How Do I Get to City of Tears in Hollow Knight? A Comprehensive Guide
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Getting to the City of Tears in Hollow Knight is a pivotal moment in your journey, opening up new areas, challenges, and lore. The intended entrance, and the one most commonly used, requires the City Crest, however, there are multiple ways to access this crucial location. Here’s a detailed guide outlining the various paths to the City of Tears:
The most straightforward method is by using the City Crest. This involves traveling through the Fungal Wastes. From the Forgotten Crossroads, you can reach the Fungal Wastes either through the southwest entrance near the Hot Spring, or via the south part of Fog Canyon and Queen’s Station (requiring the Mothwing Cloak). Once in Fungal Wastes, make your way towards the western gate of the City of Tears. There, you will find a statue of the Great Knight Hegemol. Use the City Crest on this statue to unlock the gate.
Alternative Entrances
While the City Crest gate is the main entrance, there are alternative routes, offering exploration opportunities for those who might not have the City Crest yet:
- From Resting Grounds: A less obvious route involves dropping down into the City of Tears from the Resting Grounds. This is useful if you’ve already unlocked the Resting Grounds area.
- From Royal Waterways: You can also access the City of Tears from the Royal Waterways. This area is further into the game, but once you have access, you can find a path upwards into the city.
- From Mantis Village: You can reach the city from the top of the Mantis Village. After traversing the upper levels of the village and the subsequent purple fungus area, climb to the point where Hornet was last seen. From here, you can continue upwards to enter the City of Tears.
- Via Ancient Basin: By obtaining the Tram Pass, you can access the Ancient Basin and find a route that goes up and leads you to the eastern side of the City of Tears.
It’s important to note that while these methods provide access, the city will be much harder to navigate before obtaining certain essential abilities like the Mantis Claw.
Frequently Asked Questions About the City of Tears
To help further clarify your path, here are some frequently asked questions about reaching and navigating the City of Tears:
1. How do I get to the Fungal Wastes in Hollow Knight?
The Fungal Wastes can be accessed in two main ways: from the south part of Fog Canyon, connected to Queen’s Station (requires the Mothwing Cloak), and from the southwest part of the Forgotten Crossroads, near the Hot Spring.
2. How do I get the City Crest?
The City Crest is obtained from the False Knight, a boss found at the center of the Forgotten Crossroads. Defeating the False Knight will reward you with the crest needed to open the main gate to the City of Tears.
3. Can I enter the City of Tears without the City Crest?
Yes, while the City Crest gate is the most common entry point, alternative methods include dropping from the Resting Grounds, coming up from the Royal Waterways, or entering from the top of Mantis Village or the eastern entrance through the Ancient Basin.
4. How do I get to the City of Tears from Mantis Village?
Head upwards through the Mantis Village, then traverse the area with purple fungus. Take the top-right exit and continue climbing until you reach the sign where Hornet was last seen. You can continue onwards from here.
5. Should I go to the Mantis Lords first or the City of Tears?
Many players find it beneficial to explore the City of Tears and upgrade their nail at the Nailsmith before facing the Mantis Lords, as it makes the fight much easier. However, the Mantis Lords are not a mandatory fight for progressing the main story.
6. Where is the Nailsmith in Hollow Knight?
The Nailsmith is located within the City of Tears, making accessing the city often a priority for players seeking to upgrade their weapon.
7. Can you open the gate between Fungal Wastes and City of Tears without the City Crest?
While the main gate requires the City Crest, it can also be opened from the other side, creating a shortcut between the Fungal Wastes and the City of Tears, once you are inside the city.
8. How do I get to the Pleasure House in Hollow Knight?
The Pleasure House is accessed using the Love Key, which is found on a corpse in the Queen’s Garden. This area is usually explored much later in the game.
9. What is the significance of Marissa in Hollow Knight?
Marissa is a character who performed in the Pleasure House. Her tragic story reflects the impact of the Infection on Hallownest.
10. Where is Cornifer in the City of Tears?
Cornifer can be found near a bench shortly after entering the city from the main gate (using the City Crest), near a room filled with platforms.
11. Where is Zote in the City of Tears?
Zote can be found in a corridor that leads back to the storerooms of the City of Tears. You will encounter him here after several other encounters.
12. Is there a shortcut between Fungal Wastes and City of Tears?
Yes, once inside the city from the main gate or other entry points, you can open the door from the inside to create a shortcut back to Fungal Wastes, making travel easier in the future.
13. What is the significance of the lever after Dung Defender?
The lever after the Dung Defender boss fight removes some acid in the Royal Waterways, opening up new areas to explore.
14. How do I save Myla from the Infection?
Myla will become infected once you defeat Soul Master and succumb completely to the infection after you obtain the Crystal Heart. To save her, you must complete the game without doing either of these things, which requires some skill and game knowledge.
15. Is Hornet Hollow Knight’s Daughter?
Hornet is the daughter of the Pale King and Herrah the Beast. She is a sibling to the Knight and the other Vessels, sharing the Pale King as her father.
Conclusion
The City of Tears is a crucial hub in Hollow Knight, and navigating the different entrances and paths can be a bit of a puzzle. Whether you’re using the City Crest, taking an alternative route, or working your way through the interconnected areas, each path leads to further adventures and deeper lore. Using this detailed guide and the provided FAQs, you should be well-equipped to find your way into the city and continue your exploration of Hallownest.