Navigating Hallownest: Your Guide to Reaching the City of Tears from Mantis Village in Hollow Knight

The world of Hollow Knight is vast and interconnected, and finding your way from one area to another can be a challenge, especially without a map. Getting from Mantis Village to the grand City of Tears is a key step in your journey. Here’s your definitive guide:

To reach the City of Tears from Mantis Village, you must defeat the Mantis Lords. Once defeated, the Mantis Lords will show respect and allow you to pass through a previously guarded path at the top of the village. This path leads directly to the Fungal Wastes, which in turn, connects to the City of Tears.

The Journey Unveiled: A Step-by-Step Guide

Reaching the City of Tears involves conquering a few challenges and navigating interconnected areas. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the path:

1. Explore Mantis Village: Thoroughly explore Mantis Village, collecting any items or upgrades you might find. Look for pathways upwards, as you’ll eventually need to ascend to reach the Mantis Lords.

2. Confront the Mantis Lords: The Mantis Lords are a challenging but rewarding boss fight. Defeating them is crucial for accessing the path to the City of Tears. Focus on learning their attack patterns and exploiting openings. This boss fight requires good timing and pattern memorization to emerge victorious.

3. Ascend Through the Unlocked Path: After defeating the Mantis Lords, the path at the top of the village, previously guarded by a Mantis Warrior, will open. Proceed through this path. It leads to the Fungal Wastes.

4. Navigate the Fungal Wastes: The Fungal Wastes is a dangerous area filled with fungal creatures. Proceed carefully, using your abilities to traverse the environment. Look for the path leading eastward. Keep an eye out for the Fungal Core, a notable landmark. The path to the city lies beyond this area.

5. Enter the City of Tears: Follow the path east through the Fungal Wastes until you reach an elevator shaft. Ride the elevator up, and you’ll arrive at the lower reaches of the magnificent City of Tears. Welcome!

Mastering the Challenges: Tips and Tricks

• Upgrade Your Nail: A stronger nail will significantly improve your combat effectiveness against the Mantis Lords and the enemies in the Fungal Wastes.
• Acquire Movement Abilities: Abilities like the Mothwing Cloak (Dash) and Mantis Claw (Wall Climb) will make traversing the environment much easier. The Mantis Claw is found in the Mantis Village itself.
• Gather Charms: Charms provide various buffs and advantages. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your playstyle. The Quick Focus charm is beneficial during the Mantis Lords fight.
• Map the Areas: Cornifer is located in both Mantis Village and Fungal Wastes. Purchase his maps to get a better sense of the area’s layout. This will help you navigate more effectively.
• Practice Patience: Hollow Knight can be challenging. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Practice and learn from your mistakes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I reach the City of Tears without defeating the Mantis Lords?

No, defeating the Mantis Lords is required to open the path from Mantis Village to the Fungal Wastes, which is the only accessible route to the City of Tears from that location.

2. What level should I be before attempting the Mantis Lords?

There is no level system in Hollow Knight, but having at least one Nail Upgrade and a few extra Mask Shards is highly recommended before challenging the Mantis Lords. Understanding their attack patterns is crucial, regardless of your equipment.

3. Where do I find the Mantis Claw in Mantis Village?

The Mantis Claw is found by navigating the Mantis Village to a statue in a small chamber to the west. This allows you to wall jump.

4. How do I navigate the Fungal Wastes effectively?

Use your Mothwing Cloak (Dash) and Mantis Claw (Wall Climb) to traverse the environment. Be cautious of fungal creatures and Fungal Balloons that explode when touched. Purchase the map from Cornifer to better understand the layout.

5. What dangers should I be aware of in the Fungal Wastes?

The Fungal Wastes is filled with aggressive enemies, poisonous mushrooms, and exploding Fungal Balloons. Watch out for the Shrumal Ogres and the Fungal Bowman enemies. Careful platforming and combat awareness are essential.

6. Is there a Stag Station in Mantis Village?

Yes, there is a Stag Station in Mantis Village, hidden behind a breakable wall. This is useful for fast traveling to other parts of Hallownest once unlocked.

7. Is there a Stag Station in City of Tears?

Yes, there are actually two Stag Stations in the City of Tears! The first is City Storerooms, the second is King’s Station.

8. What are some useful charms for the Mantis Lords fight?

• Quick Focus: Allows for faster healing.
• Longnail/Mark of Pride: Increases nail range, making it easier to hit the Mantis Lords from a safe distance.
• Thorns of Agony: Deals damage back to enemies when hit.
• Steady Body: Prevents knockback, allowing for more consistent attacks.

9. How do I upgrade my nail?

You can upgrade your nail by visiting the Nailsmith in the City of Tears. You’ll need Geo and Pale Ore to upgrade your nail.

10. What should I do after reaching the City of Tears?

Explore the City of Tears! There are many secrets and challenges to uncover, including new bosses, areas to explore, and items to find. Follow the paths and clues to progress further in the game.

11. Where can I find Pale Ore?

Pale Ore is a rare material used to upgrade your nail. One piece can be found after defeating the Crystal Guardian in Crystal Peak, and another is obtained after defeating the Failed Champion dream boss in the Forgotten Crossroads.

12. Is there a bench near the Mantis Lords arena?

Yes, there is a bench located just before the Mantis Lords arena, allowing you to save and heal before the fight.

13. How do I get the Dream Nail?

The Dream Nail is obtained from the Seer in the Resting Grounds. It’s a crucial item for accessing dream bosses and other hidden content.

14. What is the significance of the City of Tears?

The City of Tears is a major hub area in Hollow Knight, connecting to many other regions and containing important NPCs, story elements, and challenges. It’s a visually stunning and historically significant location.

15. What skills or spells are helpful for navigating both Mantis Village and Fungal Wastes?

Besides the Mothwing Cloak and Mantis Claw, the Vengeful Spirit spell can be very useful for dealing with ranged enemies and clearing paths. Also, the Desolate Dive ability acquired later in the game can help traverse downwards into previously unreachable sections.

By following these steps and utilizing these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to journey from the challenging Mantis Village to the majestic City of Tears. Good luck, Knight!