Hollow Knight Boss Difficulty Tier List for Beginners: Which Bosses to Fight First?

Hollow Knight Boss Difficulty Tier List for Beginners: Which Bosses to Fight First?

The kingdom of Hallownest is as beautiful as it is brutal. Every major path is often guarded by a formidable boss, leaving new players confused about which challenge to take on next. Knowing which bosses are easy enough to tackle early and which ones require essential upgrades is the key to smooth progression.

At Cartpitol.com, we’ve created a definitive boss difficulty tier list tailored specifically for beginners. Follow this guide to conquer the earliest challenges and acquire the upgrades you need to face the true terrors of Hallownest!

A difficulty tier list graphic for Hollow Knight bosses, featuring silhouettes of early-game foes like the False Knight and Hornet


 

Tier S: Mandatory & Easiest Bosses

 

These bosses are essential for unlocking your first movement abilities and progressing deeper into Hallownest.

Boss Name Key Reward Location Primary Skill Check
Gruz Mother Simple Key, Geo Forgotten Crossroads Punishing aggression
False Knight Vengeful Spirit Spell Forgotten Crossroads Recognizing attack patterns
Massive Moss Charger Dashmaster Charm Greenpath Basic dodging and positioning

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on Geo: Use the Geo from these fights to immediately buy the Wayward Compass from one of the kindest souls in Dirtmouth.

  • False Knight Strategy: Remember to hit the shell until he falls, then attack the small maggot inside. Using the Vengeful Spirit spell here is highly effective.

  • Upgrade Your Nail: Always spend your Geo on the first Nail upgrade available to you.


 

Tier A: Essential Progression & Skill Check Bosses

 

These fights serve as crucial skill checks and unlock the fundamental abilities you need for the entire rest of the game.

  • Hornet (Greenpath): This is the first true test of skill for any player. Defeating her is mandatory to progress and unlocks the Mothwing Cloak (dash ability).

    • Strategy: Stay close but be ready to dash through her attacks. Only heal when she pauses for her thread attack.

  • Mantis Lords: This challenging but optional fight unlocks the Mantis Claw (wall jump) and massive Geo rewards, which will help you fund your new charm combinations.

    • Strategy: Learn to dodge and attack in bursts. Using spells is very effective here. The rhythm is key.

The Knight using the Mothwing Cloak to dodge an attack from Hornet in Greenpath, representing a Tier A skill check boss


 

Tier B: Mid-Game Upgrades & Optional Challenge

 

These bosses are generally accessible with mid-game upgrades and provide crucial health or lore rewards.

  • Soul Master: A tricky fight in the City of Tears that unlocks the powerful Desolate Dive spell.

    • Strategy: His rapid teleportation and dive attack are the main threats. Desolate Dive can be used to avoid damage and deal damage simultaneously.

  • Broken Vessel: This tragic fight unlocks the powerful Monarch Wings (double jump).

    • Strategy: The infected balloons it summons are your main issue. Use the Nail to pop them quickly to clear the arena.

  • Watcher Knights: This fight is often considered the first major difficulty spike, as you must face six enemies. Be sure to come prepared with the best charm combos for survival.

    • Strategy: Find the breakable ceiling to eliminate one Knight early. Focus on separating and isolating the remaining enemies.


 

Prepare for the Ultimate Test

 

Once you have mastered these foundational bosses and acquired the key movement abilities, you'll be ready for the later challenges Hallownest throws at you. You might even be ready to start thinking about the future, as the new mechanics and features of the next great adventure are set to change boss fights completely.

 

Elevate Your Hallownest Adventure with Cartpitol.com!

 

Mastering bosses is just one step in becoming a true champion of Hallownest. As you delve deeper into its mysteries and prepare for epic boss battles, why not equip yourself with some real-world gear that celebrates your love for this incredible game?

At Cartpitol.com, our Hollow Knight Collection features high-quality apparel, figures, and accessories inspired by the courageous Knight, the swift Hornet, and the haunting beauty of Hallownest.

Hollow Knight figurine with a blurred 'Hollow Knight' game box in the background


 

Conclusion

Following this beginner-friendly boss tier list will help you navigate Hallownest with confidence and ensure you get the right upgrades at the right time. Remember, every defeat is a lesson. Analyze the boss's patterns, adjust your charm build, and keep trying! With patience and this guide, you will conquer every foe.

What was the hardest boss on this list for you? Let us know in the comments below!

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