
The Colosseum of Fools in Hollow Knight is a captivating area where players can truly test their combat abilities. Within this arena, participants face three distinct trials that challenge them to defeat waves of enemies of varying strengths. Typically, the final wave culminates in a fierce boss battle, with an exception found in the Trial of the Warrior, depending on earlier players’ choices.
As players progress through these increasingly challenging trials, especially the ultimate challenge in the Trial of the Fool, it becomes essential to equip the best charms beforehand. Successfully completing these trials is key to achieving the title of “Fool.”
To effectively utilize the charm builds outlined in this guide, players will need to unlock most charm notches throughout the game. Click here to discover how to find every charm notch.
Optimal Builds for the Trial of the Warrior

The first challenge in the Colosseum of Fools, the Trial of the Warrior, serves as an introduction to these trials, offering a manageable difficulty level. Most enemies are not particularly daunting, and the absence of a major boss at the trial’s conclusion simplifies the challenge. Here’s an effective build to ensure players can clear this trial with ease.
Nail Build

- Unbreakable/Fragile Strength
- Longnail
- Unbreakable/Fragile Heart
- Quick Slash
For the Trial of the Warrior, a straightforward Nail build is highly effective. The combination of Unbreakable or Fragile Strength significantly boosts Nail damage, making it the foundation of the build.
While Mark of Pride is a traditional choice, players may not have enough charm notches available to equip it. Instead, Longnail serves as an excellent alternative to extend the attack range.
Utilizing Quick Slash enhances the speed at which players can defeat enemies. In situations where the battle turns intense, Unbreakable/Fragile Heart offers critical extra masks, ensuring players can endure the onslaught of foes.
Optimal Builds for the Trial of the Conqueror

The Trial of the Conqueror significantly increases the challenge, introducing more complex arenas and tougher enemies. However, players equipped with the right charms can navigate this trial with confidence, especially if they have enhanced their spells.
Spell Build

- Shaman Stone
- Spell Twister
- Nailmaster’s Glory
- Unbreakable/Fragile Heart
- Sharp Shadow
- Dream Wielder
When tackling the Trial of the Conqueror, a hybrid approach that combines Spell, Nail Art, and Soul farming charms is invaluable for countering a variety of enemies. For quicker enemies like the Armored Squits and Winged Fools, Nailmaster’s Glory is effective since it requires only a single charm notch.
Against stronger foes such as the Heavy Fool and Oblobbles, leveraging Shaman Stone and Spell Twister allows players to unleash powerful spells like Descending Dark and Shade Soul, efficiently dismantling challenging waves. Meanwhile, combining Unbreakable/Fragile Heart and Sharp Shadow provides robust defensive options, and Dream Wielder can generate substantial Soul when faced with less threatening enemies.
Optimal Builds for the Trial of the Fool

As the pinnacle of challenges, the Trial of the Fool is notably longer and features unique adversaries like the God Tamer, absent in the rest of Hallownest. This trial demands exceptional skill, patience, and reflexes to earn the designation of “Fool.”Below are charm builds designed to assist players in conquering this arduous test.
Recommended Build

- Nailmaster’s Glory
- Shaman Stone
- Spell Twister
- Dream Wielder
- Unbreakable/Fragile Heart
- Grubsong
- Thorns of Agony
As highlighted in the Trial of the Conqueror section, utilizing a hybrid build tailored to spells, Soul generation, and Nail Arts is critical for success in the Trial of the Fool. Given that players will inevitably take damage during this extensive trial, charms like Grubsong and Thorns of Agony prove invaluable, especially during gravity-defying enemy encounters.
Alternative Build

- Unbreakable/Fragile Strength
- Mark of Pride
- Unbreakable/Fragile Heart
- Quick Slash
If players prefer not to rely on Nail Arts or spell-based strategies, a traditional Nail build is a solid alternative. Mark of Pride enhances reach, while Quick Slash ensures swift enemy eliminations. Including Unbreakable/Fragile Strength enhances damage output, and utilizing Unbreakable/Fragile Heart augments survivability, addressing the trial’s challenges.
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