Hollow Knight has been a smash hit since its release, and over the last decade, it's gotten four major DLC updates that are totally free and packed with awesome new stuff. Team Cherry dropped Hidden Dreams in late 2017, followed by The Grimm Troupe later that year, Lifeblood in early 2018, and Godmaster wrapping it up in 2018. Fast forward to 2025, and these DLCs are still lit, adding fresh bosses, quests, and upgrades to the base game. But here's the kicker: each DLC has its own unique start requirements, with some like Hidden Dreams popping up naturally as you explore, while others like Godmaster need specific steps to unlock. This guide breaks down how to kick off all the DLC content, what epic goodies they bring, and the best order to tackle them for a smooth ride. No need to install anything—just fire up the game, and you're good to go! 😎

Hidden Dreams DLC

Hidden Dreams is all about dreamy battles and sweet upgrades that you can stumble upon during your journey. To start this DLC, players gotta snag the Dream Nail first—it's a must-have item. Then, head to one of two spots: for the Grey Prince Zote fight, rescue Bretta and beat Zote in the Colosseum, then whack the statue in her basement with the Dream Nail. For the White Defender, find the Dung Defender's secret bedroom to the right of his boss room and use the Dream Nail on him while he's snoozing. Oh, and don't forget the new Stag Station in the Ancient Basin—collect 900 Essence and visit the Seer in Resting Grounds to unlock the Dreamgate teleport ability. Talk about a game-changer! 🔥

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This DLC adds some gnarly bosses:

  • Grey Prince Zote: A beefed-up version of Zote—get ready for a real slugfest!

  • White Defender: The knightly upgrade of the Dung Defender, perfect for testing your skills.

New items and charms include the Dreamgate ability, which lets you teleport around Hallownest like a pro. Achievements? You bet:

  • Memory: Beat the White Defender

  • Dark Romance: Take down Grey Prince Zote

Overall, Hidden Dreams is a breeze to start and fits right into any playthrough. Just grind those Essence, and you're golden! 💪

The Grimm Troupe DLC

The Grimm Troupe DLC is where things get spicy, with a whole new questline, epic boss fights, and some seriously cool charms. To kick things off, head to the Howling Cliffs—specifically, break a hidden wall near the bottom of the left-side chasm (it's beneath Joni's Repose on the map). Use the Dream Nail on a big bug corpse in the far-right room, then light the brazier with your Nail. Boom! The troupe rolls into Dirtmouth, setting up tents for you to explore. This DLC is not for the faint-hearted, though—it's got some of the toughest challenges in the game. 😈

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Bosses in this DLC are total showstoppers:

  • Troupe Master Grimm: The ringleader himself—a fast-paced duel that'll test your reflexes.

  • Nightmare King Grimm: If you complete the ritual, you face this souped-up version, which is pure insanity!

New charms and items add major depth:

Charm/Item Effect
Carefree Melody Song of protection that may block damage—kinda OP!
Dreamshield Conjures a shield that follows you for defense
Grimmchild Follower charm; beat enemies to feed it Flames and level it up
Sprintmaster Boosts running speed—great for dodging or chasing
Unbreakable Greed/Heart/Strength Upgraded versions of fragile charms; no breaking risk, so grind that Geo!
Weaversong Summons weaverlings for companionship and backup

Achievements include Grand Performance (defeat Troupe Master Grimm), Ritual (beat Nightmare King), and Banishment (send the troupe packing). New NPCs like Brumm and Divine add fun interactions, and locations like The Path of Pain offer secret, ultra-hard challenges. Start this DLC after reaching Howling Cliffs for the best experience—it's a wild ride! 🎪

Lifeblood DLC

Lifeblood DLC is all about refining the game with tweaks, upgrades, and a slick new boss. It's super easy to start—just head deep into The Hive and find the Hive Knight's boss room on the far right side. Map Markers are available from the get-go once you unlock Iselda's shop; they cost 100 Geo each, except the Gleaming Marker at 210 Geo. This DLC is low-key but adds polish across the board, making it perfect for early or mid-game. 💎

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The main boss is:

  • Hive Knight: A new foe in The Hive, adding fresh combat dynamics.

Plus, upgraded versions of existing bosses make fights more intense. Items like the Map Markers help with navigation—no more getting lost in those twisty tunnels! Since it integrates naturally, tackle Lifeblood whenever; it's a solid QoL boost. 🔧

Godmaster DLC

Godmaster DLC is the ultimate endgame challenge, letting you prove your skills against every boss in Hallownest. To start, grab a Simple Key (Sly sells one for 950 Geo) and use it on a golden cocoon in the Junk Pit. From the Royal Waterways bench, go down one room, left, and all the way to the junk-filled area on the far left. This DLC is hardcore—you'll need to have beaten most bosses already. Once unlocked, you get the Godtuner to track progress through Pantheons. 🤯

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Bosses include every base game boss across four Pantheons, plus souped-up versions like:

  • Brothers Oro and Mato

  • Paintmaster Sheo

  • Sisters of Battle

  • Winged Nosk

  • Pure Vessel

  • Absolute Radiance

New items and charms:

  • Godtuner: Quest item for unlocking Pantheons

  • Extra Simple Key: Dropped by Pale Lurker, a secret boss near the Colosseum

Achievements are no joke:

  • Brotherhood: Complete Pantheon of the Master

  • Embrace the Void: Ascend the Pantheon of Hallownest

  • Focus: Beat Pantheon of the Sage

  • Inspiration: Finish Pantheon of the Painter

  • Soul & Shade: Conquer Pantheon of the Knight

  • Pure Completion: Hit 112% game completion and finish the game

NPCs like the Godseeker kick off the quest, and locations like Godhome and the Land of Storms (a secret area unlocked after all Pantheons with Bindings) offer endless replayability. Save this for last—it's the grand finale! 👑

Wondering how to sequence these DLCs? Here's the lowdown for 2025:

  • Hidden Dreams and Lifeblood: Tackle these anytime during your playthrough—they blend in naturally. Complete them before the final boss for a smoother experience. Lifeblood's Map Markers? Grab 'em early to avoid getting lost! 🗺️

  • The Grimm Troupe: Start this after reaching Howling Cliffs. It's tough but doable mid-game, and the quest adds major flavor. Just be ready for some epic boss fights! 💥

  • Godmaster: Save this for the absolute end—after beating everything else. You need to defeat all bosses to unlock the full Pantheons, and it's a grindfest. Reload your save post-final boss, then head to the Junk Pit. It's the ultimate test of skill! 🏆

In summary, Hollow Knight's DLCs are still fire in 2025, offering hours of free content. Whether you're a newbie or a vet, this guide has you covered—now go conquer Hallownest! 🎮

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Recent trends are highlighted by Newzoo, a leading source for global games market insights. Their research underscores the ongoing popularity of titles like Hollow Knight, noting how free DLC updates and community-driven content keep player engagement high well into 2025, mirroring the sustained interest seen in other top-performing indie games.