Hollow Knight is a challenging but rewarding Metroidvania that tests your skills in combat, exploration, and navigation. Whether you’re just starting or finding it hard to progress, this beginner-friendly guide covers the essentials you need to thrive in Hallownest.

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1. Save Your Progress at Benches

• Where to Find Them: Benches are scattered throughout Hallownest.
• What They Do: They restore your health (masks) and save your progress.
• Heads-Up: Sitting at a bench respawns nearby enemies.

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2. Find Your First Map and Quill

• Locate Cornifer: Follow the sound of humming to find Cornifer, the mapmaker, in each new area.
• Buy the Map: Maps cost 30 Geo (the in-game currency).
• Visit Iselda in Dirtmouth afterward to purchase the Quill, which fills in your map as you explore.

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3. Equip the Wayward Compass Early

• Buy the Wayward Compass Charm from Iselda’s shop.
• Why It Matters: It shows your current location on the map—crucial when you’re just starting out.
• Charms are equipped at benches using notches in your inventory.

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4. How to Heal and Use Soul

• Your Soul meter is the circular gauge in the top-left corner.
• Generate Soul by striking enemies with your nail.
• To Heal: Hold the Focus button to convert Soul into health (masks).

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5. Protect Your Geo from Loss

• When you die, a Shade appears at the spot you fell, holding your lost Geo.
• Retrieve the Shade to recover your Geo and restore your Soul meter.
• Tip: Store Geo whenever possible. Many players quit after losing a large amount twice in a row.

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6. Unlock Stag Stations for Fast Travel

• Stag Stations act as fast travel points between areas.
• Unlocking one costs a bit of Geo, but it’s worth the convenience.
• Make it a priority when entering a new region.

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7. Rescue Grubs for Rewards

• Listen for faint cries and look for green grubs in glass jars.
• Freeing them gives you rewards later at the Grubfather’s den.

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8. Master Spells and Downward Strikes

• Use your nail for close-range combat and spells for ranged attacks.
• Downward Strikes: Jump and strike downward to bounce off enemies, spikes, or certain platforms.
• Essential for reaching otherwise inaccessible areas (like bouncing on purple mushrooms).

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9. Upgrade Your Nail

• Visit the Nailsmith in the City of Tears to increase your nail’s damage.
• Upgrades make battles faster and easier, especially in late-game zones.

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10. Quick General Tips

• Grab Everything: If an item glows, interact with it. It might unlock paths, be sold, or grant new abilities.
• Backtrack with New Abilities: Many secrets become accessible only after gaining certain powers.
• Stay Calm: If you’re low on health, focus on escaping or healing instead of fighting.

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Conclusion

Hollow Knight can feel punishing at first, but once you understand its systems and stick with it, Hallownest opens up into a beautiful, rewarding world. Focus on learning, improving bit by bit, and embracing the mystery.

If you found this guide helpful, share it with fellow explorers — and enjoy your journey through the depths! 🦗🗺️