Exploring the full map of Hollow Knight is one of the most rewarding aspects of the game. With its intricate world design, hidden areas, and challenging enemies, uncovering every corner of Hallownest is both a test of skill and patience. Whether you’re a completionist aiming for 112% or simply want to understand where everything is, learning about each region and how they connect is essential. This guide provides a detailed overview of the full Hollow Knight map, covering every major area and what to expect as you delve deeper into the ancient underground kingdom.
How the Hollow Knight Map Works
Hollow Knight features a vast, interconnected world known as Hallownest. Unlike many other Metroidvania games, the map is not given to you from the start. Instead, players must purchase regional maps from a cartographer named Cornifer, who is hidden in each area. Until you find him and update your map at a bench, you’re exploring blindly. This system encourages exploration and builds immersion, making every discovery feel meaningful.
Mapping Tools and Upgrades
To make full use of the Hollow Knight map, you’ll need to acquire certain items:
- Quill Allows you to update the map when resting at a bench.
- Wayward Compass Shows your location on the map.
- Map Pins and Markers Help you mark important locations like benches, vendors, and hidden secrets.
Main Areas of Hallownest
The kingdom of Hallownest is made up of many unique regions. Each area has its own theme, challenges, and connections to others. Below is a breakdown of the major zones and what makes them stand out.
Dirtmouth
Dirtmouth is the starting hub of the game. Located above ground, this small town serves as your safe zone and access point to the rest of Hallownest. Key NPCs such as Sly, Salubra, and the Elderbug reside here. It connects directly to Forgotten Crossroads.
Forgotten Crossroads
This is the first major area players explore. It’s a relatively straightforward region filled with basic enemies and simple platforming. As the center of the map, Forgotten Crossroads connects to multiple other areas like Greenpath, Crystal Peak, and City of Tears. After certain story events, it transforms into the Infected Crossroads, introducing tougher enemies and hazards.
Greenpath
Greenpath is a lush, verdant region teeming with vegetation and acid pools. It introduces the player to the Mosskin and enemies like the Moss Charger. Key characters such as Zote and Hornet make appearances here. You’ll also obtain the dash ability in this region, which is crucial for progressing further.
Fungal Wastes
This spore-filled area is located west of the City of Tears. It features bouncing enemies and toxic gas clouds. It connects to both the Queen’s Gardens and Deepnest. The Mantis Village in this region offers a major charm and an important boss fight with the Mantis Lords.
City of Tears
One of the largest and most atmospheric areas, City of Tears serves as a central hub deeper into the game. Rain constantly pours down in this once-great city. You’ll find multiple bosses, shops, and access points here. The Soul Sanctum, a sub-area filled with magic-wielding foes, can be found in its upper reaches.
Royal Waterways
Beneath the City of Tears lies the Royal Waterways, a sewer-like maze full of Flukemons and other grotesque creatures. While optional, it holds several secrets, including the Dung Defender and a path to the Ancient Basin.
Crystal Peak
Crystal Peak is located to the east of Forgotten Crossroads. This glittering mountain of crystal is filled with laser-firing enemies and challenging platforming segments. Essential upgrades like the Crystal Heart (super dash) are located here. It also contains the hidden boss, the Crystal Guardian.
Resting Grounds
This ethereal area plays a major role in the game’s lore. Home to the Dreamers and the Seer, the Resting Grounds is where you first obtain the Dream Nail. It connects to both Crystal Peak and City of Tears and includes access to the Dream realm.
Deepnest
Deepnest is infamous for its creepy atmosphere, difficult enemies, and maze-like layout. Found west of Fungal Wastes and below Queen’s Gardens, Deepnest tests both your navigation skills and combat readiness. It also holds the path to the third Dreamer and to a hidden area called the Beast’s Den.
Queen’s Gardens
This beautiful but deadly area is filled with thorns and elegant enemies. It connects to the Fungal Wastes and Deepnest. The Queen’s Gardens also house the White Lady and provide access to the White Fragment, an item required for one of the game’s endings.
Ancient Basin
This desolate, underground pit lies below the Royal Waterways. It contains shadowy enemies and relics of the past. You can find the Monarch Wings (double jump) and the entrance to the Abyss here. The Ancient Basin is crucial for completing the story and exploring the deepest secrets of Hallownest.
The Abyss
At the bottom of the world lies the Abyss, a haunting location filled with shadow and darkness. It reveals much about the Knight’s origins and the void. Exploring this area is optional, but it is key to unlocking powerful upgrades like the Shade Cloak and understanding the lore.
Kingdom’s Edge
Located east of City of Tears and beneath the Colosseum of Fools, Kingdom’s Edge is a snowy, cliffside area that houses powerful enemies and several secrets. The Nailmaster Oro and Hornet both appear here, and this area connects to the Pale King’s palace through the White Palace dream realm.
Hive
The Hive is a hidden area accessible through Kingdom’s Edge. It’s filled with bee-like enemies and sticky honey walls. While small, it provides the Hiveblood charm and holds unique platforming and lore elements.
Colosseum of Fools
This battle arena features three trials that test your combat prowess. Found in Kingdom’s Edge, the Colosseum is a great place to earn Geo and test your skills against waves of enemies. Each trial escalates in difficulty and rewards.
White Palace and Dream Realms
The White Palace is accessed through the Dream Nail after collecting the Awoken Dream Nail. It’s a platforming-heavy area with minimal combat. The White Palace holds the King’s Brand and lore about the Pale King. Various Dream Bosses and Dream Realms also exist, offering alternate versions of regular bosses and new challenges.
Tips for 100% Map Completion
To complete the full Hollow Knight map and achieve maximum completion percentage, follow these tips:
- Purchase all maps from Cornifer as you enter each area.
- Use the Quill at benches to update newly explored paths.
- Unlock all Stag Stations for fast travel and full network access.
- Use Map Pins to mark uncompleted challenges or locked doors.
- Explore each area fully; many paths are hidden behind breakable walls or require abilities like double jump or super dash.
- Defeat all Dream Bosses and optional challenges for full progression.
Mastering the full Hollow Knight map requires patience, exploration, and the right upgrades. Each area of Hallownest offers its own visual theme, challenges, and lore. Understanding how these regions interconnect not only helps in navigation but also deepens your appreciation of the game’s rich design. Whether you’re a new player or returning for another run, a complete map of Hollow Knight is your ultimate tool to experience everything this extraordinary world has to offer.