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Honestly, Hallownest is a mess. It’s a beautiful, decaying, bug-infested mess where the best stuff is tucked behind breakable walls you’d never think to hit. You’re likely here because you’re tired of walking past a secret entrance for the tenth time. Finding all the charm locations Hollow Knight has to offer isn't just about completionism—it's about not dying to the Absolute Radiance for the hundredth time.
Most players find the basics. You buy the Wayward Compass from Iselda because, let’s be real, we’re all lost without it. But then there are the ones that actually change how the game feels. The ones that turn your nail into a long-range spear or make your spells hit like a freight train.
The Shops You’ll Actually Use
First off, don't ignore the merchants. I know, exploring feels more "heroic," but Geo exists for a reason.
Sly is your go-to in Dirtmouth once you rescue him from the bottom of the Forgotten Crossroads. He sells the Gathering Swarm (300 Geo) and Stalwart Shell (200 Geo). Pro tip: get the Swarm early. It saves you from diving into acid pits just to grab three fallen pennies.
Then there’s Salubra. She’s tucked away in the southeast corner of the Forgotten Crossroads. You’ll need the Mothwing Cloak to reach her hut. She sells some of the heaviest hitters in the game, specifically the Shaman Stone (220 Geo). If you like spells, this is non-negotiable. She also sells Quick Focus (800 Geo) and Longnail (300 Geo).
Leg Eater is the sketchy guy in the Fungal Wastes. He sells the "Fragile" charms. People get scared of these because they break when you die. Don't be. Fragile Strength is arguably the best charm in the game. If you’re worried about it breaking, just don't die. (Kinda kidding, but also, you can eventually upgrade these to "Unbreakable" versions via Divine in the Grimm Troupe DLC for a mountain of Geo).
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Hidden Gems in the Overworld
This is where the real charm locations Hollow Knight veterans look for come into play. Some are just sitting there; others require you to do some platforming gymnastics.
Greenpath and the Fungal Wastes
In Greenpath, look for a thorny maze. That’s where Thorns of Agony lives. You need the dash to get through it without losing your mind. Further down, under the Lake of Unn, you’ll find Shape of Unn. You need Isma’s Tear to swim through the acid to reach it. It turns you into a little slug when you heal. It’s adorable and surprisingly useful for dodging.
Over in the Fungal Wastes, south of the Mantis Village, you’ll find the Dashmaster charm at the base of a large statue. It looks like Sans from Undertale. No, I’m not joking.
The City of Tears and Soul Sanctum
Spell Twister is hidden in a secret room at the top of the Soul Sanctum, just before the Soul Master fight. Look for a breakable ceiling. Most people miss it because they’re too busy being stressed out by the teleporting wizards.
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Quick Slash is a big one. It’s in Kingdom’s Edge, way off to the right. You have to find a hidden room near the training dummy past Oro’s hut. It lets you swing your nail faster. It’s basically a DPS cheat code.
The High-Effort Charms
Some charms aren't just lying on the floor. You have to earn them through blood, sweat, and tears.
- Mark of Pride: You have to beat the Mantis Lords. Once they respect you, they’ll open a door in the northeast of their village. Inside is a chest with the charm. It’s better than Longnail in every way.
- Grubsong: Talk to the Grubfather after rescuing 10 grubs. It’s the best "pity" charm because it gives you SOUL when you take damage.
- Deep Focus: Found in Crystal Peak. You have to break a wall in a long vertical shaft. It’s a platforming nightmare involving lasers and conveyor belts.
- Hiveblood: You have to go into the Hive (hidden behind a breakable wall in Kingdom’s Edge) and beat the Hive Knight. It regenerates your last lost health mask. Essential for the Path of Pain.
The "Endgame" Rituals
If you’re looking for the Kingsoul or Void Heart, you’re in for a long haul. The Kingsoul is split in two. One half is given by the White Lady in the Queen’s Gardens. The other half is at the end of the White Palace—the most frustrating platforming section in the game.
Once you have the Kingsoul, take it to the very bottom of the Abyss. A new path opens. At the end, you get the Void Heart. This charm costs zero notches, but it’s permanent. It’s the key to the "true" endings.
Why Your Build Probably Sucks
A lot of players try to balance everything. They take a little bit of health, a little bit of range, and maybe a map charm. That’s fine for exploring, but for bosses, you need a "build."
If you’re struggling, try the "Nail God" setup: Mark of Pride, Quick Slash, and Fragile Strength. You’ll shred most bosses before they can finish their second phase.
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Or, if you’re a spell caster, go with Shaman Stone, Spell Twister, and Soul Catcher. Your Vengeful Spirit will cover half the screen and do double the damage.
Actionable Steps for Completionists
If you're stuck at 39/40 charms, check these three common "missables":
- Flukenest: You have to find and kill the Flukemarm in the Royal Waterways. She’s behind a breakable wall in the pipe-filled area.
- Glowing Womb: It’s in the Forgotten Crossroads, near the False Knight arena, but hidden behind a long "hidden" tunnel filled with Aspid Mothers.
- Joni’s Blessing: Hidden in Joni’s Repose in the Howling Cliffs. You’ll need to climb up from the King's Pass or use the Mantis Claw.
Go back to Salubra once you have all the charms. She’ll sell you "Salubra's Blessing." It refills your SOUL while you sit at benches. It’s a nice reward, though her ghost floating over you while you rest is... a bit much.
Start by checking your map for the shops you missed, then head to the Hive. Most people forget the Hive even exists until the very end.