Hollow Knight is a hand-drawn Metroidvania set in the vast, interconnected underground kingdom of Hallownest. With over 40 hours of content across the base game and four free DLC packs, it offers one of the most generous packages in indie gaming. The combat revolves around your Nail (a small sword) and spells powered by Soul, a resource gathered by hitting enemies. What makes Hollow Knight special is its oppressive atmosphere, tight boss fights that rival Dark Souls in intensity, and a charm system that lets you completely customize your playstyle. The game respects your intelligence — it never holds your hand, and every discovery feels earned.
Hollow Knight features distinct areas with increasing difficulty. This guide covers every major location in progression order — what to do, what to get, and when to move on. For the step-by-step path, see our walkthrough.
Area Progression Order
| Order | Location | Difficulty | Key Rewards | Recommended Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Forgotten Crossroads | Level 1-2 (starting area) | Gruz Mother (Geo), Sly (shop access), Salubra (charm shop), Ancestral Mound (Vengeful Spirit spell) | Nail Build |
| 2 | Greenpath | Level 2-3 | Mothwing Cloak (dash), Hornet boss fight, Charm Notch, Thorns of Agony charm | Nail Build |
| 3 | Crystal Peak | Level 3-5 | Crystal Heart (super dash), Pale Ore, Descending Dark spell, Crystal Guardian boss | Spell Build |
| 4 | Deepnest | Level 5-7 | Pale Ore (Nosk reward), Sharp Shadow charm, Tram Pass, access to Beast's Den | Spell Build |
| 5 | The Abyss | Level 7-9 (late game) | Shade Cloak (void dash), Abyss Shriek spell, Lifeblood Core charm, Void Heart (required for true ending) | Spell Build |
Forgotten Crossroads — Starting Area
The starting area of Hallownest connecting to most early-game zones. Contains the Gruz Mother boss, Sly's shop, and access to Greenpath, Fungal Wastes, and Crystal Peak. Later in the game it becomes Infected Crossroads with harder enemies and different item placements.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Level 1-2 (starting area) |
| Key Rewards | Gruz Mother (Geo), Sly (shop access), Salubra (charm shop), Ancestral Mound (Vengeful Spirit spell) |
| Recommended Role | Nail Build |
| Key Weapons | Pure Nail |
What to Do Here
- Learn the basics of nail combat — this is where you practice without heavy punishment.
- Collect starting resources and your first weapons upgrade.
- Clear all main content before moving to Greenpath.
- If you're struggling, read our beginner's guide.
Greenpath — Early Game
A lush, overgrown area west of the Crossroads. Home to Hornet's first boss fight which drops the Mothwing Cloak (dash ability). The platforming here teaches dash timing which is essential for the rest of the game. Moss Knights and Squits are the main threats.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Level 2-3 |
| Key Rewards | Mothwing Cloak (dash), Hornet boss fight, Charm Notch, Thorns of Agony charm |
| Recommended Role | Nail Build |
| Key Weapons | Pure Nail |
What to Do Here
- Focus on mastering charm system — it's critical from this point on.
- Farm for Pure Nail if you don't have it yet.
- Complete all objectives for maximum rewards.
- Prepare for the difficulty spike in Crystal Peak.
Crystal Peak — Mid Game
A dangerous vertical area filled with crystal-shooting enemies and conveyor belt platforming. Contains the Crystal Heart (super dash) ability and a Pale Ore for nail upgrades. Crystal Guardian is a moderately difficult boss. The Crystallized Mound holds the Descending Dark spell upgrade.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Level 3-5 |
| Key Rewards | Crystal Heart (super dash), Pale Ore, Descending Dark spell, Crystal Guardian boss |
| Recommended Role | Spell Build |
| Key Weapons | Pure Nail |
What to Do Here
- This is the main skill check. Bring an optimized build.
- Coiled Nail becomes accessible here — prioritize getting it.
- Master soul meter for the boss encounters.
- Check our boss guide if you get stuck.
Deepnest — Late Game
The most terrifying area in the game — dark, claustrophobic, and filled with spiders, parasites, and ambush enemies. Deepnest has very few benches, making death extremely punishing. Contains Nosk (a boss that mimics your character) and a Pale Ore. Most players dread this area.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Level 5-7 |
| Key Rewards | Pale Ore (Nosk reward), Sharp Shadow charm, Tram Pass, access to Beast's Den |
| Recommended Role | Spell Build |
| Key Weapons | Coiled Nail |
What to Do Here
- Full build optimization is expected by this point.
- Coiled Nail should be your primary, fully upgraded.
- platforming mastery starts mattering here.
- Farm resources for the push into The Abyss.
The Abyss — Endgame
A deep, dark void area below the Ancient Basin. Requires the King's Brand to access. Contains the Shade Cloak (shadow dash through enemies and projectiles) and the Abyss Shriek spell upgrade. The lighthouse puzzle and Lifeblood Core charm are hidden here.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Level 7-9 (late game) |
| Key Rewards | Shade Cloak (void dash), Abyss Shriek spell, Lifeblood Core charm, Void Heart (required for true ending) |
| Recommended Role | Spell Build |
| Key Weapons | Coiled Nail |
What to Do Here
- This is endgame. Best-in-slot gear and a perfected build are mandatory.
- See our boss guide for endgame fight strategies.
- The reward loop: clear content → upgrade → push harder content.
- Experiment with Speedrun Build for variety once you've mastered the meta.
Exploration Tips
- Clear areas in order — Forgotten Crossroads → Greenpath → Crystal Peak → Deepnest → The Abyss. Skipping areas means missing resources you'll need later.
- Check every corner — Hidden caches and secrets are often in non-obvious locations.
- Match your weapons — Some areas favor different weapons types.
- Read the walkthrough — Our walkthrough provides exact progression milestones for each area.
- Don't rush — Clearing an area fully gives more resources than speedrunning two areas.
More Hollow Knight Guides
- Hollow Knight Hollow Knight Overview
- Hollow Knight Best Builds
- Hollow Knight Tier List
- Hollow Knight Walkthrough
- Hollow Knight Beginner's Guide
- Hollow Knight Tips & Tricks
- Hollow Knight Weapons Guide
- Hollow Knight Combat Guide
- Hollow Knight Boss Guide
- Hollow Knight Crafting Guide
- Hollow Knight Classes & Characters
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