Hollow Knight Complete Guide: Accessing All Downloadable Content (DLCs)

Hollow Knight Complete Guide: Accessing All Downloadable Content (DLCs)

If you’re here, it’s likely you’re eager to access the free downloadable content (DLC) expansions for Hollow Knight, the acclaimed Metroidvania game developed by Team Cherry. This comprehensive guide will serve as your roadmap to unlocking these enriching additions.

In total, there are four DLCs: Hidden Dreams, The Grimm Troupe, Lifeblood, and Godmaster. Each of these expansions can be accessed at any stage of your adventure, even prior to completing the main storyline, as they seamlessly integrate with the core gameplay.

However, I strongly advise waiting until you are more familiar with the game mechanics. These expansions can significantly ramp up the difficulty, especially with certain bosses, and you may find a greater sense of satisfaction after achieving some experience with the base game.

With that in mind, I’ll proceed on the assumption that you have either completed the game or nearly 100%-ed it. Now, let’s delve into how to unlock all DLCs in Hollow Knight with this structured guide.

Is There a Recommended Order to Play?

Hollow Knight How To Access All DLCs Intro

You can tackle Hollow Knight’s expansions in any order, but I suggest engaging with them in their release sequence: Hidden Dreams, The Grimm Troupe, Lifeblood, and finally, Godmaster. This order provides a satisfying progression and allows you to conclude your journey with the gripping challenges presented in Godmaster, which serves as a fitting lead-up to the anticipated Hollow Knight: Silksong.

Keep in mind that as you progress through the game, you may have unknowingly completed tasks needed to unlock these expansions, so try to recall where you might have left off when exploring the guide!

Unlocking Hidden Dreams DLC

Hollow Knight How To Access All DLCs Hidden Dreams 1

The Hidden Dreams DLC introduces two secret boss encounters tied to two NPCs, Zote and Bretta. Additionally, it features a new Stag Station and the Dream Gate fast travel ability, enhancing your gameplay experience.

Encounter the White Defender

Hollow Knight How To Access All DLCs Hidden Dreams 2

Head to the location where you defeated the Dung Defender in Royal Waterways. Below the crank on the right side of the area, utilize the Descending Dark (or Desolate Dive) to uncover a hidden room.

To the left, you will confront the White Defender, one of the new bosses introduced in this DLC. On the right, you will find King’s Idols, which serve as collectibles for sale.

Defeating Grey Prince Zote

Hollow Knight How To Access All DLCs Hidden Dreams 3

The encounter with Grey Prince Zote is notably more complex and necessitates completing two tasks associated with Zote and Bretta. To save Zote, you need to rescue him on two separate occasions: once from an insect in Greenpath and a second time, ensnared in webs in Deepnest.

After successfully rescuing him, proceed to the Colosseum of Fools and accomplish the First Trial, with Zote appearing as the “final boss.” Despite his bravado, defeating him is relatively straightforward.

Ensure you’ve obtained the Dream Nail, accessible via the Dreamers’ Memorial in the Resting Grounds. Now, navigate to Bretta’s home in Dirtmouth where you can interact with Zote’s statue in the basement to transport yourself to the arena of the second boss encounter, Grey Prince Zote.

Accessing The Grimm Troupe DLC

Hollow Knight How To Access All DLCs Grimm 1

Beginning The Grimm Troupe DLC is a straightforward endeavor. Start by heading to the Howling Cliffs. Look for a hidden wall on the right side of the area near Cornifer, and break through to continue into a concealed passage.

Inside, you will find a corpse. Interact with it and use the Dream Nail on it. Return to the entry point to locate a bonfire. Strike the bonfire until torches light up, accompanied by circus music.

Now, return to Dirtmouth to discover a traveling circus troupe and interact with Brumm in their tent to activate the DLC.

Unlocking Lifeblood DLC

Hollow Knight How To Access All DLCs Hive 1

The Lifeblood DLC primarily includes several enhancements and quality-of-life improvements, although it also adds an optional new boss. You can access this boss without a formal unlocking process, as he is integrated into the game world.

The Lifeblood boss, the Hive Knight, can be found in the farthest room of The Hive, where the enormous, motionless body of the queen is located. Entering this area will trigger an immediate ambush and initiate the battle.

Accessing Godmaster DLC

Hollow Knight How To Access All DLCs Godmaster 1

The Godmaster DLC is the most extensive and challenging of the expansions, emphasizing boss battles. Unlocking it involves a few prerequisites to prepare you for the challenges ahead.

To start, you must possess the Dream Nail, which is earned by interacting with the Dreamers’ Memorial located in the Resting Grounds. Additionally, a Simple Key is needed; there are four in the game, and this DLC introduces the fourth. To obtain it, navigate to the Colosseum of Fools, discover a hidden wall, and defeat the Pale Lurker to claim the key.

Next, locate the Junk Pit within the Royal Waterways, where you will find another breakable wall near the bench. Venture through the resulting maze to uncover a sarcophagus. Use the Simple Key to unlock this sarcophagus, collect the Godtuner, and apply the Dream Nail on the cocoon to gain access to the Godmaster’s realm.

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