Unlocking Secret Paths in Hollow Knight: A Full Walkthrough

7 December 2024

If you’ve ever found yourself wandering the breathtaking yet haunting landscapes of Hollow Knight, you know the game is more than meets the eye. Beneath the surface (sometimes quite literally), the world of Hallownest is packed with hidden pathways, cryptic shortcuts, and long-forgotten secrets waiting to be discovered. But let’s face it, some of these paths are so well hidden, they might as well be invisible to the naked eye. That’s where I come in—to guide you through the winding maze of Hallownest’s secret paths.

Grab your nail, polish your map-reading skills, and let’s dive into some of the most mysterious trails in Hollow Knight. Warning: Things are about to get a little... buggy.

What Are Secret Paths in Hollow Knight?

Before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s talk about what secret paths are. Essentially, they’re hidden routes tucked away in corners you wouldn’t expect. Sometimes, they’re behind breakable walls. Other times, they’re masked by illusions or require specific abilities to access. These paths often lead to valuable charms, pale ore, grubs, or even entirely new areas. Think of them as buried treasure—except instead of digging, you're slashing, dashing, and exploring.

But are they worth the effort? Absolutely. Not only do they provide crucial upgrades for your little Knight, but uncovering these paths also deepens your understanding of the lore and narrative. Plus, there’s a certain joy in outsmarting the game’s design, isn’t there?

How to Find Secret Paths More Easily

Let’s get practical for a second. You don’t need to be a platforming prodigy to unlock most secret paths, but you do need a good eye and a touch of patience. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

- Listen for Audio Cues: Some hidden walls make a distinct "hollow" sound when struck. Keep your ears peeled!
- Look for Visual Clues: Subtle cracks in walls or uneven terrain can signal something breakable.
- Experiment with Abilities: Abilities like the Mothwing Cloak, Crystal Heart, and Monarch Wings will often unlock new areas. If you’ve hit a wall (literally), come back later with upgraded skills.
- Talk to NPCs: Some characters drop helpful hints about where to find secret pathways. Don’t skip dialogue!
- Brute Force It: When in doubt, swing your nail everywhere. You’d be surprised how often a careless slash reveals a hidden path.

Secret Paths You Absolutely Need to Know About

Alright, enough chit-chat. Let’s get to the good stuff. Here are some of the juiciest secret paths in Hollow Knight that you might’ve overlooked.

1. Greenpath’s Hidden Caverns

Ah, Greenpath. Lush, serene, and crawling with danger. One of the first secret paths you might stumble upon here is located near the Stone Sanctuary. Strike the ground in certain spots, and you’ll unveil a hidden cavern containing Geo deposits (money!) and a Mask Shard.

But wait, there’s more. By using the Mothwing Cloak, you can dash over an otherwise impossible gap to discover a Grub. Pro tip: Always keep your map updated with Cornifer. It’ll make spotting suspicious empty spaces a lot easier!

2. Forgotten Crossroads: Walls With Secrets

The Forgotten Crossroads? More like the Forgotten Goldmine. This area has breakable walls galore. Early on, you’ll likely uncover a shortcut leading to the Grubfather just by hacking away at the walls. But the real prize lies beyond. There’s a hidden entrance to a Geo cache just above where you fight the False Knight. Not to mention, secret entrances in this area connect to the Crystal Peaks later on in the game.

The Crossroads also house the entrance to the Black Egg Temple, which hides in plain sight. Trust me, you’ll want to revisit this spot later in your journey.

3. Crystal Peaks’ Vertical Challenge

The Crystal Peaks are every platformer’s dream—and nightmare. This area has some of the trickiest secret paths in the game, so get ready to flex those parkour muscles.

One of the most rewarding paths leads you to the Deep Focus charm. To get there, you’ll need the Crystal Heart ability. Zip through a massive horizontal laser trap, and you’ll find yourself in an isolated cavern containing the charm. Another tough but worthy trek involves the elevator shaft with breakable walls. Swing your nail, and boom—shortcut unlocked.

4. Fungal Wastes: The Dashmaster’s Secret

The Fungal Wastes are as weird as they sound, but they’re also filled with hidden goodies. One of the best secret paths leads to the Dashmaster charm. To find it, look for a suspicious statue covered in glowing mushrooms (you can’t miss it). What’s better than dashing? Dashing faster, obviously.

Oh, and don’t forget the hidden exit to Deepnest lurking in this area. It’s not for the faint of heart. Seriously, who thought giant spiders were a good idea?

5. Queen’s Gardens: A Maze of Mystery

Queen’s Gardens is a late-game area that’s as beautiful as it is deadly. Hidden paths here will test both your patience and your platforming skills. One secret involves traversing thorn-covered platforms to reach a Grub and a Geo cache.

But the pièce de résistance is the hidden room leading to the White Lady. This ethereal NPC not only reveals key lore but also gifts you a charm notch. Pro tip: Equip the Thorns of Agony charm to make navigating this area a bit less painful. Literally.

6. Deepnest: What Lies Beneath

Deepnest is the stuff of nightmares. Dark corridors, creepy crawlies, and an eerie soundtrack—this place has it all. That said, it’s brimming with secrets. One notable hidden path leads to the Weaversong charm, which allows you to summon helpful little spider allies. To find it, seek out the Weaver’s Den (hint: it’s near a breakable wall).

Also, don’t miss the hidden tramway station connecting to Ancient Basin. The reward? A Pale Ore, which is essential for upgrading your nail.

7. Hidden Dreams: The Dream Nail’s Potential

Once you’ve unlocked the Dream Nail, a whole new world of secret paths opens up. Dreamer statues, whispering roots, and dream gates all point to hidden treasures. One of the most exciting dream-related paths leads to the White Palace. This dreamy locale is not only visually stunning but also houses the King’s Soul charm—an essential item for unlocking the true ending.

Unlocking the True Ending: The Ultimate Secret Path

Okay, spoiler alert: If you’re a completionist, the true ending of Hollow Knight is where the real magic lies. To get there, you’ll need to unravel the secret paths leading to the Abyss and gather items like the Void Heart and Awoken Dream Nail. Each step requires a deep understanding of Hallownest’s interconnected world—so don’t be afraid to take your time and explore every nook and cranny.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

In short? Absolutely. Secret paths are the lifeblood of Hollow Knight. They make the game feel alive, rewarding curiosity and encouraging exploration. Every time you stumble upon a hidden room or uncover a new shortcut, it’s like the game whispers, “Good job. You earned this.” And isn’t that what gaming is all about?

So, next time you’re roaming Hallownest and think, “That looks suspicious,” go ahead and swing your nail. You never know what might be lurking just out of sight.