The 5 Game-Changing Choices in Hollow Knight That Will Break or Make Your Playthrough

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Summary

  • The Void Heart charm unlocks multiple endings but eliminates one, providing a strategic dilemma for players.
  • Choosing Cloth’s fate impacts her noble quest and affects player assistance in defeating the Traitor Lord.
  • Zote’s fate determines his appearances and access to the dream fight, adding permanent consequences to the game.

In Hollow Knight‘s gameplay, exploration plays a significant role, which is fitting considering its open-ended nature. Consequently, enabling players to make decisions that can be made only once per save file aligns perfectly with this concept. These choices generally influence NPCs and the overall vibrancy of the world, but some can have permanent consequences, such as preventing access to specific charms, endings, or boss battles.

As we approach the release of “Silksong“, it’s plausible that some of these choices may not be considered canonical if characters reappear in the future Pharloom. Regardless of sequel possibilities, the range of options given subtly alters Hallownest, making each decision imbue the world with a unique ambiance. The most significant decisions are evidently grouped together due to their urgency.

5. Void Heart

Getting The Most Out Of The Game

Obtaining the Void Heart charm is crucial for a lot of content in Hollow Knight, but how you acquire it depends entirely on the player. In fact, the initial and main ending of the game demands that players do not possess the Void Heart, as once acquired, it cannot be removed from your inventory.

Acquiring the Void Heart restricts a player from one conclusion, but it offers significantly more advantages, such as making the Knight’s ghost no longer hostile and providing access to two additional endings in the base game. Interestingly, it is feasible to complete the game without the Void Heart, leaving those who just want to finish Hollow Knight in a peculiar quandary, while players aiming for the most comprehensive experience have a clearer objective.

4. Cloth

Glory Or Safety

As a gamer, I stumbled upon a peculiar NPC named Cloth in the Fungal Wastes of Hallownest. This cicada-like character has an unusual goal – she seeks glory and bravery by embracing death as she delves deeper into the ruins. The choice is mine: should I grant her wish, leading to her inevitable demise, or let her continue living without achieving her goal? The decision hangs heavy on my gaming fingers.

Fabric can aid players in overcoming the Treacherous Overlord within the Queen’s Gardens, striking the decisive blow while also getting vanquished by the Treacherous Overlord simultaneously. Nonetheless, if players eliminate the Treacherous Overlord prior to aiding Fabric, she can instead be found in Dirtmouth for the remainder of the game, dejected and anticipating another opportunity to die honorably. Sadly, Fabric appears most content in death, making this decision a difficult one.

3. Zote

A Rivalry For The Ages

In the game, players encounter the remarkable and unrivaled Zote, who presents an opportunity for players to make lasting changes to their saves. This formidable creature is found in a precarious situation near Greenpath, locked in a fierce battle with a colossal Vengefly King. Players have two options: engage this intimidating flying adversary or watch over as Zote faces its destiny.

Overlooking Zote results in him disappearing from both the Colosseum of Fools and Dirtmouth, thus blocking access to the fight with Grey Prince Zote. This omission extends to Godhome’s Pantheons as well. Choosing to let Zote live is a contentious decision since it necessitates the player’s interaction with him in Dirtmouth if they want him present.

2. Nailsmith

Achieving Purity

Like fabric, the Nailsmith presents players with a challenging decision, one that balances his desires against what may be beneficial for him. Once the player enhances the Knight’s nail to its maximum level, known as the Pure Nail, he asks the Knight to strike him, thereby ending his life now that he has forged the purest blade possible.

Contrary to dealing with Cloth, deciding between sparing or ending the life of the Nailsmith presents a challenge due to both outcomes resulting in achievements, making the choice more complex. Although it’s what the smith yearns for most, sparing his life offers him a fresh perspective and mission alongside a partner. However, fulfilling the Nailsmith’s apparent wishes leads to his lifeless body floating face-down in the Junk Pit, a grim metaphor for discard.

1. The Grimm Troupe

Nightmares No More

As a devoted fan, I must admit that one of the toughest choices players often grapple with in the captivating world of Hollow Knight revolves around the Grimm Troupe’s fate. This decision, primarily hinging on technical prowess, presents an intriguing dilemma: should we expel the Troupe from the kingdom of the dead or join forces with them and uphold their ritual? This is a debate that has sparked intense discussions among many players like me.

In terms of difficulty, eliminating the Grimm Troupe is significantly simpler compared to battling Nightmare King Grimm, who’s often considered the second most challenging boss in the game. This action rewards a special charm and accomplishment. From a narrative perspective, it halts the Grimm Troupe’s parasitic influence over dying realms by feeding on their fears and nightmares, which aligns with the “Dream No More” ending that offers a rare optimistic conclusion for Hallownest. On the other hand, conquering Nightmare King Grimm results in obtaining a stronger charm, another unique achievement, and a sense of pride for overcoming such a formidable adversary. Given the upcoming availability of Pharloom, there’s a chance that the Grimm Troupe may resurface within this new land, potentially facing destruction once more.

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2025-05-12 02:46