Table of Contents

How Many Charms Are There in Hollow Knight? A Comprehensive Guide

Hollow Knight, the critically acclaimed Metroidvania from Team Cherry, is renowned for its vast world, challenging gameplay, and intricate lore. One of the most compelling aspects of the game is its charm system, which allows players to customize their character with a wide array of abilities and buffs. But the question often arises: how many charms in Hollow Knight are there, exactly? This guide will provide a comprehensive answer, detailing each charm and its unique effects.

Understanding the charm system is crucial for mastering Hollow Knight. Charms not only augment the Knight’s abilities but also encourage diverse playstyles. Whether you prefer a nail-focused build, a spell-casting approach, or a more defensive strategy, there’s a charm combination to suit your needs. Let’s dive into the specifics and explore the total number of charms available and what they do.

The Total Number of Charms

In total, there are 40 unique charms in Hollow Knight. These charms are scattered throughout Hallownest, hidden in various locations, awarded upon completing quests, or purchased from vendors. Each charm occupies a certain number of notches, which limit how many charms you can equip simultaneously. The number of notches can be increased throughout the game, allowing for more complex and powerful builds.

A Detailed List of All Charms

Here’s a complete list of all 40 charms in Hollow Knight, along with their effects and notch costs:

Gathering Swarm (1 Notch): Automatically gathers dropped Geo.
Stalwart Shell (2 Notches): Makes the Knight invulnerable for longer after taking damage and reduces knockback.
Soul Catcher (2 Notches): Increases the amount of SOUL gained when striking enemies with the nail.
Soul Eater (4 Notches): Greatly increases the amount of SOUL gained when striking enemies with the nail.
Shaman Stone (3 Notches): Increases the power of spells.
Spell Twister (2 Notches): Reduces the SOUL cost of spells.
Quick Focus (3 Notches): Increases the speed of focusing SOUL to heal.
Deep Focus (4 Notches): Greatly increases the amount of SOUL required to focus, but heals two masks instead of one.
Focusing Will (1 Notch): Increases the speed of focusing SOUL to heal a bit.
Lifeblood Heart (2 Notches): Increases maximum health by adding two Lifeblood masks.
Lifeblood Core (3 Notches): Greatly increases maximum health by adding four Lifeblood masks.
Jonis Blessing (4 Notches): Converts all health masks into Lifeblood masks.
Glowing Womb (2 Notches): Slowly consumes SOUL to spawn hatchlings that attack enemies.
Defender’s Crest (1 Notch): Causes the Knight to emit a foul odor that damages nearby enemies. Increases the power of Dung Defender’s attacks.
Spore Shroom (1 Notch): Emits a cloud of spores when focusing SOUL to heal.
Sharp Shadow (2 Notches): Increases the damage dealt by the Shade Cloak and increases the dash distance.
Shape of Unn (2 Notches): Allows the Knight to move while focusing SOUL to heal, though at a reduced speed.
Baldur Shell (2 Notches): Protects the Knight with a shell while focusing SOUL to heal, reducing damage taken.
Thorns of Agony (1 Notch): Retaliates with thorns when the Knight takes damage.
Mark of Pride (3 Notches): Increases the range of the nail.
Longnail (2 Notches): Slightly increases the range of the nail.
Fury of the Fallen (2 Notches): Greatly increases nail damage when the Knight is at one health mask.
Quick Slash (3 Notches): Increases the speed of nail attacks.
Steady Body (1 Notch): Prevents the Knight from being knocked back when striking enemies with the nail.
Heavy Blow (2 Notches): Increases the knockback of the nail, making enemies stagger more.
Flukenest (3 Notches): Transforms Vengeful Spirit/Shade Soul into a cluster of flukes.
Nailmaster’s Glory (1 Notch): Reduces the charge time of nail arts.
Grubsong (1 Notch): Grants SOUL when the Knight takes damage.
Grubberfly’s Elegy (3 Notches): Fires a projectile when the Knight is at full health and strikes with the nail.
Weaversong (2 Notches): Summons weaverlings that attack enemies.
Dream Wielder (1 Notch): Increases the SOUL gained from striking enemies with the Dream Nail and reduces the time required to charge the Dream Nail.
Dreamshield (3 Notches): Summons a shield that orbits the Knight, blocking projectiles and damaging enemies.
Sprintmaster (1 Notch): Increases the Knight’s movement speed.
Dashmaster (2 Notches): Allows the Knight to dash more often and increases the speed of dashing.
Void Heart (0 Notches): Unlocks the true ending of the game and is required for certain achievements. It also prevents the use of certain charms like Grimmchild.
Kingsoul (2 Notches): Slowly generates SOUL. Transforms into Void Heart after completing a specific quest.
Carefree Melody (3 Notches): Occasionally prevents the Knight from taking damage.
Grimmchild (2 Notches): Summons a Grimmchild that attacks enemies. Can be upgraded through the Grimm Troupe questline.
Unbreakable Strength (3 Notches): Increases nail damage significantly. Requires completing the Grimm Troupe questline and paying Divine.
Unbreakable Heart (2 Notches): Increases maximum health by adding two health masks. Requires completing the Grimm Troupe questline and paying Divine.
Unbreakable Greed (1 Notch): Increases the amount of Geo gained from enemies. Requires completing the Grimm Troupe questline and paying Divine.

Understanding Charm Synergies

Knowing how many charms in Hollow Knight exist is only half the battle. Understanding how these charms interact with each other can dramatically impact your gameplay. Some charms have obvious synergies, while others are more subtle. For instance, combining Quick Focus and Shape of Unn allows you to heal while moving at a decent pace, making you harder to hit. Similarly, Shaman Stone significantly boosts the power of spells like Shade Soul, making it a formidable offensive option.

Experimentation is key to discovering the best charm combinations for your playstyle. Don’t be afraid to try out different setups and see what works best for you in various situations. Some charm combinations are particularly effective against specific bosses or in certain areas of the game. [See also: Hollow Knight Boss Guide]

Where to Find Charms

Finding all 40 charms in Hollow Knight requires thorough exploration and a keen eye. Some charms are easily accessible, while others are hidden behind challenging platforming sections or require completing specific quests. Here are a few examples of where you can find some of the more elusive charms:

Lifeblood Core: Located in the Abyss, requires a significant amount of exploration and platforming.
Carefree Melody: Obtained by banishing the Grimm Troupe.
Void Heart: Achieved by completing specific steps in the White Palace and the Abyss.

Many charms are purchased from vendors like Salubra and Leg Eater, while others are rewards for defeating bosses or completing challenges. [See also: Hollow Knight Map Guide] Be sure to explore every nook and cranny of Hallownest to uncover all the hidden charms.

Why Charms Matter

The charm system is a core mechanic that adds depth and replayability to Hollow Knight. With how many charms in Hollow Knight there are, the possibilities for customization are vast, allowing players to tailor their experience to their preferred playstyle. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the game, understanding and utilizing the charm system is essential for overcoming the challenges that Hallownest throws your way.

The strategic use of charms in Hollow Knight can significantly alter the difficulty of the game. A well-chosen charm build can make even the most challenging bosses manageable, while a poorly optimized setup can lead to frustration and defeat. Take the time to experiment with different charm combinations and find what works best for you. [See also: Hollow Knight Combat Tips]

Conclusion

So, how many charms in Hollow Knight are there? The answer is a definitive 40. Each charm offers unique abilities and synergies, providing players with a wealth of customization options. By understanding the effects of each charm and experimenting with different combinations, you can create a powerful and personalized build that will help you conquer the challenges of Hallownest. Happy hunting!