Pick a goal first
High completion in Hollow Knight connects map routing, bosses, platforming, Dream Essence, hidden requirements, and Godhome challenges. For a first playthrough, split the plan into standard clear, true-ending preparation, and 112% / achievement cleanup.
Route stages
| Stage | Goal | Main prep |
|---|---|---|
| Standard clear | Open the Black Egg Temple and finish a base ending | Dreamers, core abilities, nail upgrades |
| True ending prep | Acquire Void Heart and unlock additional ending routes | Dream Essence, White Palace, Abyss, late abilities |
| High completion | Fill out 112% requirements | Charms, bosses, Colosseum, dreams, first four Pantheons |
| Achievements | Handle branches and high-difficulty goals | Steel Soul, Pantheons, Mr Mushroom, missable-feeling goals |
Live focus guides
| Page | Problem solved |
|---|---|
| Endings and achievement route | Standard endings, Void Heart, Pantheons, and achievement stages |
| Dream Essence route | Whispering Roots, Dream Warriors, dream bosses, and Seer rewards |
| 112% completion checklist | What counts toward completion and what is extra |
| Charm builds | Different charm logic for White Palace, Pantheons, and bosses |
Important reminder
If you want to see the standard ending on the same save, clear it before acquiring Void Heart. Void Heart changes the structure of final-boss endings, so planning ahead avoids locking yourself out of the base ending on that save file.
How to structure 112%
The 112% page should not be a single wall of checklist items. It should be split into four practical groups:
| Module | Content |
|---|---|
| Permanent upgrades | Masks, Vessels, nail, abilities, spells |
| Collectibles | Charms, Charm Notches, Pale Ore, Grub rewards |
| Combat | Main bosses, dream bosses, Colosseum |
| Godhome | First four Pantheons and practice routing |
Next expansion direction
The section now covers ending planning, Dream Essence, and 112%. Later focused pages can split into Void Heart route, White Palace route, all Mister Mushroom locations, first-four-Pantheon prep, and Steel Soul routing.