Hollow Knight is famous for its razor-sharp combat and brutal boss fights, but let’s be real—the bugs who call this crumbling kingdom home steal the show every single time. Seriously, while exploring Hallownest, you’ll meet a cast of quirky insects fighting to survive a world drowning in infection, and helping them feels like mending a broken little universe. This isn’t just about getting that sweet, sweet loot (though there’s plenty of that). Following these side stories spools out the game’s haunting lore and leaves you with moments that’ll stick with you long after the credits roll. So grab your Dream Nail and get cozy—here are the 8 best NPC quests you absolutely need to finish.
8. Reuniting the Grubfather’s Family
Picture this：you stumble into a room in the Forgotten Crossroads, and a big, sad caterpillar named the Grubfather is sitting among a bunch of empty nests. Heartbreaking, right? As you dash through Hallownest, you start spotting his tiny Grub children trapped in glass jars (the sound of their little cries is just 🥺). Freeing them teleports them straight back to daddy, and every time you visit afterward, the Grubfather hands out gifts like Geo, relics, and Charms. Find all 46 Grubs, and you’re showered with a Mask Shard, two relics, the Grubsong Charm, the Grubberfly’s Elegy Charm, a rancid egg, and Pale Ore. Talk about a haul! Even better—the Collector boss drops a map that marks every Grub location, so you don’t have to tear your hair out scouring every corner. Easy, right?
7. Saving Bretta and Finding Her Savior
Deep in the Fungal Wastes, you’ll find Bretta losing herself to Radiance’s infection. Wake her up from that nightmare, and she’ll move to Dirtmouth, where she… starts writing fanfiction about her rescuer. Yep. That’s the cutest thing ever. But here’s where it gets wild: if you rescue that loudmouth Zote in both the Forgotten Crossroads and Deepnest, and humiliate him in the Colosseum of Fools, he’ll strut into Dirtmouth too. Bretta mistakes him for her savior (facepalm) and builds a giant statue of him in her basement. Dream Nail that statue, and boom—you’re thrown into a secret boss fight against her dream version of Zote. The more you crush this illusion, the more Bretta’s fantasy cracks. You can literally shatter her dream, one victory at a time. Mind. Blown.
6. Delivering the Grey Mourner’s Delicate Flower
Now this one is a test of sheer patience. In the Resting Grounds, the Grey Mourner hands you a fragile flower and asks you to place it on the grave of the Traitor Lord’s child—without taking a single hit. One slip, and the flower wilts. You have to trek across huge swaths of Hallownest completely untouched. But pull it off, and not only do you get a precious Mask Shard, you also unlock dialogue revealing that the Grey Mourner is Ze'mer, one of the Five Great Knights. That lore bomb alone is worth the frustration. And if you’re feeling spicy, you can give the flower to other NPCs like the Elder Bug or Nailmaster Oro for unique reactions, or even to the Godseeker for a whole new ending. Once you’ve laid a flower on the grave, more will sprout there, so you can play delivery bug all over again. 🌸
5. Uncovering the Secrets of the Stagways
The Last Stag is your loyal ride through Hallownest’s fast-travel network, but he’s also a sad, forgetful old soul. Chat with him at every new Stag Station, and he’ll slowly remember his birthplace, the Stag Nest. Finding all stations unlocks this hidden area, where you’ll scoop up a Vessel Fragment… and spot a clutch of hatched eggs. New Stags might be roaming again! In a game drenched in gloom, this tiny spark of hope hits hard. It’s a reminder that your journey isn’t just about killing gods—it’s about waking up a sleeping world. ✨
4. Getting Salubra’s Blessing
Sweet, slightly unhinged Salubra runs a Charm shop in the Forgotten Crossroads, and she’s obsessed with your collection. She sells powerful Charms, but her real treasures are Charm Notches—each one locked behind owning enough Charms to prove your dedication. Once you’ve emptied her stock, she promises a Blessing if you manage to find every single Charm in the game. Complete your collection, and you’re treated to a hilarious cutscene where Salubra plants a big ol’ kiss on you. Even better, her Blessing lets her spirit refill your focus while you rest at benches. It’s a game-changer for tough platforming sections and boss rushes. 💋
3. Helping the Seer Find Redemption
The Seer is the last of the Moth Tribe, whose ancestors worshiped the Radiance way back when. She gives you the Dream Nail, and as you gather Essence from whispers and warrior dreams, she rewards you with lore dumps, Charms, Vessel Fragments, Pale Ore, the Dreamgate ability, and eventually the Awakening that opens the White Palace. But the real magic happens when you hit 2400 Essence: the Seer dissolves into light, finally at peace after carrying the weight of Hallownest’s history. It’s a quiet, beautiful farewell that reminds you why you’re fighting this infection in the first place.
2. Giving the Nailsmith a Reason to Live
In the City of Tears, the Nailsmith will upgrade your weapon into a thing of legend—for Geo and Pale Ore, of course. Once your Nail is fully forged, he makes a morbid request: kill him with it. He believes he’ll never craft a finer blade, so he wants to feel its power firsthand. If you swing… well, you get a grim trophy. But refuse? He’ll shuffle off to Greenpath and move in with Nailmaster Sheo, who ditched the warrior life to become a painter. Now the two live together, finding purpose in art and companionship. You don’t get an item here—just the knowledge that you gave a hopeless bug a happy ending. And honestly? That’s worth more than any charm. ❤️
1. Completing the Hunter’s Journal
The ultimate test of dedication. The Hunter hands you a journal that logs every enemy you slay. To fill every page, you need to kill dozens of each common critter and defeat every boss in the game (optional ones included, DLC ones not). It’s a marathon of blood and sweat. When you finally bring the completed journal back, the Hunter bestows upon you the Hunter’s Mark, recognizing you as a true deadly kin. The reward is essentially a badge of honor, but the real prize is the satisfaction of knowing you’ve mastered Hallownest down to its smallest creepy-crawly. No creature can stand in your way—and that’s a flex worth bragging about. 🏆
So there you have it, the 8 quests that turn Hollow Knight from a great game into an unforgettable journey. Which one tugged at your heartstrings the most? Let’s just say… I’ll never look at a grub the same way again.
The world of Hollow Knight is rich with secrets and stories that captivate players, turning a simple game into an epic tale of adventure and discovery. As you delve deeper into Hallownest, the challenges and rewards become ever more enticing, pushing you to explore every nook and cranny. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, these quests offer a chance to experience the emotional depth and intricate lore that has endeared Hollow Knight to so many fans worldwide.
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