How to Get to the Abyss in Hollow Knight – Full Route & Secrets
Lost in Hollow Knight and can’t figure out how to reach the Abyss? It’s frustrating when you’ve explored for hours, only to hit locked doors, dead ends, or confusing paths that waste your time. You just want the exact route so you can get there without wandering in circles. This guide to how to get to the Abyss in Hollow Knight gives you the clear, step-by-step path you need, so you can unlock the area fast and start exploring it right away. Let’s get you there now!
How to Reach the Abyss in Hollow Knight?
Requirements Before You Go
Essential:
- Mothwing Cloak
- Monarch Wings
- King’s Brand
Optional (for Extras):
- Dream Nail
- Elegant Key
- 14 Lifeblood Masks
Main Route
- Get the Mothwing Cloak – Defeat Hornet in her first arena in Greenpath. This allows you to dash, which is essential for reaching later areas.
- Get the Monarch Wings – Travel to the Ancient Basin and defeat the Broken Vessel boss to earn the double jump ability.
- Get the King’s Brand – Head to Kingdom’s Edge and defeat Hornet in her second arena. Continue through the Cast-Off Shell to collect the King’s Brand.
- Travel to the Abyss Entrance – From King’s Station, take the Stag to the Hidden Station in the Ancient Basin. Go left into Ancient Basin proper, drop into the first hole, and follow the path to the large gate marked with the King’s Brand. The gate will open, giving you access to the Abyss.
Extras
- Colosseum of Fools – Located in Kingdom’s Edge, this arena offers rewards like a Charm Notch, Pale Ore, and Geo. Completing the Challenge of the Conqueror gives another Pale Ore.
- The Hive – A hidden sub-area in Kingdom’s Edge containing Charms, a Boss, and other Collectibles.
- Crystal Peak Upgrade – At the highest point of Crystal Peak, collect another Pale Ore. Combine two Pale Ore with 2,000 Geo at the Nailsmith to forge the Coiled Nail, a stronger weapon.
- Lifeblood Door – On the left side of the Abyss shaft, a door covered in blue vines with a blue stone on a dais opens if you have 14 or more Lifeblood Masks. Inside is a Charm.
- Abyss Shriek Spell – In the Abyss, a left-side room upgrades Howling Wraiths into Abyss Shriek. You’ll need the Elegant Key from Soul Sanctum to access it.
- Hazards in the Abyss – The vertical shaft contains floating platforms, Geo deposits, Siblings (Shade-like enemies), black pools with bugs and tentacles, and sections of dark liquid that require careful movement.
Conclusion
You only need the Mothwing Cloak, Monarch Wings, and King’s Brand to reach the Abyss. Beyond the gate, you’ll find unique upgrades, rare charms, and lore that reveals more about Hallownest’s past. Some paths hint at powers like the Shade Cloak and lead toward deeper story turns. Step into the shadows and see what the darkness has been hiding all along.