Hollow Knightis aMetroidvaniafilled to the brim with lore,interesting NPCs, and fun quests. The gameplay is one of the highlights of the game. However, its progression system isn’t the most prominent element; most of the progression is skill based rather than ability based.
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That’s not to say that Hollow Knight doesn’t have some really great abilities for the players to dive into. These abilities are utilized by the game developers to help unlock new areas, let the player defeat different types of enemies, and overcome the environment.
8World Sense
More a quality of life upgrade than an ability, World sense is a power-up that the player gains access to after they defeat the three dreamers and explore the Temple of the Black Egg. Once you unlock world sense, the player can see their completion percentage both in the main menu and in the player’s inventory.
World Sense isn’t an ‘official’ ability. It isn’t mentioned in the game itself but can be found in the files under a similar name. Its utility is great for achievement hounds and completionists who want to 100% the game. Though remember, you can go up to 120% in Hollow Knight (which is, admittedly, a weird thing to include).
7Isma’s Tear
Who doesn’t want to take a nice relaxing swim in a large vat of acid and come out of it unscathed? Isma’s Tear is a pretty cool ability that players can access through the Royal Waterway. This ability isn’t necessary to complete the game, but it sure is extremely helpful.
For one thing, players don’t have to worry about falling into acid and losing their health, making different biomes much less scary than before. For another, they gain access to new areas that they previously couldn’t explore. While the game doesn’t require you to explore the whole map and gain every single thing to complete it, the extra items and shortcuts are well worth it.
6Dream Nail
The Dream Nail is an extremely versatile tool that lets the player dive into the lore of the game to a greater degree. Players can gain the Dream Nail by exploring the Resting Grounds, where they can receive it from a particularly friendly Moth. The Dream Nail is used to collect Essence, but it is quite versatile and can be used in different ways.
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You can use it in the battle to get a large number of souls (though the risk is equally large), you can use it to fight harder versions of bosses by using it on their corpses, you can use it to fight shades and warrior souls, and some areas require the use of the Dream Nail to access. Furthermore, if you collect 500 Essence and bring it to the Seer, you gain access to a teleport ability.
5Shade Cloak
Arguably one of the best feeling abilities in the game, the Shade Cloak lets the player dash around with impunity. During the dash ability, the player is vulnerable and can be damaged. However, once you gain the Shade Cloak, you don’t have to worry about such trivialities. Not only are enemies unable to hit you, but you also become intangible and pass through them when using the Shade Cloak.
This makes the Shade Cloak extremely useful in fights, especially since it doesn’t take up a charm notch. Furthermore, you can use the Shade Cloak to pass through Shade Gates, granting access to new areas and shortcuts.
4Crystal Heart
The Crystal Heart is arguably one of the coolest-looking and feeling abilities in the game. Though its utility is questionable, the coolness aspect isn’t. Found in the Crystal Peak biome, this ability lets the player fly horizontally with speed until they crash into an enemy (with higher than ten health) or a wall.
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Since most of Hallownest is populated with enemies, it might not seem like the most useful ability. However, there are large enough stretches where using the Crystal Heart makes sense. Plus, the feeling of awesome power that you get when using it never gets old.
3Monarch Wings
Fairies drift, but Kings fly. The Monarch Wings, found in the Ancient Basin deep in the underbelly of Hallownest, is a versatile tool in the players' arsenal. It gives the players access to a double jump ability, with a regal-looking sprite animation to accompany it.
A lot of different fights that weren’t viable before become a lot easier, and many areas become reachable using these Wings. However, to gain the Monarch Wings and gain a facsimile of flight, the player will need access to the Crystal Heart ability.
2Mantis Claw
One of the first abilities that the player gains access to, Mantis Claw, is definitely one of the most useful. Basically, it lets the player stick to walls and jump off. The player can do this indefinitely, as there isn’t a timer or cool down for sticking to the walls. This lets you climb vertical surfaces with ease.
The Mantis Claw is found in one of the houses of Mantis Village. You don’t need any additional ability to get the Mantis Claw, but it’s probably wise to get the Mothwing Cloak first since theenemies in the Mantis Villagecan be tricky without it.
1Mothwing Cloak
The most foundational ability in the game, Mothwing Cloak, is all about mobility and combat utility. This ability gives you the power to dash around. Unless you havethe Dashmaster charmequipped, you cannot dash in fast succession, though you can dash in mid-air.
Mothwing Cloak is one of the core abilities in Hollow Knight, which the player is expected to master. It is essential to clearing many platforming sections, and most bosses are nearly impossible to beat without it.
