General Info

New to Hallownest? This guide covers the basics of Hollow Knight: movement, combat, currency, and essential mechanics to get you started on your journey.

General Info: Your First Steps in Hallownest

Welcome, little ghost! So, you've found yourself in the fallen kingdom of Hallownest. It's a big, mysterious place, and honestly, a bit dangerous. Don't worry, though, I'm here to help you get your bearings. Think of me as that friend who's already explored a bit and can point out the obvious pitfalls.

Movement and Exploration

You'll start with basic movement: walking and jumping. Get used to these; you'll be doing a lot of them. As you explore, you'll find new abilities that open up previously inaccessible areas. Keep an eye out for breakable walls and hidden paths – Hallownest loves its secrets!

Combat Basics

Your primary tool for dealing with the... *residents* of Hallownest is your Nail. It's not much to look at, but it's effective. You'll attack by pressing the attack button (usually X on a controller). Timing is key, especially against tougher foes. Don't just button mash; learn enemy patterns!

SOUL and Focus

Defeating enemies fills up your SOUL meter. You can use this SOUL for two main things: healing yourself or casting spells. To heal, hold down the Focus button (usually B on a controller) when you're safe. This will restore one Mask of health. Spells, like the Vengeful Spirit, are a great way to deal extra damage from a distance. You'll learn more spells as you go.

Geo: The Currency of Hallownest

You'll collect Geo, the shiny currency of this kingdom, from defeated enemies and found in the environment. You'll need Geo to buy items from vendors like Cornifer the cartographer (get his maps!) and Salubra the charm vendor. Don't lose all your Geo at once – dying causes you to drop it, and you'll need to retrieve it from your Shade before it's lost forever!

Masks and Health

Your health is represented by Masks. You start with three. Finding Mask Shards will increase your maximum health. If all your Masks break, you'll die and respawn at the last bench you rested at, leaving your Shade behind to guard your dropped Geo.

Benches: Your Sanctuary

When you find a Bench, make sure to sit on it! Resting at a Bench replenishes your health, refills your SOUL, and sets your respawn point. It's also where you equip Charms, which give you special abilities. Be warned: resting at a Bench also respawns most enemies in the area.

Charms

Charms are equippable items that grant you passive bonuses. You can equip a limited number of Charms at a time, based on your Charm Notches. You'll find Charms from various characters and in different locations. Experiment with different Charm builds to suit your playstyle!

Maps and Navigation

Hallownest is a labyrinth. Getting lost is easy. Your first priority should often be to find Cornifer. He sells maps of the areas you're in. Buy them! They're invaluable. Even with a map, remember that it only updates as you explore, so you'll need to be in a new area for the map to show it.

A Word of Caution

This world is unforgiving. Don't get discouraged if you die. Every death is a lesson. Pay attention to your surroundings, learn from your mistakes, and don't be afraid to backtrack or explore a different path. You've got this!