So, you picked up Hollow Knight because it looked like a cute bug adventure, right? I did too. And then I got my carapace handed to me. 😅 It's a Souls-like in Metroidvania clothing, and if you're not careful, you'll make the same mistakes I did. Let's talk about them so you can save yourself some heartache.
1. Underestimating the Difficulty (and Quitting Too Soon)
I'll be honest: I almost threw in the towel during my first playthrough. The game's Ghibli-esque art had me thinking it would be a walk in the park. But Hollow Knight is notorious for being one of the toughest 2D Metroidvanias out there. It's easy to get frustrated, especially when you're dying to the same boss over and over. But don't uninstall just yet! Take a breather, come back later, and you'll find that the game is incredibly rewarding. Trust me, I've been there.
2. Banging Your Head Against a Boss Wall
Bosses in Hollow Knight can feel like hitting a brick wall. I remember stumbling into a boss arena with no warning and thinking, 'I can take this guy.' Spoiler: I couldn't. The game doesn't hold your hand, and sometimes the best strategy is to retreat, explore, and come back with new abilities or charms. Don't be stubborn like me—if something's not working, try a different approach.
3. Ignoring Maps and the Lumafly Lantern
I used to think maps were for chumps. Big mistake. Hollow Knight's world is a labyrinth, and without a map, you're basically running blind. The Quill and map pins are your best friends. And the Lumafly Lantern? It might seem like a waste of Geo at first, but you'll regret not buying it when you're stuck in a pitch-black area. Plus, it's required for at least one boss fight. So, cough up the Geo and thank me later.
4. Not Checking Every Wall for Hidden Paths
Curiosity might have killed the cat, but in Hollow Knight, it rewards you with hidden areas and loot. I can't tell you how many times I walked past a suspicious wall only to find out later that it was breakable. Some of these hidden paths lead to entire new areas or powerful items. So, channel your inner Indiana Jones and start whacking every wall you see.
5. Hoarding Geo Like a Dragon
Geo is the currency in Hallownest, and losing it on death hurts. I used to panic every time I had a large sum. But here's the thing: Geo is easy to farm later on. There are even ways to preserve it, like the banker in Fog Canyon (though she's a bit shady). So don't stress about losing Geo. Let it go, and you'll enjoy the game much more.
6. Forgetting to Rest on Benches
Benches are your checkpoints, but you have to actually sit on them to activate them. I can't count how many times I rushed past a bench only to die and respawn halfway across the map. Take a moment to rest, especially before a boss fight. It'll save you a lot of backtracking.
7. Skipping Map Pins and the Quill
Even with a map, Hollow Knight's world can be confusing. That's where map pins and the Quill come in. Bench pins are a lifesaver, and the Quill lets you update your map as you explore. Without them, you're basically navigating a maze blindfolded. Don't make my mistake—buy them early.
8. Using Soul Only for Healing
Soul is a precious resource. At first, I only used it to heal, treating it like a health potion. But that's a crutch. Spells like Desolate Dive and Vengeful Spirit are incredibly powerful and can turn the tide of battle. Learn to use Soul for offense, not just defense. It'll make you a better player.
9. Killing NPCs Without Thinking
Some NPCs in Hollow Knight will ask you to end their suffering. It's tempting to oblige, but hold your horses. Some of these characters play a role in future storylines, and killing them might cut you off from additional lore or quests. I'm not saying don't do it, but be considerate. You might miss out on something special.
10. Trusting the Wrong NPCs
On the flip side, some NPCs are just bad news. Zote, for example, is a walking disaster, but he's also kind of hilarious. Others might lead you down a path of regret. Without spoiling anything, just be careful who you trust. Your choices have consequences, and some of them might keep you up at night.
Wrapping It Up
Hollow Knight is a masterpiece, but it's also a tough nut to crack. These mistakes are common, and I've made every single one of them. The good news is that you can learn from my pain. Take your time, explore thoroughly, and don't be afraid to ask for help. And hey, if you're waiting for Silksong like the rest of us, at least you'll be prepared for whatever Pharloom throws at you. Happy hunting! 🐛🗡️
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