The Path of Pain in Hollow Knight presents an arduous platforming section that requires precision and unyielding endurance. To effectively navigate this formidable test and enjoy the experience, consider the following tips. A word of caution, however: this guide assumes familiarity with the game’s lore and completion of the main story, as it may contain spoilers.
Charms and Loadouts
To navigate the Path of Pain, the following charms are highly recommended:
- Defender’s Crest
- Grubsong
- Longnail
- Shaman Stone
- Fragile/Unbreakable Heart
- Soul Catcher
Customize your loadout to suit your preferred playstyle. However, as you approach the final room, be prepared to face two guards. If you are not adept at swordplay, consider equipping Longnail or Mark of Pride. Personally, I prefer Longnail for its extended range, which comes in handy in low-ceilinged areas.
Checkpoints and Soul Management
Throughout the Path of Pain, statues serve as wellsprings of infinite soul, facilitating self-healing. These same statues double as checkpoints, offering a respawn point if you take damage while retaining some health. Be aware, however, that if you die with no remaining masks and no significant progress, you will have to start over, as there are no benches.
Note two hidden statues: one at the start of the left hidden path, and the other in an area accessible via Super Dash, adorned with a small ledge and a thorn tunnel. Identify the latter by slashing at it with your sword; the lack of sound will indicate that it is false.
Recommended Upgrades
To tackle the Path of Pain with increased survivability and mobility, the following upgrades are highly recommended:
- All Lifeblood Masks
- All nail upgrades
- Monarch Wings
- The Shadow Mantle
- Final Stretch and Jump Timing:
As you approach the Sentinel battle, watch for intermittent spikes. Synchronizing them with the corresponding sawblades on either side will help you time your jumps accurately.
Guard Battle Strategy
When confronting the guards, use the powerful spells Descending Dark and Vengeful Spirit, both augmented by the Shaman Stone Charm. The formidable damage output of these spells will help you overcome this challenging encounter.
Saving Progress
If fatigue overwhelms you and you wish to preserve your progress, or if early morning calls for a much-needed rest, consider putting your computer to sleep or suspend. When you resume the game, it will return you to the exact point of suspension, preserving your progress.
Additional Tips
- Experiment with different spell combinations to find the most effective setup for each section of the Path of Pain.
- If statues are inaccessible, consider using other helpful charms such as Hiveblood, Void Heart (after acquiring the Pale King charm), and Deep Focus. (Additional charms may be introduced in future updates.)
- Evaluate the slots occupied by each charm and try different combinations to find your optimal loadout.
Conclusion
Successful completion of the Path of Pain depends on unwavering patience, indomitable perseverance, and dedicated practice. May these tips strengthen your resolve and guide you through this formidable ordeal. Do not hesitate to share your wisdom and strategies in the comments; your insights may prove invaluable to others who are undertaking this daunting challenge. Remember, persistence and perseverance are the keys to triumph.
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