How to Unlock Movement Abilities Early in Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight is a challenging game that rewards exploration and skill. Movement abilities are essential for progressing through the game’s interconnected world. Many players want to unlock these abilities as quickly as possible. This guide from Games Platform Hub will help you understand when and how to obtain crucial movement upgrades early in your adventure.
Movement abilities transform how you explore Hallownest. They open new areas and make traversal smoother. The dash ability, in particular, changes everything. However, getting these abilities requires navigating specific areas and defeating certain bosses. Therefore, knowing the optimal path saves time and frustration.
Understanding how to get dash in Hollow Knight is crucial for early progression. The Mothwing Cloak, which grants the dash ability, becomes available relatively early. Additionally, other movement abilities like the Mantis Claw and Monarch Wings follow specific unlock conditions. This article covers the fastest routes to obtain these game-changing abilities.
Why Movement Abilities Matter
Movement abilities are not optional in Hollow Knight. They unlock access to entire regions of the map. Without the dash, you cannot cross certain gaps. Similarly, wall climbing becomes impossible without the Mantis Claw. These abilities also improve combat effectiveness significantly.
Early access to movement abilities provides several advantages. First, you can explore more areas sooner. Second, boss fights become easier with better mobility. Third, you can collect more upgrades before tackling difficult challenges. Therefore, prioritizing these abilities makes sense for most players.
The game’s non-linear design allows multiple paths. However, some routes are more efficient than others. Consequently, following an optimized path helps you progress faster. This approach works especially well for new players learning the game.
Getting the Mothwing Cloak (Dash Ability)
The Mothwing Cloak is your first major movement upgrade. This ability lets you dash horizontally through the air or on the ground. It becomes available after defeating the Hornet boss in Greenpath. Fortunately, reaching Greenpath happens naturally during early exploration.
Start from the town of Dirtmouth and descend into the Forgotten Crossroads. Navigate through this area until you find the path to Greenpath. The route involves some basic platforming challenges. Additionally, you will encounter weak enemies that help you practice combat.
Greenpath is a lush, overgrown area with unique enemies. Work your way through until you reach Hornet’s arena. This boss fight tests your timing and pattern recognition. However, the fight is manageable with patience. Focus on dodging her attacks and striking during openings.
After defeating Hornet, she drops the Mothwing Cloak. This dash ability immediately improves your mobility. You can now cross larger gaps and dodge attacks more effectively. Moreover, the dash opens up previously inaccessible areas throughout Hallownest.
Acquiring the Mantis Claw
The Mantis Claw allows wall jumping, another essential movement ability. This upgrade is located in the Mantis Village area. Reaching this location requires the dash ability first. Therefore, you must obtain the Mothwing Cloak before attempting this route.
From the Forgotten Crossroads, head to the Fungal Wastes. This area connects to the Mantis Village below. Navigate carefully through the Fungal Wastes, as enemies here are tougher. Additionally, the platforming becomes more challenging with spikes and moving platforms.
The Mantis Village presents a unique challenge. You must prove yourself worthy by defeating the Mantis Lords. This boss fight involves three agile enemies with quick attacks. However, learning their patterns makes the fight easier. According to IGN’s Hollow Knight guide, mastering dodge timing is crucial for this encounter.
Upon victory, the Mantis Lords grant you respect and access to the Mantis Claw. This ability lets you cling to walls and jump between them. Consequently, vertical exploration becomes much easier. Many hidden areas now become accessible with this upgrade.
Unlocking the Crystal Heart
The Crystal Heart provides a super dash ability. This power lets you dash continuously in one direction until you hit a wall. It is located in Crystal Peak, an area filled with mining enemies and crystals. This ability is not essential early on but helps tremendously.
Reaching Crystal Peak requires both the dash and wall jump abilities. From the Forgotten Crossroads, take the upper path toward Crystal Peak. Navigate through the crystalline caverns carefully. The enemies here shoot projectiles and can be annoying.
The Crystal Heart sits in a hidden room near the top of Crystal Peak. You need to navigate a tricky platforming section to reach it. Additionally, breaking through certain walls reveals the path. Once obtained, the Crystal Heart opens up fast travel routes across large gaps.
This ability is particularly useful for reaching distant areas quickly. It also helps in escaping dangerous situations. Therefore, many players prioritize getting this upgrade early. The super dash complements your other movement abilities perfectly.
Obtaining the Monarch Wings
The Monarch Wings grant double jump capability. This ability is one of the last major movement upgrades you will acquire. It is located in the Ancient Basin, a late-game area. However, reaching it earlier is possible with good routing.
The Ancient Basin sits deep below most other areas. You need the dash and wall jump to navigate here safely. Additionally, stronger enemies populate this region. Be prepared with upgraded health and nail damage before venturing here.
The Monarch Wings are found after defeating the Broken Vessel boss. This fight takes place in the Ancient Basin. The boss has predictable patterns but hits hard. Therefore, upgrade your character before attempting this encounter. According to PC Gamer, having at least six health masks makes this fight manageable.
After obtaining the Monarch Wings, exploration becomes much easier. Double jumping opens up countless shortcuts and hidden areas. Moreover, platforming challenges become less frustrating. This ability represents a major power spike in your mobility.
Tips for Early Movement Ability Acquisition
Planning your route saves time. Focus on getting the dash first, as it enables access to other abilities. Then prioritize the Mantis Claw for vertical mobility. These two abilities together unlock most of the game world.
Explore thoroughly as you progress. Many areas contain helpful upgrades like health increases and soul vessels. These improvements make boss fights easier. Additionally, collecting Geo (the in-game currency) helps you buy useful items from shops.
Practice your movement skills regularly. The game’s platforming demands precision. Therefore, mastering the dash timing and wall jump mechanics is essential. Many areas include optional challenges that help you improve.
Save often at benches you discover. Benches serve as checkpoints and healing stations. Moreover, they update your map when you rest. This habit prevents losing progress if you die in a difficult area.
Consider watching speedrun routes for optimization ideas. While you do not need to rush, understanding efficient paths helps. Furthermore, learning from experienced players improves your own gameplay. However, avoid spoilers if you prefer blind exploration.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many players waste time exploring inaccessible areas too early. If you encounter a gap you cannot cross, mark it on your map and return later. Trying to force progress without proper abilities leads to frustration. Therefore, focus on obtainable objectives first.
Neglecting combat upgrades is another common mistake. Movement abilities alone do not guarantee success. You also need adequate health and attack power. Consequently, balance your upgrade priorities between mobility and combat effectiveness.
Some players skip optional areas entirely. While focusing on movement abilities makes sense, exploration rewards you with valuable items. Additionally, many side areas contain lore and interesting characters. Therefore, take time to explore when safe.
Ignoring the map system limits your efficiency. Purchase maps from Cornifer in each new area. Furthermore, buy map pins from the shop to mark important locations. These tools significantly improve navigation and planning.
Conclusion
Unlocking movement abilities early transforms your Hollow Knight experience. The dash, wall jump, and double jump are essential for exploration and combat. Following an optimized route helps you obtain these abilities quickly. Start with the Mothwing Cloak in Greenpath, then pursue the Mantis Claw in Mantis Village. Later abilities like the Crystal Heart and Monarch Wings provide even greater mobility.
Planning your path through Hallownest saves time and frustration. Focus on obtainable objectives and avoid getting stuck in inaccessible areas. Additionally, balance movement upgrades with combat improvements for the best results. With proper preparation and practice, you will master the movement system and explore every corner of this beautiful, challenging game.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early can you get the dash in Hollow Knight?
You can obtain the Mothwing Cloak (dash ability) very early in the game. It typically takes one to two hours depending on your exploration speed. The ability becomes available immediately after defeating Hornet in Greenpath. This boss is one of the first major encounters in the game.
Do you need the dash to progress in Hollow Knight?
Yes, the dash ability is essential for progression. Many areas require the Mothwing Cloak to access. Without it, you cannot cross certain gaps or reach important locations. Therefore, obtaining the dash should be an early priority for all players.
What is the fastest route to get all movement abilities?
The optimal route is: Mothwing Cloak (Greenpath), Mantis Claw (Mantis Village), Crystal Heart (Crystal Peak), then Monarch Wings (Ancient Basin). This order minimizes backtracking and ensures you can access each subsequent ability. However, the Crystal Heart can be skipped initially if you prefer.
Can you get the Mantis Claw before the dash?
No, you cannot reach the Mantis Claw without the dash ability first. The path to Mantis Village requires crossing gaps that only the Mothwing Cloak can traverse. Therefore, defeating Hornet and obtaining the dash is a prerequisite for this upgrade.
Is it possible to complete Hollow Knight without all movement abilities?
While technically possible, it is extremely difficult and not recommended. Most players need all major movement abilities to reach the ending. Certain areas and bosses become nearly impossible without proper mobility. Therefore, collecting all movement upgrades is essential for a complete playthrough.
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