Finding Zote the Mighty: A Comprehensive Guide to Hallownest’s Most… Unique… Warrior
So, you’re on the hunt for Zote the Mighty in Hollow Knight? This self-proclaimed warrior, with his ego larger than the Crystal Peak, is a recurring character with several appearances throughout your journey in Hallownest. Getting to Zote involves specific locations and, importantly, your choices. Here’s the breakdown:
The initial encounter is in Greenpath. Specifically, along the route heading towards the Howling Cliffs. You’ll find him trapped in the mandibles of a Vengefly King. Whether you choose to save him or not determines certain aspects of his later appearances. Rescuing him is generally recommended to experience the full, albeit frustrating, Zote saga.
After saving him (or not) in Greenpath, Zote will eventually appear in Dirtmouth. He’ll initially reside near the entrance to the town, offering his… unique… perspective. This is practically unavoidable.
The next significant location is in the Colosseum of Fools. Zote will appear as one of the challenges you’ll face in the Trial of the Warrior. This isn’t a “location” per se, but it’s crucial for advancing his storyline.
Finally, Grey Prince Zote makes his debut in Bretta’s house in Dirtmouth, after she has been rescued from the Fungal Wastes. You’ll need to use the Dream Nail on her to enter her dreams and battle this… enhanced… version of Zote. You unlock some dialogue and advance Bretta’s storyline after defeating him 4 times.
Now that you know where to find him, let’s delve into some of the intricacies of the Zote experience with some frequently asked questions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Zote
How do I save Zote in Greenpath?
Simply defeat the Vengefly King that has him trapped. Once the boss is defeated, Zote will be free. Interact with him, and he’ll deliver his usual arrogant diatribe before hobbling off to Dirtmouth. Be warned, though! Saving him here is the start of a long (and potentially infuriating) journey. If you want to gain the “Neglect” achievement, you can choose not to save him.
What happens if I don’t save Zote in Greenpath?
If you leave Zote to his fate in Greenpath, he will eventually die. Returning to the site will reveal his skull, which you can strike to unlock the “Neglect” achievement. However, you’ll miss out on his subsequent appearances and the Grey Prince Zote boss fight.
What happens if I don’t save Zote in Deepnest?
In Deepnest, Zote’s situation is different. Unlike in Greenpath, Zote cannot die in Deepnest. Rescuing him here leads to another unique encounter and an achievement. It’s generally recommended to save him in Deepnest, as his fate isn’t sealed there.
Where does Zote go after Greenpath?
Assuming you rescued him, Zote shows up in Dirtmouth. He’ll be near the entrance to the town, offering his unsolicited (and often incorrect) advice.
What are Zote’s Precepts?
Zote espouses The 57 Precepts of Zote, a series of… unconventional… rules for living a warrior’s life. These precepts are often contradictory, nonsensical, and delivered with unwavering confidence. Listening to them can be amusing (or maddening, depending on your tolerance for Zote). He even goes on to preach the precepts to Bretta.
How do I fight Grey Prince Zote?
After rescuing Bretta from the Fungal Wastes and finding her house in Dirtmouth, you can use the Dream Nail on her while she’s asleep. This will transport you to her dream world, where you can face Grey Prince Zote. This is a recurring boss fight with increasing difficulty.
What happens if you beat Grey Prince Zote 10 times?
Defeating Grey Prince Zote multiple times is a challenging, yet rewarding endeavor. After defeating him 4 times, you unlock some dialogue and advance Bretta’s storyline. Fighting all 10 levels of Grey Prince Zote gives you an easter-egg, and is not a requirement for anything. After defeating him 10 times, his statue in Bretta’s basement will turn gold.
Where is Bretta after beating Zote 4 times?
Once Grey Prince Zote has been defeated 4 times or more, Bretta leaves over the Howling Cliffs and is not seen again. She becomes infatuated with Zote and abandons her previous obsession with the Knight.
What happens to Zote after the Colosseum of Fools?
After completing the Colosseum of Fools, Zote returns to Dirtmouth with a “trophy,” the helmet of a Shielded Fool. He then proceeds to preach his Fifty-Seven Precepts to Bretta and slander the Knight’s name and reputation. The amount of ego that man has is insane!
Is Zote a Vessel?
While there are theories about Zote’s origins, it’s generally accepted that Zote is not a Vessel. While he shares some visual similarities with the Knight, his personality, motivations, and backstory differ significantly. His father is or was a knight of great renown, and may have inspired the appearance of the Hollow Knights.
How difficult is Grey Prince Zote?
The difficulty of Grey Prince Zote increases with each subsequent fight. He gains new attacks and his existing attacks become faster and more unpredictable. Defeating him ten times is a significant challenge, requiring mastery of the game’s combat mechanics. This boss fight is unique in the sense that every time you defeat him, a more difficult version of the fight is unlocked.
What is the purpose of Essence in Hollow Knight?
The user of the Dream Nail is referred to as the “Wielder”, an entity whose arrival the Moth Tribe had awaited. The Wielder’s purpose is to collect Essence and hunt memories all across Hallownest. Once 2400 or more Essence has been acquired, the Seer declares the Knight to be the Wielder her tribe had long dreamed of.
What is the hardest achievement to unlock in Hollow Knight?
Embrace the Void is considered one of the hardest achievements. It requires you to complete the Pantheon of Hallownest, which involves defeating all of the game’s bosses without dying even once. The last five bosses you will face are the hardest ones.
Why is Deepnest so creepy in Hollow Knight?
In Hollow Knight, the level known as Deepnest creates an aura of creepiness not through the use of enemies necessarily, but through its level design. The dark, claustrophobic tunnels, the unsettling sounds, and the constant threat of unseen dangers contribute to its unsettling atmosphere.
Who is the Knight in Hollow Knight?
The Knight is a discarded Vessel. They are the child of the Pale King and the White Lady, born in the Abyss with Void inside their shell. Hornet is the Knight’s sister through their shared father. Like the rest of their Vessel siblings, the Knight is genderless.
Hopefully, this guide has illuminated the path to finding (and dealing with) Zote the Mighty. His presence is certainly… memorable… even if not always welcome. Good luck navigating the eccentricities of Hallownest! For more insights into the world of gaming and its educational implications, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.