After countless runs through Hallownest, I can confidently say that Hollow Knight's charm system remains one of the most elegant loadout mechanics in any Metroidvania—even in 2026. The ability to mix and match equipable items completely changes how you approach combat, platforming, and exploration. Some charms feel like small conveniences, while others are absolute game-changers that can carry an entire run. I've spent more time than I'd like to admit testing these trinkets in boss rushes, Steel Soul attempts, and speedruns. Here is my personal ranking of the ten best charms in Hollow Knight.
Here's a quick look at the list before diving into the details:
| Rank | Charm | Why It Makes the Cut |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Gathering Swarm | Saves time and frustration by collecting geo automatically. |
| 9 | Steady Body | Removes attack recoil and slightly improves attack rhythm. |
| 8 | Nailmaster's Glory | Speeds up Nail Arts for efficient damage output. |
| 7 | Soul Catcher | Builds Soul faster for heals and spells. |
| 6 | Shaman Stone | Makes spells larger and more damaging. |
| 5 | Sharp Shadow | Turns your dash into a damaging movement tool. |
| 4 | Longnail | Extends nail reach without a massive notch commitment. |
| 3 | Quick Slash | Dramatically increases attack speed. |
| 2 | Spell Twister | Reduces spell cost for more frequent casting. |
| 1 | Unbreakable Strength | Gives a flat damage buff that stacks with almost everything. |
🪲 10. Gathering Swarm
Gathering Swarm provides one of the best quality-of-life upgrades in the game. Making sure that you get the geo you fought for without having to chase it down steep falls is great for overall satisfaction. You can get it early in the game, it only takes up one notch, and it has perfect functionality. What's there not to like? If I'm stuck on a particular fight and need every possible notch, then I'll unequip this charm in favor of something else, but it is a must-have in nearly every other situation.
🪲 9. Steady Body
One of the mechanics that beginners consistently struggle with is the recoil from attacking an enemy. Not accounting for that knockback can cost you health, which might ultimately lead to your untimely demise. The Steady Body charm not only eliminates that worry but also increases the rate at which you can attack, albeit not by a massive amount. Having every little bit of advantage in a fight is exactly what I need to make sure I can perform at my best.
🪲 8. Nailmaster's Glory
A one-notch charm that can significantly increase the efficiency of one of the most damaging attack types in the game sounds like a mod, but it's part of the main experience. Nailmaster's Glory lets you perform Nail Arts faster, meaning you can deal more damage in shorter openings. Since it only takes up one notch, this charm fits perfectly no matter what kind of build I'm trying to run. Whether I'm doing a silly Lifeblood build or a cheeky spell-farming one, it's worth having this charm equipped.
🪲 7. Soul Catcher
Soul Catcher is one of the first charms you unlock, and it remains one of the most useful throughout the game. It increases the amount of Soul you gain with each nail hit, which is a key resource for both healing and offense. What this essentially means is that I can regain health faster, fire off spells more often, and fill up my Soul meter with ease. This charm synergizes with others quite well, making it a must-have in certain builds—especially spell-heavy setups.
🪲 6. Shaman Stone
Whether I use Shaman Stone as part of a soul-farming build or as a standalone charm, it's well worth the high-notch price. Not only does it increase the damage dealt by each spell, but it also increases the size of the spell, meaning I can hit more enemies easily. Players can use Shaman Stone in tandem with different charms to increase efficiency, like Spell Twister or Soul Catcher, so that they can fire off spells more often. It's a centerpiece for any caster playstyle.
🪲 5. Sharp Shadow
The dash ability is pivotal in any game, and even more so in Metroidvanias. Sharp Shadow makes it so that your dash ability also deals damage to enemies. It doesn't just buff the attack of your dash; it increases the distance you can travel as well, making it a must-have for speedrunners alongside the Dashmaster charm. While this is undeniably great for fighting enemies, it can be a nuisance at other times. I always unequip this charm if I'm having trouble with a platforming section, since many areas are designed with the basic dash distance in mind.
🪲 4. Longnail
Longnail is a two-notch charm that, as the name suggests, increases the reach of your nail. There is another charm, Mark of Pride, that increases reach as well. The high price of Mark of Pride makes it a big commitment, and the slightly increased reach isn't always worth it for me. If I'm looking to gain a little bit of extra reach for nail bounces and safe pokes, Longnail is a perfect fit. It doesn't take up too much space and works quite well on its own.
🪲 3. Quick Slash
Without a doubt, a charm that buffs your basic attack is a great addition to your arsenal. While the price is a bit much at three notches, the trade-off is well worth it. Whether it be platforming sections, boss battles, or basic fights, having a faster swing makes everything a lot easier. When combined with other charms like Longnail, Steady Body, or Heavy Blow, Quick Slash works at its absolute best. Even if I'm not running a nail-centric build, it's worth trying this charm out to experience a nice change of pace.
🪲 2. Spell Twister
Spell Twister is definitely one of the best charms in the game. Combined with Shaman Stone and Soul Catcher, it creates an unstoppable build that bulldozes through most enemies with ease. If I have fully upgraded spells, then running this build is a no-brainer. Spell Twister reduces the cost of firing spells. If I could previously fire only three spells, I can now shoot four. That extra cast is often the difference between a clean victory and a frustrating defeat.
🪲 1. Unbreakable Strength
While it is hard to obtain, the path from Fragile Strength to Unbreakable Strength is well worth the effort—and the whopping 15,000 Geo price tag. It provides a flat percentage buff to your base damage, meaning it stacks with nail upgrades and other damage-increasing buffs. The effectiveness of this charm is the best in the game. The only drawback of the Fragile version is that you might lose it, but that can be mitigated by using it only for dream fights or in Godhome. Or, you can simply pay to upgrade it to Unbreakable Strength. And if you're playing in Steel Soul mode, that drawback is irrelevant anyway.
All in all, Hollow Knight's charm system remains a masterclass in player expression. Even in 2026, I still find myself swapping these trinkets around depending on the challenge ahead—and that flexibility is exactly why this game continues to hold up.
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