What To Do in Hollow Knight After Doing Everything?
So, you’ve conquered the fungal wastes, traversed the crystal peaks, and delved into the deepest caverns of Hallownest. You’ve seemingly done it all in Hollow Knight. You’ve achieved 112% completion, perhaps even braved the Pantheon of Hallownest. You’ve seen all the endings. What’s left? While it might feel like the end, there’s still plenty to experience in the intricate world Team Cherry has crafted, even after achieving what feels like the pinnacle of completion. The beauty of Hollow Knight lies in its replayability and the depth of its challenges. So, if you find yourself asking, “What else is there?” – let’s explore the remaining avenues for adventure.
Beyond Completion: Further Adventures in Hallownest
The Endless Challenge: Pantheon Perfection
While completing all the Pantheons is a major accomplishment, striving for perfection in them is another level of challenge. Can you complete each Pantheon with all bindings active? These restrictions (like limited health, soul, or nail damage) add an intense layer of difficulty that will truly test your mastery of the game mechanics and boss patterns. The Pantheon of Hallownest particularly, is a grueling marathon of every boss in the game, and requires precise movements, perfect timing, and incredible consistency. Mastering this is a monumental feat for any player.
The Gauntlet of Steel Soul
Have you tried Steel Soul Mode? This mode is only unlocked after defeating The Hollow Knight once, and adds a permanent death mechanic to the game. One single death is all it takes to return you to the beginning of the game. This adds a tension and risk that is absent from your standard playthrough, and will make you approach the game with an entirely new level of caution. To achieve full 100% completion in Steel Soul is a significant challenge that will require careful planning and skillful execution.
Speedrun Challenges
Beyond normal gameplay, Hollow Knight is also well-suited for speedrunning. The game features complex level design that, once understood, allows for incredibly fast traversal and completion times. Practicing and mastering speedrunning routes can provide a new way to engage with the game and will test your skills and knowledge of its mechanics to the maximum degree. Speedrunning involves optimizing your movement, combat strategies, and knowledge of the game’s layout to shave seconds off your completion time.
The Menderbug Hunt
While not a significant gameplay element, some players take it upon themselves to find the rare Menderbug. It’s the only enemy in the game which has no attacks and does no damage, and finding it is more of a fun Easter Egg than an actual goal. Some players enjoy the simple challenge of finding the elusive creature and recording every encounter. It’s a hunt that rewards meticulous exploration and observation.
Self-Imposed Challenges
The beauty of Hollow Knight allows for a variety of self-imposed challenges. Maybe you want to try a low-percent run, skipping all the unnecessary items and focusing on the minimum needed for completion. You could also try a run with a restricted charm set. There are a myriad of possibilities to explore, to challenge yourself and add new, personal twists to the experience. This type of gameplay can drastically change how you approach combat and traversal.
Dive Deep Into Lore
If the combat has lost its luster, maybe it’s time to focus on the story and lore. Hollow Knight is rich with hidden narratives and subtle hints scattered throughout the environment. Revisiting locations with a keen eye, talking to every NPC, and piecing together the fragments of the story can lead to a deeper understanding of the world and its history. There are countless theories and discussions on forums that allow you to delve deeper into the tragic history of Hallownest and its characters.
Preparing For Silksong
While we patiently wait for the release of Hollow Knight: Silksong, taking on these additional challenges is a fantastic way to keep your skills sharp. Familiarity with the game’s intricate mechanics, boss patterns and level design will make the transition to the sequel that much more seamless and enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What bosses should I revisit to get more essence after completing the main story?
You should consider revisiting False Knight, Broken Vessel, Soul Master, and Dung Defender after completing the main story to gather more Essence. Dream nailing these bosses in their memories will grant you additional essence.
2. How much essence is required to be considered the “Wielder”?
Once you have accumulated 2400 or more Essence, the Seer will declare the Knight the “Wielder,” which is what her tribe had long dreamed of.
3. Can I fight the Radiance after killing the Hollow Knight?
Yes, you can fight the Radiance after defeating the Hollow Knight. You must use the Dream Nail on the Hollow Knight during the fight with the assistance of Hornet to access this boss battle.
4. Is it possible to get all five endings in one playthrough?
No, it’s not possible to achieve all five endings in a single playthrough of Hollow Knight. You must replay the game and make different choices in order to access each unique ending.
5. What does a rancid egg do in Hollow Knight?
Rancid Eggs are a type of currency used for Confessor Jiji. If you die and lose your shade, you can give Jiji a rancid egg, and she will summon your shade back to you.
6. What is the easiest dream boss to beat in Hollow Knight?
Many players consider Lost Kin to be one of the easiest Dream Bosses, while others find Failed Champion easier. It often depends on individual play styles and preferences. Marmu is generally considered to be the easiest Dream Warrior.
7. How many Whispering Roots are in Hollow Knight?
There are a total of 15 Whispering Roots located throughout Hallownest. You can buy a map pin from Iselda to mark their locations once you have acquired the Dream Nail.
8. Is the Colosseum of Fools necessary for completing Hollow Knight?
No, the Colosseum of Fools is an optional area in Hollow Knight. It offers valuable rewards like charms and pale ore but is not required to complete the main storyline or to achieve 112% completion.
9. Is it possible to beat Hollow Knight without killing the Dreamers?
No, it is not possible to beat Hollow Knight without defeating the Dreamers. They are integral parts of the game’s story and progression, and you must defeat them to receive any of the game’s endings.
10. What happens if you rescue Zote and he appears in Dirtmouth?
If you rescue Zote and he moves to Dirtmouth, you can find him in a few different places. If you visit Bretta’s house and interact with her there, you will learn more about their odd relationship. Additionally, once you beat Zote ten times, the statue in Bretta’s basement will turn to gold.
11. What is the hardest achievement in Hollow Knight?
Embrace the Void is generally considered the hardest achievement in Hollow Knight, as it requires you to complete the Pantheon of Hallownest without dying even once.
12. Is Hollow Knight harder than Dark Souls?
While both games are known for their difficulty, many players find Hollow Knight to be harder than Dark Souls, especially due to its precise platforming elements and challenging boss encounters.
13. What is the hardest boss in Hollow Knight?
While difficulty is subjective, Absolute Radiance is generally considered the most difficult boss in Hollow Knight, followed by Nightmare King Grimm and Pure Vessel.
14. How do you get the Sealed Siblings Ending?
The Sealed Siblings ending is achieved by having the Void Heart during the Hollow Knight fight. Hornet will intervene and restrain The Hollow Knight, and you will be able to seal the infection along with her.
15. Is there any post game content after I get 112% completion?
Even after achieving 112% completion, you can still pursue further challenges such as Pantheon completions with all bindings active, Steel Soul runs, speedrunning attempts, self-imposed challenges and diving deeper into the game’s lore. The game is designed for replayability, making it a game with hours of engagement.
With all this to explore, it’s clear that even after “doing everything,” Hollow Knight offers a wealth of challenges and secrets that can keep you captivated for many hours to come.