Like any good Metroidvania worthy of the name, in Hollow Knight you will unlock new abilities and spells as you progress through the adventure. These will allow you to reach otherwise inaccessible areas and become much more effective in battle.
There are seven different abilities that you can obtain by acquiring certain items.
This cloak allows you to perform a short horizontal dash, either in mid-air or on the ground. Besides helping you evade attacks, it is also essential for overcoming certain platforming sections.
Where do you get it?
You will obtain it by defeating Hornet in Greenpath.
This ability allows you to cling to walls and jump off them to reach higher places. It is essentially the equivalent of the wall jump found in many other platforming games.
Where do you get it?
It can be found in Mantis Village. You will need the Mothwing Cloak to obtain this item.
This ability allows you to charge energy before launching yourself forwards at incredible speed, letting you cross enormous distances in an instant as long as you do not collide with anything along the way.
Where do you get it?
You will find this item inside a golem at the end of a platforming section in Crystal Peak.
This item allows you to perform a double jump in mid-air, giving you greater control over your landings and allowing you to reach higher areas.
Where do you get it?
You will receive it as a reward for defeating the Broken Vessel in the Ancient Basin.
This item makes you immune to acid, allowing you to swim through this dangerous liquid without taking damage.
Where do you get it?
To obtain this ability, you must travel to the Royal Waterways and reach an area that can only be accessed by using the Crystal Heart ability.
This ability is actually an upgraded version of the Mothwing Cloak. The main difference is that it allows you to dash through enemies and Shade Gates without taking damage.
Where do you get it?
To obtain this item, you must travel to the Abyss, cross the sea of Void, and reach the easternmost section of the area. There you will find a fountain that you must stand inside to upgrade your cloak.
This is a very useful ability, as it allows you to place a marker wherever you choose and teleport back to it whenever you want at the cost of one Essence. To place the marker, hold down while using the Dream Nail. To teleport to it, do the same while holding up instead.
Where do you get it?
You will obtain it by speaking to the Seer after collecting 900 Essence.
Unlike abilities, spells consume a certain amount of SOUL, so you will need to manage their use carefully and cannot rely on them indefinitely.
This is the most useful spell in the entire game. Hold down the spell button to make your character begin focusing. If the animation is completed successfully, you will recover one Mask of health. However, if you are interrupted, any SOUL consumed during the animation will be lost.
Where do you get it?
You begin the game with this spell already unlocked.
Tap the spell button to launch a projectile forwards that damages every enemy it passes through. This spell is the only way to kill Baldurs and Elder Baldurs that are blocking your path.
Where do you get it?
It is given to you by the Snail Shaman inside the Ancestral Mound in the Forgotten Crossroads.
This spell allows you to slam into the ground with tremendous force, helping you break through fragile surfaces and open new paths. Naturally, it can also be used to attack enemies. To cast it, simply hold down and press the spell button.
Where do you get it?
You will receive it as a reward for defeating the Soul Master in the Soul Sanctum in the City of Tears.
This is the most powerful base spell in the entire game. Casting it unleashes a wave of energy above you that deals tremendous damage.
Where do you get it?
You will find this spell inside the Overgrown Mound in Fog Canyon. More specifically, it is located near the entrance to the Queen's Gardens.
This is the upgraded version of Vengeful Spirit, which it replaces once obtained. As you might expect, it deals considerably more damage.
Where do you get it?
First, you must purchase the Elegant Key from Sly in Dirtmouth. Then travel to the Soul Sanctum in the City of Tears and defeat the Soul Warrior you encounter there.
This is the upgraded version of Desolate Dive. It deals more damage and creates waves that attack to either side after you strike the ground.
Where do you get it?
This spell can be found on the corpse of a Snail Shaman inside the Crystallised Mound in Crystal Peak. You will need both the Crystal Heart and Desolate Dive to reach it.
This is the upgraded version of Howling Wraiths, dealing considerably more damage and allowing you to devastate your enemies.
Where do you get it?
Travel to the westernmost room in the Abyss, stand on the pedestal you find there, and cast Howling Wraiths.
