Build diversity is real in Hollow Knight — at least more than in most games of its kind. We'll walk through three viable archetypes, then explain how to recognize when each one works.
Here's a non-obvious tip: pay attention to what Team Cherry highlights in their patch notes. They tell you, indirectly, what they think is too strong. That's a hint about what they'll nerf next.
The Foundations
The single biggest mistake new players make is treating Hollow Knight like your last MOBA. It isn't. The systems reward patience over reflex, and once you internalize that, everything else gets easier.
Most published 'tier lists' for this game are out of date within a patch. We'd rather teach you the underlying principle than hand you a list that's wrong in three weeks.
Common Mistakes
Here's a non-obvious tip: pay attention to what Team Cherry highlights in their patch notes. They tell you, indirectly, what they think is too strong. That's a hint about what they'll nerf next.
Build diversity is real in Hollow Knight — at least more than in most games of its kind. We'll walk through three viable archetypes, then explain how to recognize when each one works.
What to Try Next
Build diversity is real in Hollow Knight — at least more than in most games of its kind. We'll walk through three viable archetypes, then explain how to recognize when each one works.
Frequently asked questions
Is this guide spoiler-free?
We avoid story spoilers. Mechanics and systems are explained directly, but plot beats are not covered.
How current is this guide?
Updated for the most recent patch as of June 2026. Major balance changes are noted inline.
Do I need DLC for these strategies to work?
No. Everything covered here applies to the base game. Where DLC content is referenced, we mark it clearly.
Will following this guide work on hardest difficulty?
Mostly — yes. A few strategies become tight on hardest difficulty; we flag those where relevant.
Comments
Comments are moderated. Be civil — disagreement is fine, abuse isn't.
Did you notice how the side missions tie back into the main arc? That was a nice touch.
The pacing in the second act is exactly the issue that gets glossed over in most reviews.
Score feels about right. The opening drags a bit but it grows on you.
Solid review. I bounced off How to Approach Your First 47 Hours in Hollow Knight for the first 5 hours, then it clicked.
Fair scoring. The combat polish carries a lot of the playtime here.