Can You Beat Hollow Knight and Keep Playing? Unraveling the Mysteries of Hallownest’s Aftermath

Yes, absolutely! Beating Hollow Knight doesn’t mean the end of your adventure. In fact, upon achieving any of the game’s multiple endings, you’re seamlessly transported back to the bench inside the Black Egg Temple before the final boss encounter. This allows you to explore, collect, and strive for the other endings, tackle optional challenges, and generally experience everything Hallownest has to offer. The world remains open, inviting you to delve deeper into its secrets long after you’ve “beaten” the game.

Delving Deeper: Hollow Knight’s Post-Game Content

Hollow Knight’s replayability is one of its strongest assets. After your initial victory, the game offers several compelling reasons to continue playing:

• Unlocking Steel Soul Mode: Completing any ending unlocks Steel Soul Mode, a permadeath challenge that dramatically increases the stakes.
• Progress Percentage: Your completion percentage is displayed on the main screen, incentivizing you to achieve 100% (or even 112% with the DLC content).
• Multiple Endings: The game boasts five distinct endings (three in the base game and two added with the Godmaster DLC), each with its own unique requirements and cutscenes.
• Optional Bosses and Challenges: Numerous challenging bosses, like Absolute Radiance, and grueling platforming sections, such as the Path of Pain, await those seeking a greater test.
• Exploration and Collection: Vast areas remain unexplored, secrets undiscovered, and charms uncollected, providing ample opportunities for further exploration and character development.
• The Games Learning Society: The game exemplifies many key gaming principles used to teach and inspire the use of gaming to learn. You can learn more about the use of games in education at the GamesLearningSociety.org website.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hollow Knight’s Post-Game

Here are 15 frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the post-game experience in Hollow Knight:

1. What happens when I beat Hollow Knight?

You are returned to the bench inside the Black Egg Temple, just before the final boss fight. You can then continue exploring the world, seeking out other endings, or tackling optional challenges.

2. Can I still play after beating the Hollow Knight?

Yes! The game encourages you to continue playing after achieving any ending.

3. How many endings does Hollow Knight have?

Hollow Knight features a total of five endings: three in the base game and two added with the Godmaster DLC.

4. Which Hollow Knight ending is canon for Silksong?

While not officially confirmed, the “Dream No More” ending (achieved by defeating the Radiance) is widely considered the closest to a canon ending as it appears to free Hallownest from the infection, but it could also be the “Sealed Siblings” ending where Hornet becomes a seal similar to the Dreamers

5. What do I do after beating Hollow Knight?

Consider trying out the Randomizer, attempting a No Hit Run, conquering the Pantheon of Gods, playing in Steel Soul Mode, attempting a Low Percent Run, aiming for 112 Percent Run, or completing the Path of Pain.

6. Is it possible to beat Hollow Knight without killing the Dreamers?

No. The Dreamers must be defeated to access the Hollow Knight boss fight and achieve any ending.

7. What is the easiest Hollow Knight ending?

The “The Hollow Knight” ending, achieved by defeating the Hollow Knight without possessing the Void Heart, is generally considered the easiest.

8. How long does it take to beat Hollow Knight?

The main story takes approximately 27 hours. Achieving 100% completion can take around 62½ hours, or even more depending on skill and playstyle.

9. Can you do every ending in Hollow Knight?

Yes, you can achieve all five endings in a single save file.

10. What happens if you dream nail the Hollow Knight?

Dream nailing the Hollow Knight during the fight can trigger different events depending on whether you possess the Void Heart. Without the Void Heart, you will just collect some soul. With the Void Heart, it allows access to a different fight and therefore a different ending.

11. What does the rancid egg do in Hollow Knight?

Rancid Eggs are a currency used to summon your Shade through Confessor Jiji after you die. She can be found in Dirtmouth behind a locked door that requires a Simple Key.

12. What is the hardest boss in Hollow Knight?

Absolute Radiance, the perfect form of the Radiance, is widely considered the hardest boss in Hollow Knight.

13. Why did the first Hollow Knight fail?

The Hollow Knight failed because it was not truly hollow. According to the White Lady, it had “an idea instilled,” meaning it possessed thoughts and attachments.

14. Can you lose in Hollow Knight?

Yes, you lose your Geo and crack your soul metre upon death. You can recover your Geo by defeating your Shade at the location where you died. But if you die on the way to your Shade, you lose the Geo forever.

15. Is Hollow Knight harder than Dark Souls?

The difficulty is subjective. Dark Souls is often seen as more difficult due to its combat and world design, while Hollow Knight’s difficulty spikes with platforming sections like the White Palace and challenging bosses like Absolute Radiance.

The End is Just the Beginning

Hollow Knight’s post-game experience is rich and rewarding, offering ample opportunities for further exploration, challenge, and discovery. Whether you’re striving for 112% completion, conquering the hardest bosses, or simply immersing yourself in the world of Hallownest, there’s always something new to uncover. So, beat the Hollow Knight and keep playing! The adventure awaits.