So, you’ve heard all the hype about Silksong and decided to try out the original Hollow Knight. Great choice! Then you played for an hour, got lost, died 37 times, and had no idea where to go—so you turned it off and haven’t touched it in months. Not so great.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many players hit a wall early on. But here’s the thing—Hollow Knight is stunningly beautiful, deeply rewarding, and full of secrets and charm for those who stick with it. That’s where this guide comes in.
As a Hollow Knight veteran with over 1,000 hours of playtime, I’m here to help you get over the initial hump with some spoiler-free tips to make your journey smoother. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Master Exploration
Exploration is the heart of Hollow Knight, and you’ll want these three tools from the get-go:
- A Map – Buy the area map from Cornifer, the cheerful humming cartographer.
- The Quill – Sold by Iselda in Dirtmouth. It lets you update your map at benches.
- Wayward Compass (Charm) – Also from Iselda. It shows your current location on the map—an essential for new players.
These tools make a massive difference. Use your map to track unvisited areas, mark paths for later, and stay oriented in the sprawling world of Hallownest.
Step 2: Accept That You Will Die (A Lot)
Let’s not sugarcoat it—Hollow Knight is tough. Everything from enemies to bosses to the environment itself is out to get you. But dying is part of the process.
On my first run, I lost count of how many times I died before even reaching the first boss. Now, I’ve completed no-hit runs. The learning curve is steep, but overcoming each challenge feels incredible. Stick with it, and you will improve.
Step 3: Spend Your Geo
Geo (the game’s currency) is precious early on—but risky to hold. When you die, your shade keeps your geo, and if you die again before reclaiming it, it’s gone forever.
The fix? Spend it. Buy maps, charms, upgrades—anything that helps. Later, you’ll have more geo than you know what to do with, but in the early game, don’t hoard it. Use it.
Step 4: Learn to Nail Pogo
No, not the stick. “Nail pogoing” is a technique where you strike enemies or objects from above to bounce off them. It’s incredibly helpful for:
- Avoiding damage
- Dealing rapid hits
- Reaching otherwise inaccessible platforms
It doesn’t work on every enemy, but it’s worth practicing. Nail pogoing is a key movement and combat tool—master it early.
Step 5: Heal Smart
Healing takes time and leaves you vulnerable, so timing is everything. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use Stun Windows – Some bosses give you a short breather—perfect for healing.
- Find Safe Zones – Learn their attack patterns and find moments to sneak in a heal.
- Prioritize Survival – Focus on dodging first. Don’t waste soul on risky heals mid-fight.
Wasting soul on failed heals is a common beginner mistake. Stay patient and deliberate.
Step 6: Use Your Spells
A lot of beginners underuse spells—but they’re insanely powerful. They deal great damage and give you range and flexibility.
- Use the Quick Cast button instead of focusing—it’s faster and more responsive.
- Experiment with different spells—you might find one that clicks with your playstyle.
Spells aren’t just backup—they’re part of your core toolkit. Don’t neglect them.
Final Tip: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Still stuck? That’s okay. There’s a massive community ready to help. Whether it’s reading tips, watching videos, or posting in forums, you’re not alone.
Need boss help? Check out my One Tip for Every Boss video. Got questions? Drop a comment—I’ll do my best to answer.
Good luck, little explorer. Hollow Knight is challenging, but once you break through the early frustration, it becomes one of the most rewarding experiences in gaming. Now go forth and discover the wonders of Hallownest.
Laters!
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