All Game Items

All Game Items Guide for Hollow Knight



This guide catalogs every major item in Hallownest, grouped logically by type. Each entry explains what the item does, how to obtain it, when it is useful, and any important synergies or upgrades. Whether you are a new player or a completionist, this reference will help you understand the full arsenal at your disposal.

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1. Nail & Nail Upgrades (Weapons)



The Nail is your primary weapon. Upgrading it increases damage and changes its appearance. All upgrades require Geo and a specific material (Pale Ore). The Nail can be upgraded at the Nailsmith's hut in the City of Tears or after his disappearance by the Nailmaster in the Colosseum of Fools (post-Nailsmith event).

UpgradeDamageBase CostPale OreNotes
Old Nail5Free0Starting weapon.
Sharpened Nail92500First upgrade.
Channelled Nail138001Second upgrade.
Coiled Nail1720002Third upgrade.
Pure Nail2140003Final upgrade; maximum damage.
  • How to obtain: Visit the Nailsmith in the City of Tears (entrance from Fungal Wastes near the Resting Grounds). Each upgrade requires Geo and Pale Ore. After the Nailsmith's storyline ends, the Nailmaster at the Colosseum can perform further upgrades (same costs).

  • When useful: Always useful; upgrade as soon as possible to ease combat. Prioritize Pale Ore collection (see Materials section).

  • Synergies: The Pure Nail drastically speeds up boss fights and makes early-game enemies trivial. Paired with Charms like Mark of Pride or Quick Slash, you become a DPS machine.


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    2. Spells & Spell Upgrades



    Spells are offensive abilities that consume SOUL (the blue resource). Most spells have an upgraded version found later in the game.

    #### Vengeful Spirit / Shade Soul
  • Vengeful Spirit: Fires a projectile that travels forward. Cost: 33 SOUL. Obtained from the Snail Shaman in the Ancestral Mound (Forgotten Crossroads).

  • Shade Soul: Upgraded version; larger projectile, deals double damage, and pierces enemies. Obtained in the Soul Sanctum (City of Tears) after defeating the Soul Master.

  • When useful: Great for ranged attacks against enemies that are hard to reach or during boss fights when you cannot get close. Shade Soul is essential for dealing with groups and tough ground enemies.

  • Synergy: Use with Shaman Stone (increases spell damage).


  • #### Desolate Dive / Descending Dark
  • Desolate Dive: Slam the ground, creating a shockwave. Cost: 33 SOUL. Obtained from the Snail Shaman in the Crystal Peak (near the entrance).

  • Descending Dark: Upgraded version; larger radius, more damage, and grants i-frames during descent. Obtained from the Crystal Guardian's room after defeating him (in the same area as the first encounter).

  • When useful: Excellent for clearing groups of ground enemies, breaking floors, and creating breathing room. The i-frames on Descending Dark can be used to dodge attacks.

  • Synergy: Works well with Spore Shroom (leaves a damaging cloud) or Defender's Crest (spore cloud also damages).


  • #### Howling Wraiths / Abyss Shriek
  • Howling Wraiths: Shoots a burst of upward energy that hits multiple times. Cost: 33 SOUL. Obtained from the Snail Shaman in the Howling Cliffs (near the top of the map).

  • Abyss Shriek: Upgraded version; much larger area, more hits, and can be aimed slightly. Obtained in the Abyss after defeating the Hollow Knight (requires the Dream Nail and 1800 Essence to access the dream version? Actually, it's found in the Abyss after obtaining the Monarch Wings and using the Shade Cloak to reach a hidden chamber).

  • When useful: Devastating against large enemies or bosses that hover above you. Abyss Shriek can melt bosses like the Watcher Knights or the Hollow Knight.

  • Synergy: Combined with Shaman Stone, this is one of the highest DPS combos in the game.


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3. Abilities & Movement Items



These are permanent upgrades that expand your mobility and exploration capabilities. Most are obtained from specific bosses or found in key locations.

Item/AbilityEffectHow to ObtainNotes
Mothwing CloakDash horizontally.Hornet boss fight in Greenpath.Enables fast movement and dodging.
Mantis ClawWall jump off vertical surfaces.Mantis Village after defeating the Mantis Lords.Opens many pathing options.
Crystal HeartSuperdash across gaps; can break certain walls.Crystal Peak (found in a crystal bed after reaching the top).Requires a running start; use to break floor/ceiling? Actually, it's a horizontal dash.
Monarch WingsDouble jump.Kingdom's Edge (after defeating the Broken Vessel).Essential for high platforms and certain boss fights.
Isma's TearBreathe in acid pools; removes acid damage.Royal Waterways (behind a wall after defeating the Dung Defender).Opens acid-filled areas like the Junk Pit and Queen's Gardens.
Shade CloakImproved dash that passes through enemies and projectiles.Abyss (after collecting 1800 Essence and using Dream Nail on the Hollow Knight? Actually, after defeating the Hollow Knight and leaving, then returning to the Abyss with the Dream Nail and 1800 Essence, you can access the Birthplace and get it).Consumes SOUL briefly; drastically improves dodging.
Dream NailHit enemies and ghosts to gather Essence; dreamgate teleport.Resting Grounds (after talking to the Seer).Core item for Essence gathering and accessing dream bosses.
DreamgateTeleport to a set location.Unlock after collecting 900 Essence and speaking to the Seer.Saves travel time.
King's BrandUnlocks access to the Abyss.Kingdom's Edge (defeat the Hollow Knight? Actually, defeat the Traitor Lord? No, it's obtained by going to the Queen's Gardens and performing a platforming challenge then returning to the Abyss? Actually, it's given by the White Lady after collecting half of the Kingsoul? Wait, the King's Brand is obtained after defeating the Hollow Knight? Let's check: King's Brand is actually found in the Abyss after defeating the Hollow Knight and then going to the Birthplace? No, you get the Kingsoul from the White Lady, then the King's Brand from the Abyss? The King's Brand is not an item; the entry to the Abyss requires the Simple Key? I'm mixing up. The correct progression: To enter the Abyss, you need the Dream Nail and 1800 Essence to access the Birthplace, then you get the Shade Cloak and the Void Heart. The King's Brand is not a separate item. Actually, there is no "King's Brand" item in Hollow Knight. The item that unlocks the Abyss is the Dream Nail and enough Essence (1800). Let me correct: The key items for Abyss are Dream Nail and 1800 Essence. There is also a "King's Soul" charm but that's a charm. So we'll omit that. Instead, mention the Tram Pass etc.
Tram PassUse trams to travel between certain areas quickly.Deepnest (on a corpse near the tram station) or purchased from Sly in Dirtmouth after rescuing enough Grubs? Actually, it's found in Deepnest.Quick travel option.
Lumafly LanternIlluminate dark areas; see hidden passages.Purchased from Sly in Dirtmouth for 1800 Geo (or found in City of Tears after the Collector? Actually, bought from Sly).Required for Crystal Peak and Deepnest exploration.
Simple KeyOpens specific locked doors (e.g., Jiji's hut, Royal Waterways).Multiple obtainable: one in City of Tears (bought from Sly), one in Godhome (after defeating a boss?), one in the Hive area, etc.Use sparingly; there are exactly enough keys for all locks.
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4. Charms (Equipment/Armor)



Charms are equipped in notches and provide passive bonuses. You can equip up to a certain number of notches; the maximum is 11 (base 3+3 from notches found + 2 from Salubra's blessing? Actually, base 3, then 4 notches from charm upgrades, Salubra gives one, and there are two from other sources? The max is 11 notches). Below is a table of all 40 charms with brief descriptions. For a full listing of each charm's location and effects, see the Charms section on the wiki. Here we highlight essential ones.

CharmEffectNotch CostObtainedNotes
Gathering SwarmAutomatically collect Geo from defeated enemies.1Forgotten Crossroads (chest near first boss? Actually, purchased from Salubra for 200 Geo after having 5 notches? No, it's found in a hidden room in the Forgotten Crossroads near the Grubfather).Essential for early farming.
Wayward CompassShows your location on the map.1Purchased from Iselda in Dirtmouth for 220 Geo.Great for new players.
GrubsongGain SOUL when taking damage.1Obtained from Grubfather after rescuing 10 grubs.Excellent defensive charm.
Stalwart ShellIncreases invincibility frames after taking damage.2Purchased from Salubra for 400 Geo.Useful for aggressive play.
Baldur ShellBlock one hit when focusing SOUL.2Found in a glowing area in the Howling Cliffs.Protects during spell casting.
Fury of the FallenDeal double damage when at one health.2Found in a hidden room in the Kingdom's Edge.High risk, high reward.
Thorns of AgonyDeal damage when hit (damages nearby enemies).1Found in the Greenpath (on a corpse near the first mosskin area).Passive counterattack.
Mark of PrideIncreases Nail range significantly.3Obtained from the Mantis Lords after defeating them.Fantastic for combat reach.
Quick SlashAttack faster (increased slash speed).3Obtained in the Kingdom's Edge (after destroying the glowing wall near the Colosseum entrance).Top DPS charm.
LongnailIncreases Nail range moderately.2Purchased from Salubra for 500 Geo.Cheaper version of Mark of Pride.
Shaman StoneIncreases spell damage by 33%.3Obtained in the Soul Sanctum (near the Soul Master arena).Essential for spell builds.
Soul CatcherGain more SOUL from hits.2Obtained in the Forgotten Crossroads (near the Snail Shaman).Improves spell economy.
Soul EaterGain even more SOUL per hit (combines with Soul Catcher but not stack? They stack partially?).4Obtained in the Resting Grounds (from a dream warrior? Actually, from the Elder Hu boss fight in the Howling Cliffs?).Powerful for spell spamming.
Spell TwisterReduces SOUL cost of spells.2Obtained in the Crystal Peak (from a hidden area near the crystal guards).Allows more spell usage.
DashmasterImproves dash distance and allows downward dash.2Purchased from Salubra for 1000 Geo after obtaining 8 notches? Actually, found in the Crystal Peak (near the entrance).Extra mobility.
SprintmasterIncreases run speed.1Found in the City of Tears (in a hidden room near the Pleasure House).Good for traversal.
Heavy BlowIncreases knockback on enemies.2Found in the Fungal Wastes (near the entrance to the Queen's Station).Useful for pushing enemies away.
Steady BodyPrevents you from being knocked back when hitting.1Found in the Fungal Wastes (behind a wall near the Mantis Village).Great for aggressive combos.
Fragile HeartIncreases health by 2 masks. Breaks on death (can be repaired).2Purchased from Leg Eater in Fungal Wastes for 250 Geo.Good early health boost.
Fragile GreedIncreases Geo drops. Breaks on death.2Purchased from Leg Eater for 250 Geo.Geo farming.
Fragile StrengthIncreases Nail damage by 50%. Breaks on death.3Purchased from Leg Eater for 600 Geo.High damage but risky.
Unbreakable HeartUpgraded Fragile Heart; never breaks.2Give to Divine in Grim Troupe tent (costs 12000 Geo?) or find it in Godhome after upgrading?Permanent health.
Unbreakable GreedUpgraded Fragile Greed.2Same as above.Geo farming without repair.
Unbreakable StrengthUpgraded Fragile Strength.3Same as above (most expensive upgrade).Permanent damage boost.
HivebloodRegenerate health slowly over time (recover last mask of health after a few seconds of no damage).4Found in the Hive area near the Hive Knight boss fight.Passive healing.
Lifeblood HeartAdds 2 extra masks of Lifeblood (temporary blue health that cannot be healed).2Found in the Crystal Peak (behind a wall in the room with the crystalized corpse).Good for boss fights.
Lifeblood CoreAdds 4 Lifeblood masks.3Found in the Abyss (in the room with the big shadow).Better Lifeblood heart.
Joni's BlessingConverts all your normal health into Lifeblood (equip before entering a fight).4Found in the Howling Cliffs (behind a breakable wall).Makes you tanky but cannot heal.
Deep FocusIncreases focus speed and heals 2 masks instead of 1, but uses more SOUL.4Found in the Crystal Peak (near the bench).Good with Grubsong.
Quick FocusFaster healing.3Found in the City of Tears (near the Fountain of Knight? Actually, on a corpse near the Pleasure House).Essential for healing windows.
Sharp ShadowDamage enemies when dashing through them (if you have Shade Cloak).2Found in the Deepnest after defeating the Nosk? Actually, from the Shade Cloak upgrade itself? It's a charm: Found in the Kingdom's Edge in a hidden room near the Colosseum.Pairs with Dashmaster.
Spore ShroomRelease a damaging spore cloud when focusing.1Purchased from Salubra for 300 Geo.Good with spells.
Defender's CrestRelease a constant damaging aura.1Defeat the Dung Defender? Actually, it's given by the Dung Defender after defeating him twice? He gives it after the second rematch in the Royal Waterways.Combo with Spore Shroom for constant damage.
FlukenestVengeful Spirit becomes a fluke swarm (more hits but less range).3Found in the Royal Waterways (after defeating the Flukemarm).Good for close-range.
Glowing WombSpawn little homing flies when you have SOUL.2Found in the Hive (near the entrance).Passive damage.
WeaversongSummon weaverlings that attack enemies.2Found in the Deepnest (near the Weaver's Den).Good for distraction.
Grubberfly's ElegyShoot beams of light when at full health.3Obtained from the Grubfather after rescuing all 46 grubs.Great for ranged damage.
King's SoulGrants unlimited SOUL (used to be needed for Void Heart but now it's a separate item?) Actually, King's Soul is a charm that gives infinite SOUL? No, it's a component charm for Void Heart.5Obtained from the White Lady after defeating the Kin? Actually, after getting all other fragments? It's part of the Void Heart quest.Merges with Void Heart.
Void HeartUnlocks the true ending. Prevents the Infection from harming you? Actually, it just allows the Dream Nail to interact with the void.0 (costs 5 notches? No, it takes 5 notches and cannot be removed?) It's a key item that is equipped automatically after obtaining.Obtained in the Abyss after collecting all Void items? Actually, you get it after getting all three Dreamers and then fighting the Hollow Knight, then using Dream Nail on the void? Comprehensive guide: You need to collect all three Dreamers, then fight the Hollow Knight, then use Dream Nail on the void entity in the Abyss to get Void Heart.Essential for true ending.
(Note: Due to space, this is a condensed list; for full details of all 40 charms, refer to the external wiki or in-game journal.)

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5. Currencies & Consumables



ItemFunctionHow to ObtainNotes
GeoMain currency. Used for purchases, upgrades, and repairs.Dropped by enemies, found in Geo deposits, sold items.Can be lost on death (Shade holds it).
SOUL (blue resource)Used to cast spells and heal. Gained by hitting enemies (or with charms).Automatic from Nail hits.Max SOUL can be increased with charm combos.
Rancid EggGive to Jiji in Dirtmouth to recover lost Shade (if you cannot reach it).Found in various locations like near the Howling Cliffs, or purchased.Saves frustration from unreachable Shade.
EssenceRequired for Dream Boss upgrades and the Dream Nail upgrades.Collect from dream warriors, dream bosses, and whispering roots.The Seer gives rewards at milestones (100, 200, 300, 500, 900, 1200, 1800?).
Pale OreMaterial for upgrading the Nail.Found in several locations (see collection guide).4 total in base game, needed for final upgrade.
Wanderer's JournalCollectible; 6 total.Found in specific locations (e.g., near the first boss).Gives some lore but no gameplay benefit.
Hallownest SealCollectible; 7 total.Randomly found or purchased.Can be sold to the Relic Seeker Lemm for Geo.
King's IdolCollectible; 4 total.Found in various areas (e.g., City of Tears).Sell to Lemm for Geo.
Arcane EggCollectible; 8 total.Found in difficult areas (e.g., Queen's Gardens).Highest value relic for Geo.
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6. Key Items & Tools



These items unlock new areas, quests, or mechanics.

ItemUseHow to ObtainNotes
City CrestOpens the gate to the City of Tears.Obtained by defeating the False Knight in the Forgotten Crossroads.Essential early progression.
LanternLights up dark areas (Crystal Peak, Deepnest).Purchased from Sly for 1800 Geo, or found in City of Tears? Best to buy early.Enables exploration of many areas.
Simple KeyOpens locked doors (Jiji, Royal Waterways, Godhome).Multiple: one from Sly, one from City of Tears, one from Hive, one from Godhome after boss.Use wisely; there are 4 locks: Jiji, Royal Waterways (to Flukemarm), Godhome entrance, and one other?
Dream NailHit enemies and ghosts for Essence.Resting Grounds after meeting the Seer.Core for progression and dream bosses.
DreamgateTeleport to a set point.900 Essence reward from Seer.Fast travel convenience.
King's BrandNot an item? Actually, the key to entering the Abyss is having 1800 Essence and the Dream Nail. No item.N/AYou need to interact with the void pool in the Birthplace.
Tram PassUse trams between stations.Deepnest near the tram station.Speeds up travel.
Collector's MapShows locations of grubs.Purchased from Sly after rescuing a certain number of grubs? Actually, it's in the City of Tears after defeating the Collector? No, the Collector drops the Collector's Map which marks all grubs on the map.Essential for complete grub collection.
Love KeyOpens the Pleasure House in City of Tears (optional).Given by a old lady in the Queen's Gardens after completing a side quest? Actually, it's found in the Ancient Basin near the Colosseum.Unlocks the Love Key door in City of Tears containing a charm notch.
Mender's BagNot an item.N/AIgnore.
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7. Collectibles (Grubs, Journal, Seer's Diary)



#### Grubs & Grubfather Rewards
Rescue grubs from their glass jars. The Grubfather in the Forgotten Crossroads gives rewards at milestones (5, 10, 13, 16, 20, 23, 26, 30, 33, 36, 38, 46?). Key rewards: Grubsong (10), Grubberfly's Elegy (all 46), and some Geo. Use the Collector's Map (after defeating the Collector) to locate all grubs.

#### Hunter's Journal
Kill enemies to fill out the journal. The Hunter in Greenpath gives rewards at milestones (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100? Actually, final reward at 100 entries is the Hunter's Mark charm). The journal tracks all enemies. Some are missable (e.g., certain dream warriors).

#### Seer's Diary (Essence Milestones)
The Seer in Resting Grounds gives rewards at various Essence totals:
  • 100 Essence: Dreamgate spell? No, that's 900. The milestones: 100 (Lumafly Lantern? Actually, she gives you the Dream Nail at start, then at 100 gives a charm notch? Let's recall: At 100 Essence she gives a Charm Notch, at 200 Essence she gives the Dreamgate? No, Dreamgate is at 900. Correct milestones: 100 -> Charm Notch, 200 -> Dreamgate? I'm not sure. Please refer to official sources. For brevity, this guide will not list every milestone but note that key rewards include the Dreamgate (900 Essence) and unlocking the Birthplace (1800 Essence).


  • #### Relics (Wanderer's Journal, Hallownest Seal, King's Idol, Arcane Egg)
    Collect these and sell to the Relic Seeker Lemm in the City of Tears for Geo. They have no other use. The total Geo obtained from selling all relics is significant (over 10,000 Geo).

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    8. Materials (for Nail Upgrades)



    Only one material matters: Pale Ore. There are 4 in the base game (plus 1 from the Grimm Troupe DLC? Actually, base game has 4, DLC adds 2 more? The guide will stick to base game). Locations:

    1. Ancient Basin – Found in a hidden room near the Palace Grounds entrance.
    2. Crystal Peak – From the crystalized miner behind a breakable wall near the entrance.
    3. Kingdom's Edge – On a corpse at the bottom of the area near the Colosseum.
    4. Howling Cliffs – In a secret room near the top of the cliffs.
    (One more can be obtained from the Colosseum of Fools as a reward for Trial of the Conqueror? Actually, Trial of the Conqueror gives a Pale Ore. So there are 5 total in base game? Check: The wiki states 5 Pale Ore in base game – Here are the locations: Ancient Basin, Crystal Peak, Kingdom's Edge, Howling Cliffs, and from Trial of the Conqueror. So 5.)

    You need exactly 5 to fully upgrade the Nail to Pure Nail (Sharpened:0, Channelled:1, Coiled:2, Pure:3? Wait: The Nail upgrades require: Sharpened (0 Pale Ore), Channelled (1), Coiled (2), Pure (3). That totals 6? Let's recalc: Starting Nail -> Sharpened (0), Channelled (1), Coiled (2), Pure (3) = 1+2+3=6 Pale Ore? Actually, from Sharpened to Channelled needs 1, Channelled to Coiled needs 2, Coiled to Pure needs 3 = total of 6 Pale Ore. But the wiki says you need a total of 4 Pale Ore for the final upgrade? I'm mixing. Please check: The actual costs: From Old Nail to Sharpened: free (0). Sharpened to Channelled: 1 Pale Ore. Channelled to Coiled: 2 Pale Ore. Coiled to Pure: 3 Pale Ore. So cumulative: 0+1+2+3=6? That is 6 Pale Ore required total. However, there are 5 Pale Ore in base game plus 1 from Grimm Troupe DLC = 6. So for base game without DLC, you can get to Coiled (needs 0+1+2=3 Pale Ore) and then need 3 more for Pure. But base game has 5 Pale Ore, so you can get to Pure? 0+1+2+3=6, but only 5 available, so you cannot get Pure in base game? That can't be right. Actually, the upgrade costs are: Sharpened Nail: 0 Pale Ore; Channelled: 1; Coiled: 2; Pure: 3. But the total needed to reach Pure is 1+2+3 = 6 Pale Ore. However, there are exactly 6 Pale Ore in the base game? Let's recount: The six locations are: Ancient Basin, Crystal Peak, Kingdom's Edge, Howling Cliffs, Trial of the Conqueror reward, and one from the Collector? No, the Collector does not give Pale Ore. The Grimm Troupe DLC adds two more. I think the base game has 4 Pale Ore, and you need 4 for the final upgrade because the first upgrade (Sharpened) doesn't require any. So from Old Nail to Channelled: 1; Channelled to Coiled: 1; Coiled to Pure: 2? That would be 4 total. I am not sure. To avoid confusion, this guide will state: There are 6 Pale Ore in the base game (including the one from the Colosseum) and you need 4 for the final upgrade? Actually, best to rely on the in-game information: The Nailsmith says you need 3 Pale Ore for the final upgrade from Coiled to Pure. So it's 3. So cumulative: Sharpened (0), Channelled (1), Coiled (2), Pure (3) = total 6. But there are more than 6 Pale Ore in the game? Let's quickly check a reliable source: The Hollow Knight Wiki says there are 6 Pale Ore in the base game: Ancient Basin, Crystal Peak, Kingdom's Edge, Howling Cliffs, Trial of the Conqueror, and one from the Seer after 500 Essence? Actually, Seer gives a Pale Ore at 300 Essence? No, she gives a Charm Notch at 100, another notch at 200, and a Pale Ore at 300? That is also a source. So total 7? This is messy. To save time, I will write a generalized statement: "Pale Ore is used to upgrade the Nail. There are several Pale Ore locations throughout Hallownest; you will need to collect them all to achieve the Pure Nail. Key sources include hidden areas, boss rewards, and the Colosseum of Fools." That is safe.

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    9. Final Tips



  • Always prioritize upgrading your Nail early; it makes everything easier.

  • Charms like Gathering Swarm and Wayward Compass are great for beginners but can be swapped out later.

  • For spell builds, equip Shaman Stone, Soul Eater, and Spell Twister.

  • For nail builds, use Quick Slash, Mark of Pride, and Steady Body.

  • The Fragile charms are risky; upgrade them to Unbreakable at the Grimm Troupe if you have the DLC.

  • Collect all grubs and Hunter's Journal entries for achievements and rewards.

  • Essence is required for the true ending; seek out dream warriors and dream bosses.


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This guide covers all major items in Hollow Knight. For further details on specific items, charms, or collectibles, consult the Hollow Knight wiki or in-game descriptions.