Hollow Knight: Complete Beginner's Walkthrough

Starting Out in Dirtmouth

You begin in Dirtmouth, the sleepy town above Hallownest. Talk to Elderbug before descending — he provides useful context and will track your progress. Head down into the Forgotten Crossroads via the well.

The Forgotten Crossroads

The Crossroads is your first real zone. Explore thoroughly before moving on — you're looking for the Grubfather's house (rescuing Grubs rewards Geo), and the Ancestral Mound where you'll meet the Seer and earn the Wayward Compass charm, which shows your position on the map.

Always buy Cornifer's map as soon as you find him in a new area. Maps are essential for navigation and cost only 150 Geo.

Getting the Vengeful Spirit Spell

Head to the Ancestral Mound (northeast of the Crossroads) to face the False Knight boss. It's the first real challenge. Stay patient, watch for the mace slam, and strike the head when it's exposed. After defeating it, push further east to claim the Vengeful Spirit spell — your first ranged attack.

Greenpath

From Dirtmouth, head left to Greenpath after getting the Vengeful Spirit. This lush zone hides the Mothwing Cloak (dash ability) and introduces acid pools you can't cross yet. Clear what you can, rescue Grubs, and return later with better movement abilities.

Essential Early Charms

• Wayward Compass — Shows your location on the map. Get this immediately.
• Gathering Swarm — Auto-collects nearby Geo so you never lose it on death.
• Quick Slash — Increases nail swing speed. Massively improves combat.
• Stalwart Shell — Extends invincibility frames after taking damage.

Managing Your Shade

When you die, you drop all your Geo as a Shade. You must return and hit your Shade to reclaim it. If you die again before doing so, the Geo is gone. Prioritize recovering your Shade after every death — especially in unfamiliar territory.