How Many Times Do I Have to Beat Zote in Hollow Knight?
The number of times you have to beat Zote in Hollow Knight depends entirely on what you’re trying to achieve. Beating Grey Prince Zote (GPZ) isn’t strictly required to complete the game or reach any of the main endings. However, to experience all related content, you’ll need to defeat him 10 times within Bretta’s dream. Each victory unlocks a harder version of the fight and ultimately changes the appearance of a statue in Dirtmouth. So the answer is that it depends if you want to explore all that this intriguing character and the fascinating storyline related to him has to offer.
Understanding Zote and His Many Forms
Zote the Mighty. A name that inspires both fear and… well, mostly amusement among Hollow Knight players. He begins as a hapless, boastful knight, seemingly incapable of saving himself. Yet, through the power of Bretta’s infatuation, he transforms into the imposing Grey Prince Zote within her dreams. But how much of this is real, and how much is Bretta’s imagination? That’s part of the charm of this peculiar character. Let’s delve deeper into what you unlock with each victory against GPZ, and other considerations to have in mind while thinking about Zote.
The Progression of Grey Prince Zote
Each time you defeat Grey Prince Zote in Bretta’s dream, the fight escalates in difficulty. He gains new attacks, his movements become more erratic, and the arena can even change. This progressive challenge is what makes the Zote fights unique. It’s less about learning a single boss pattern and more about adapting to a constantly evolving threat.
The Statue and Bretta’s Storyline
The key milestone is defeating GPZ 10 times. Doing so transforms the Zote statue in Bretta’s house (basement) from stone to gold. This is purely cosmetic but serves as a testament to your dedication (or perhaps obsession) with battling Bretta’s bizarre fantasy.
Beyond the statue, defeating GPZ 4 times triggers a significant event: Bretta leaves Dirtmouth and is never seen again in the town. She departs over the Howling Cliffs, presumably seeking adventure or perhaps realizing that her ideal Knight exists only in her imagination.
To Save or Not To Save Zote
One of the game’s earlier choices revolves around saving Zote from a vengeful Vengefly King. If you choose to leave him, he dies. If you save him, you open the doors to Bretta’s story and the Grey Prince Zote battles. This choice impacts the storyline and achievement completion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zote
Here’s a collection of frequently asked questions regarding Zote and his role within Hollow Knight, answering the most common concerns and questions players have regarding Zote and the GPZ boss fight.
1. Do I have to save Zote?
No, you don’t have to save Zote. Leaving him to his fate will grant you the Neglect achievement, but it locks you out of Bretta’s storyline and the Grey Prince Zote boss fights. The choice is yours!
2. Can you fight Grey Prince Zote if you don’t save Zote?
No. Saving Zote is a prerequisite to fighting Grey Prince Zote. If you leave him to die, he won’t appear as a boss.
3. Where is Bretta after beating Zote 4 times?
After defeating Grey Prince Zote four times, Bretta leaves Dirtmouth and is not seen again within the town. She departs over the Howling Cliffs.
4. What happens when you defeat Zote in the Colosseum of Fools?
After you have found Zote and Bretta, Zote will return to Dirtmouth after the Colosseum of Fools with a trophy: a helmet of a Shielded Fool. He will then start to slander the Knight’s name and preach his Fifty-Seven Precepts to Bretta.
5. What do you get for beating Zote 10 times?
Defeating Grey Prince Zote 10 times doesn’t unlock any new gameplay elements or achievements. The sole reward is the Zote statue in Bretta’s basement turning gold. This is a cosmetic change and a mark of your accomplishment (or endurance).
6. Is fighting Grey Prince Zote required for 112% completion?
No, the Grey Prince Zote fight is not a requirement for achieving 112% completion in Hollow Knight.
7. How do I access the Grey Prince Zote fights?
First, you must save Zote in Greenpath. Then, rescue Bretta from the Fungal Wastes and bring her back to Dirtmouth. Afterward, interact with her dream diary in her house to access the Grey Prince Zote boss fight.
8. Is Grey Prince Zote harder than the “real” Zote in the Colosseum of Fools?
Grey Prince Zote is generally considered much harder than the Zote the Mighty fight in the Colosseum of Fools. GPZ has a larger moveset, more unpredictable attacks, and escalating difficulty with each victory.
9. What are Zote’s Fifty-Seven Precepts?
Zote’s Fifty-Seven Precepts are a series of often contradictory and absurd rules that he supposedly lives by. They are a source of humor and provide insight into his delusional self-image. They are also a useful teaching point on the importance of self-reflection, as explained in this research paper published on Games Learning Society: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
10. Is Bretta obsessed with the Knight?
Yes, Bretta develops a significant crush on the Knight after being rescued. This infatuation fuels her dreams and the creation of Grey Prince Zote. She blushes if the Knight sits next to her for a while.
11. What happens if I don’t save Bretta?
If you don’t save Bretta, she will be trapped. You will not be able to access the Grey Prince Zote boss fight, complete her storyline, or get the Zote statue in Dirtmouth.
12. Does Zote die if you don’t save him?
Yes, if you choose not to save Zote from the Vengefly King, he will die. This grants the “Neglect” achievement.
13. What kind of creature is Zote?
Zote, like the Knight and most other characters in Hollow Knight, is an anthropomorphic bug-like creature. His specific species is never explicitly stated.
14. How many times can you fight Grey Prince Zote?
While the game only requires you to beat Grey Prince Zote 10 times to get the gold statue, you can fight him as many times as you want after that. Once unlocked, his statue is always available. You can train against him as much as you want.
15. Does saving Zote change anything else in the game?
Besides unlocking Bretta’s storyline and the Grey Prince Zote fights, saving Zote also makes him appear later in the game in the Colosseum of Fools, adding another challenge (or annoyance, depending on your perspective).
Ultimately, the decision of how many times to beat Zote is yours. Enjoy the journey through the bizarre and endearing world of Hollow Knight!