Shade Soul Damage: A Comprehensive Guide
The Shade Soul is a powerful offensive spell in Hollow Knight, an upgraded version of the Vengeful Spirit. It unleashes a dark projectile that can deal substantial damage to enemies. So, exactly how much damage does Shade Soul do?
The base damage of Shade Soul is 30. This is significantly higher than the damage of the un-upgraded Nail, which ranges from 5-21 depending on the nail’s upgrade level. In addition to its higher base damage, Shade Soul possesses a further potent characteristic: it can sometimes hit an enemy twice if it knocks them back. This can dramatically increase its overall damage output in the right circumstances.
Understanding Shade Soul’s Damage Potential
Shade Soul’s damage isn’t static. Several factors can influence how much damage this spell inflicts. Let’s delve into the specifics:
Shaman Stone
The Shaman Stone charm is a game changer for spellcasters in Hollow Knight. When equipped, this charm enhances the damage of all spells. For Shade Soul, the Shaman Stone increases its damage to 80 against large enemies or those susceptible to knockback. This means that, with the Shaman Stone, Shade Soul becomes a potent tool against formidable foes, rivaling even the max damage of Flukenest, which also reaches 80 with Shaman Stone.
Knockback and Double Hits
As previously mentioned, Shade Soul has the capability of hitting enemies twice if the first hit produces a knockback effect. This occurs when the initial hit pushes the enemy back, and they are still within the spell’s range as it continues forward. This phenomenon is more frequent against certain types of enemies that have less “weight,” making them easier to push. When this happens, the damage output becomes far more significant, making Shade Soul an excellent choice for both crowd control and single-target damage dealing.
Comparison to Other Spells
When comparing Shade Soul to other offensive spells, it stands out for its consistent damage and moderate Soul cost. For instance, Vengeful Spirit, the predecessor to Shade Soul, does less base damage at 15. Howling Wraiths, another spell option, boasts potentially higher damage output when all hits connect, but it requires more careful timing and can be less reliable. Furthermore, Descending Dark, while offering invincibility frames, has its damage split between several smaller hits, making Shade Soul a more consistent damage dealer with just a single, impactful hit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To provide a more comprehensive understanding of Shade Soul and its associated mechanics, here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How do I obtain Shade Soul in Hollow Knight?
You must purchase the Elegant Key from Sly in Dirtmouth after acquiring the Shopkeeper’s Key from Crystal Peak. The Shade Soul is found behind a locked door in Soul Sanctum, within the City of Tears. You will have to defeat a Soul Warrior to acquire it.
2. Is Shade Soul stronger than Vengeful Spirit?
Yes, Shade Soul is definitively stronger than Vengeful Spirit. It has a base damage of 30 compared to Vengeful Spirit’s 15, and it has the potential for double hits due to knockback.
3. Can Shade Soul hit enemies multiple times?
Yes, if an enemy is knocked back by the initial hit and stays within the spell’s range, the Shade Soul can hit them twice, effectively increasing its damage output.
4. Does the Shaman Stone increase the damage of Shade Soul?
Absolutely. The Shaman Stone significantly increases the damage of Shade Soul to 80 against larger enemies or enemies that can be knocked back.
5. What is the base damage of Vengeful Spirit?
The base damage of Vengeful Spirit is 15. This is half the base damage of Shade Soul.
6. Is Shade Soul a good option for speedrunning?
Yes, Shade Soul is excellent for speedrunning. It’s relatively easy to obtain and, with the Shaman Stone, provides a significant damage boost.
7. How does Shade Soul compare to other spells in terms of damage?
Shade Soul has a strong, consistent damage output at 30 base damage (or 80 with Shaman Stone). It’s more consistent than Howling Wraiths, which requires precise hits, and higher than Vengeful Spirit.
8. Is Descending Dark more powerful than Shade Soul?
Descending Dark can deal potentially higher total damage, with individual hit damages combining up to 60 or 65, it also provides temporary invincibility. However, Shade Soul’s damage is more consistent, easier to apply, and cost-effective for a single hit damage.
9. Can Shade Soul hit multiple enemies at once?
Yes, Shade Soul can hit multiple enemies if they are in a straight line in its path. This makes it useful for crowd control scenarios.
10. What is the maximum damage Shade Soul can deal?
The maximum damage Shade Soul can deal with Shaman Stone is 80, but only against larger, knockback-prone targets. Additionally, hitting twice on an enemy increases this even further.
11. Does Shade Soul have a range limit?
Yes, Shade Soul has a defined range, but it’s generally quite generous, allowing it to travel a good distance across the screen.
12. How much Soul does Shade Soul cost?
Shade Soul, like Vengeful Spirit, consumes a relatively small amount of Soul to cast. This makes it economical for repeated use in combat.
13. Is Shade Soul affected by any other charms besides Shaman Stone?
While Shaman Stone is the main charm affecting its damage, charms like Spell Twister can increase the amount of times the spell can be used before needing to recharge SOUL.
14. Why is Shade Soul considered a crucial spell in Hollow Knight?
Shade Soul’s high damage potential, its range, and its moderate Soul cost make it an essential spell for combat throughout the game. It’s a reliable source of damage, useful for many battles, and makes combat more engaging and strategic.
15. Does Shade Soul have any additional benefits besides damage?
While its primary purpose is damage, its knockback can be useful for creating distance or interrupting enemy attacks. It is also crucial in defeating certain bosses or difficult enemies that are often susceptible to its damage and knockback effects.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Shade Soul does 30 base damage, which can increase to 80 with Shaman Stone when hitting certain enemies, along with the added potential of multiple hits due to knockback. This powerful spell is a cornerstone of Hollow Knight’s combat, providing substantial damage output that can be further enhanced with the right equipment and strategy. Mastering Shade Soul is crucial for progressing through the game, and understanding its damage capabilities is essential for any aspiring Hollow Knight player.