Hollow Knight: BEST Route to Unlock Every Key Ability

Hollow Knight is a game in which it is very easy to get lost. Its intricate, labyrinthine level design is combined with a great deal of freedom when exploring the map, allowing you to progress in a nonlinear fashion. Even so, there are many important areas that you cannot access until you obtain the required ability, so if you want to follow an "optimal" route and complete the game as quickly as possible, you will need to progress in a more or less specific order.

• The beginning of the game is fairly linear, as you start without any abilities and will need to obtain several before you can move freely around the map. Therefore, your first objective should be to defeat the False Knight in the center of the Forgotten Crossroads. This will open the path to the Snail Shaman, who will give you Vengeful Spirit.
• After this, head west to reach Greenpath. Once there, continue west until you encounter Hornet. Defeating her will reward you with the extremely useful Mothwing Cloak.
• Your next objective is to obtain the Mantis Claw. To do so, return to the Forgotten Crossroads and head south until you reach the Fungal Wastes. Continue descending south until you arrive at Mantis Village, where you will find this invaluable item.
• With this ability in your possession, you can now access the Soul Sanctum in the central section of the City of Tears. Climb to the top, defeat the Soul Master, and you will obtain Desolate Dive. NOTE: Remember that the Nailsmith can be found in the southwestern section of the City of Tears, so you will probably want to visit him and upgrade your Nail before entering the Soul Sanctum.
• Now return to Dirtmouth and purchase the Lumafly Lantern from Sly. If you have not found him yet, you will first encounter him in the Forgotten Crossroads. Then head to the eastern side of the Forgotten Crossroads and enter Crystal Peak. From here, continue east until you reach a section that will put your platforming skills to the test. At the end, you will find the Crystal Heart.
• Since you are already in Crystal Peak, the next logical step is to head south until you reach the Resting Grounds. This will advance the main story and allow you to obtain the Dream Nail.
• From here, the best option is to continue to the Royal Waterways, where you can obtain Isma's Tear, making you immune to acid.
• Since you are relatively close, your next destination should be the Ancient Basin. In its western section, you will need to defeat the Broken Vessel to obtain the Monarch Wings.
• At this point, you will have all the abilities required to finish the game. However, if you want to complete your ability collection, you should head to Kingdom's Edge and obtain the King's Brand.
• Finally, this item will allow you to open the large door in the southern section of the Ancient Basin, granting you access to the Abyss. Once you reach the very bottom, simply head east, cross the sea of Void, and obtain the Shade Cloak.

From this point onward, you will be able to explore the entire map without any restrictions, as you will have all the tools needed to reach every area. If you want to find everything in the game, we recommend checking out our maps section, where you will find the locations of every spell, item, quest, and much more.