Hollow Knight's Kindest Souls: Essential Early-Game NPCs You Can't Miss

The world of Hallownest is a beautiful but bleak place, filled with ancient mysteries and dangerous creatures. In a kingdom on the brink of collapse, it's easy to feel utterly alone. But even here, there are a few compassionate souls who will offer you a helping hand, a kind word, or a crucial service that can make all the difference on your journey.

These are the bugs who make the desolate world feel a little less lonely. From merchants to fellow wanderers, they provide essential items, crucial information, and moments of quiet companionship. At Cartpitol.com, we believe that these small moments of connection are what make the game so special. Here are the essential early-game NPCs you absolutely cannot miss on your adventure!

1. Elderbug: The Guardian of a Quiet Town

The very first friendly face you encounter in Hallownest is Elderbug, the patient and wise elder of Dirtmouth. This gentle bug greets you as you emerge from the well and always has a kind word to offer, whether you're just starting out or returning from a perilous journey.

Elderbug, a wise old bug, sitting on his bench in Dirtmouth from the game Hollow Knight

2. Iselda: The Mapmaker's Wife

As soon as you find Cornifer the mapmaker in a new area, the first place you'll want to go is back to Dirtmouth to visit Iselda. This kind, soft-spoken bug runs a small shop and is the key to navigating Hallownest's sprawling tunnels.

3. Sly: The Humble Merchant

Sly is a small, timid bug you'll find trapped in a cage in the Forgotten Crossroads. After you save him, he returns to Dirtmouth and reveals his true identity as a treasure hunter, opening a crucial shop that offers some of the most valuable items in the game.

What he offers: Sly sells a range of vital items, including the Lumafly Lantern, which lights up dark areas and allows you to explore places like the Crystal Peaks and Deepnest. He also sells a variety of charms, charm notches, and even an exclusive charm after a certain quest is completed. Sly is an essential character for anyone looking to power up and venture into the darkest corners of the kingdom.

Sly, a small bug, standing behind his counter in his shop in Dirtmouth, a key vendor in Hollow Knight

4. Quirrel: The Masked Wanderer

Quirrel is a fellow adventurer you will meet multiple times on your journey through Hallownest. He is a knowledgeable and seasoned explorer who offers philosophical insights and a sense of shared purpose as you both traverse the kingdom. His mysterious story unfolds with each encounter.

What he offers: While Quirrel doesn't sell anything, his presence is one of the most comforting in the game. He can be found at key locations like the Black Egg Temple and the Blue Lake, where he provides commentary and perspective on the lore. His dialogue often provides hints and helps you understand the world's tragic history. His final, poignant act is a quiet but powerful moment that fans never forget.

5. Cornifer: The Singing Mapmaker

You won't always find Cornifer in Dirtmouth, but he is a friendly face that you'll be relieved to find in new areas. You'll always know he's nearby when you hear his signature humming and see the trail of his discarded papers. He's a tireless cartographer, obsessed with his work.

What he offers: Upon finding him, Cornifer will sell you a map of the area you’re in. He's your primary source for filling in the blank spots of your map, and his simple joy in his work is a welcome beacon in the desolate kingdom.

6. Myla: The Cheerful Miner

In the fungal growths of the Forgotten Crossroads, you'll encounter a cheerful bug named Myla who loves to sing about the Geo she is mining. She is a symbol of innocence and hope in the early game.

What she offers: Myla doesn't sell anything, but her sweet and simple song is a reminder that some of Hallownest's inhabitants are still living their lives, untouched by the infection. Her story is one of the most heartbreaking in the game, and talking to her at different points in your adventure will show her tragic decline. She is a fan-favorite for the poignant lesson she represents.

Fuel Your Journey with Cartpitol!

These are just a few of the many kind souls you'll encounter on your adventure. They remind us that even in the most perilous of journeys, a little kindness goes a long way.

At Cartpitol.com, we celebrate every part of the Hollow Knight experience, from its daunting challenges to its quiet moments of camaraderie. Our Hollow Knight Merch collection is filled with unique apparel, accessories, and collectibles inspired by the game's heroes, villains, and mysterious figures.

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Conclusion

The world of Hollow Knight is a testament to the fact that even in despair, there is hope and community. These kind NPCs are there to help you survive, but also to make your adventure a little less lonely.

Who is your favorite NPC in Hallownest? Let us know in the comments below!