Conquer every boss in Hollow Knight. Complete boss guide with locations, difficulty ratings, strategies, and rewards for all encounters.
Hollow Knight features a variety of challenging bosses throughout its vast world. Some bosses are required to progress the main story, while others are optional encounters that offer valuable rewards. Each boss has unique attack patterns that you'll need to learn and adapt to.
Region: Forgotten Crossroads | Difficulty: Easy
The first major boss of Hollow Knight. Despite his imposing size, his attacks are slow and predictable. Focus on avoiding his overhead slam and ground pound attacks. Wait for openings after his attacks to deal damage.
Rewards: City Crest, 120 Geo, Stalwart Shell Charm
Region: Fungal Wastes (Mantis Village) | Difficulty: Medium
Four mantis warriors who fight in pairs. They attack with fast scythe swipes and leaping strikes. Stay patient and wait for them to land before attacking. The arena has posts you can use for cover.
Rewards: Mantis Claw Charm, 400 Geo
Region: Greenpath | Difficulty: Medium
The guardian of Greenpath. Hornet is fast and aggressive with needle attacks and sword combos. Watch for her telegraphed leaps and counters. This is a test of your dash timing.
Rewards: 60 Geo, Hornet Nail
Region: City of Tears | Difficulty: Hard
Six armored Watcher Knights that attack in succession. They use charge attacks and overhead slams. The arena has pillars for cover. Wait for them to land from their leaps, then attack.
Rewards: Kin Charm, 750 Geo
Region: White Palace | Difficulty: Hard
The penultimate boss. Uses nail slashes, void tendrils, and ring attacks. Phase 2 becomes more aggressive with additional attacks. Focus on dodging and waiting for safe windows to attack.
Rewards: Proceed to Dream No More Ending
| Boss | Region | Difficulty | Dream Variant | Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mass of Mawleks | Forgotten Crossroads | Medium | No | 250 Geo |
| Brooding Mawlek | Deepnest | Medium | No | 350 Geo |
| Dung Defender | Royal Waterways | Medium | Yes | Swim Charm, 500 Geo |
| Herrah the Beast | Deepnest | Hard | No | Spirit & Blight, Dreamer #1 |
| Soul Master | City of Tears | Medium | Yes | Screaming Soul, 550 Geo |
| Crystal Guardian | Crystal Peak | Medium | Yes | Crystal Heart, 600 Geo |
| Nosk | Deepnest | Medium | Yes | Grub Mimic, 400 Geo |
| The Radiance | White Palace | Very Hard | No | Embrace the Void Ending |
Dream bosses are variants of existing bosses found by using the Dream Nail on their corpses or specific dream gates. They are significantly harder than their normal versions and reward Void Essence when defeated.
Use our interactive map to see exactly where each boss is located. Filter by boss markers to plan your route.
Open Interactive Map