even after beating the main boss, means you lose all your Geo and your Shade appears where you died. Retrieving your Shade restores your Geo and your Soul Vessel. It doesn’t affect your overall progress towards other endings or your ability to access them.
6. What’s the deal with Steelsoul Mode?
Steelsoul Mode is Hollow Knight‘s version of permadeath. One death ends your entire run, adding an immense level of tension to the game. It’s unlocked after completing the game for the first time and it is a hardcore challenge for experienced players.
7. What content does the Godmaster DLC add to the game?
The Godmaster DLC is the largest content pack for Hollow Knight. It introduces:
- New characters and quests
- The Godhome area, a challenging arena-based gauntlet
- New bosses, including the Absolute Radiance
- The fifth ending
Godmaster significantly extends the game’s lifespan and provides a serious challenge even for veterans.
8. Is there anything missable in Hollow Knight that would prevent me from getting 100% completion?
Fortunately, there’s nothing permanently missable in Hollow Knight that would prevent you from reaching 100% completion. You can always go back and collect any items or complete any quests you might have skipped.
9. What is the hardest thing to do in Hollow Knight post-game?
Many consider completing the Pantheon of Hallownest with all Bindings active, or beating the Absolute Radiance in Godhome to be the hardest challenges. These require mastery of the game’s combat system, precise platforming skills, and immense patience. Embrace the Void achievement, which requires you to beat the Pantheon of Hallownest without dying is also up there.
10. Can I change my build after defeating the Hollow Knight?
Yes! You can freely change your Charm loadout at any time by sitting at a bench. This allows you to experiment with different builds and adapt to different challenges.
11. What are some essential things to do after defeating the Hollow Knight?
- Collect all Charms, Mask Shards, and Vessel Fragments.
- Complete all optional areas, such as the White Palace and the Hive.
- Defeat all optional bosses, such as the Grimm Troupe.
- Complete all side quests, such as the Delicate Flower quest.
- Explore the Godmaster content.
These activities will not only enhance your character but also deepen your understanding of Hallownest’s lore.
12. What is the significance of the Void Heart Charm?
The Void Heart Charm is essential for unlocking the “Dream No More” and “Embrace the Void” endings. It represents the Knight’s connection to the Void and grants access to the Radiance fight. Obtaining it requires completing specific steps involving the White Palace and the Queen’s Gardens.
13. How do I find all the Grubs in Hollow Knight?
Finding all the Grubs is a completionist goal. Explore every area thoroughly, paying attention to hidden passages and breakable walls. Listen for their distinctive chirping sound. Using the Grubfinder charm helps, as it emits a distinctive noise when you are near a Grub. Rescuing all 46 grubs is required to complete the Grubfather quest.
14. Where can I find resources and discussions about Hollow Knight‘s lore and gameplay strategies?
- Online forums and communities like Reddit
- The Hollow Knight Wiki
- YouTube channels dedicated to Hollow Knight content
- The Games Learning Society, which is an invaluable resource on how video games can be used for education can also offer interesting insights into game design principles employed in games like Hollow Knight. Check them out at: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
These are great places to connect with other players, learn about hidden secrets, and discuss strategies for overcoming challenges.
15. What’s the deal with Hollow Knight: Silksong? Is it related to the original game?
Hollow Knight: Silksong is the highly anticipated sequel to Hollow Knight. It features Hornet as the main protagonist and introduces a new kingdom, new enemies, and new abilities. While it’s a standalone game, it builds upon the lore and world established in Hollow Knight.