Hollow Knight‘s Multiple Endings Revealed: A Guide to Every Outcome
Table of Contents
Kingdom’s Edge, Hallownest – after years of dedicated exploration, players of Team Cherry’s critically acclaimed Hollow knight continue to unravel the secrets of the fallen kingdom. Beyond the challenging platforming and intricate combat lies a branching narrative with multiple endings, each carrying profound implications for the fate of Hallownest and the Knight. This guide details all currently known endings, outlining the steps required to achieve each and the narrative consequences that follow.
Hollow Knight‘s endings aren’t simply ”good” or “bad,” but rather represent different interpretations of sacrifice, duty, and the cyclical nature of infection. The game encourages multiple playthroughs to fully grasp the weight of these choices.
The Three Main endings
1. The Hollow Knight Ending (The “Sealed Vessel” Ending):
Requirements: Defeat the Hollow Knight in the Black Egg Temple. Process: This is the initial, most straightforward ending. Players simply progress through the main story, defeat the Hollow Knight, and absorb the Void within him.
Outcome: The Knight becomes the new vessel, containing the infection and preventing it from spreading further. Hallownest is sealed, but the cycle of infection remains unbroken, merely contained. The Knight is left in a perpetual, silent vigil.
2. The Pacifist Ending (The “Dream No more” Ending):
Requirements: Collect all Charms, complete all Dream Nail sequences (including those with the NPCs), and defeat the Hollow Knight without using the Dream Nail during the final phase.
Process: This ending requires extensive exploration and completion of side quests.During the final battle with the Hollow Knight, hornet will attempt to assist, creating openings for a Dream Nail attack. Players must resist using the Dream Nail. Allow the Hollow Knight to be defeated conventionally.
Outcome: The Knight breaks the cycle of the Infection by releasing the Hollow Knight’s soul. Hornet and the Knight ascend to the surface, suggesting a future free from the plague. this ending represents a true resolution to hallownest’s suffering.
3. The godhome Ending (The “Radiance” Ending):
Requirements: Unlock and complete the Godhome pantheon of trials. This requires obtaining the Heart of the Void and accessing the Godhome through the City of Tears.
Process: Godhome presents a series of increasingly difficult challenges, culminating in a battle against the Radiance, the source of the Infection.
Outcome: The Knight defeats the Radiance, finally eradicating the source of the plague. Hallownest is freed, and the Knight ascends to a higher plane of existence. This is considered the “true” ending, offering the most definitive resolution.
The Void heart & Alternate Paths
The Heart of the Void is a key item unlocking further possibilities.
Obtaining the Heart of the Void:
Go right, act the lighthouse, then use the ability Crystal Heart to cross the gap. Jump in the black pool to get an upgrade Shadow Cloak. Go to Queen’s Gardens using Shadow Cloak to bypass the barriers, and speak to them to get the first half of Kingsoul. Open a station Stag hidden in Ancient Basin, and enter the white palace. Climb it until it reaches it’s summit to get the second half of Kingsoul.
return to the bottom of the abyss, and wear the talisman Kingsoul. Use desolate Dive on the pile of corpses to open a new corridor.At the end, use Awoken Dream Nail on a mysterious egg that reflects the image of the knight.
Transformation to Emptiness: Obtaining the Heart of the Void transforms the Kingsoul into Emptiness, opening access to Godhome and the Radiance fight.
The Second Ending (A Tragic Variation)
This ending is a variation of the Hollow Knight ending, achieved through specific choices during the final battle. Requirements: Defeat the Hollow Knight in the Black Egg temple, but allow the Hollow Knight to be defeated by Hornet’s interference, then finish the fight yourself.
Process: During the battle, Hornet will attempt to assist, restricting the Hollow Knight. Resist the urge to use the Dream Nail. Let the Hollow Knight fall, then complete the fight.
Outcome: The Knight absorbs the Infection, sealing the Radi