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With over 250,000+ overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam, Hollow Knight was a huge success for Team Cherry. Considering the fact that Team Cherry is just a team of 3 adds to the impressiveness of the game. Hollow Knight totally captivates its players with its dark caverns, bizarre creatures, and numerous battles. However, all of this can be a bit overwhelming for players, especially at the start when you haven’t really explored much. For that very reason, in this Hollow Knight progression guide, we will be helping you with everything you need to know to effectively explore these vast caverns and progress deeper into the game’s captivating story.
Hollow Knight Map Progression Guide
Before we get started on this Hollow Knight progression guide, you should find Cornifer. He will sell you a map of the location that you are in. Honestly, what is a Metroidvania without a solid map system? Hollow Knight’s deep caverns are quite overwhelming, so having a map can be really beneficial.
Secondly, you should consider getting your hands on items from the shop that equip you with different perks, helping you explore more effectively. For example: Maps provide you with information, however, to properly use these maps you need different items, like the “Quill,” that help you mark the locations that you’ve been to, whenever you sit on a bench.
Another important item to get your hands on is the Compass. This charm shows you the exact location where you are on the map. In between the caverns, you will meet some new enemies and you may find some charms as well which we will not be getting into to keep this guide spoiler free.
Hollow Knight Area Progression Guide
Players begin their journey in the Forgotten Crossroads. You will find numerous paths in this area – revealing more and more content that adds to the story. At the Forgotten Crossroads you will also come across the False Knight boss. Defeat this boss to get your hands on your very first essence.
Every area in Hollow Knight has a boss of its own that gives an ability once you defeat it. Here is a list of areas in Hollow Knight that you should consider exploring, in chronological order, to progress further into the game.
| Area | Boss | Ability unlocked after defeating the boss |
|---|---|---|
| Greenpath | Hornet | Mothwing Cloak ability |
| Fungal Wastes | Mantis Lords | Mantis Claw ability |
| City of Tears | Soul Master | Desolate Dive ability |
| Crystal Peak | Crystal Guardian | Crystal Heart ability |
| Ancient Basin | Broken Vessel | Monarch Wings ability |
| Deepnest | Herrah the Beast | Dream Nail ability |
| Queen’s Gardens | Hornet | Shade Cloak ability |
| Kingdom’s Edge | Traitor Lord | Isma’s Tear ability |
| Abyss | N/A | Void Heart (Unlocked in Abyss) |
| Temple of the Black Egg | The Radiance |
This is a general overview of how you can progress in Hollow Knight, so we have not mentioned the exact locations and how to unlock these areas to make it more fun for you to find and keep this guide spoiler free. Since Hollow Knight is all about exploring, consider getting deeper into these caverns, make friends, learn the story of the kingdom and the story of the people you meet as well.
And that is all you need to know about progression in this Hollow Knight guide. Check out other interesting guides and articles:
