Since its release, Hollow Knight has garnered acclaim as one of the greatest metroidvania titles of all time. Its intricate world and engaging gameplay make it a top pick for newcomers exploring this beloved genre. However, while Team Cherry’s masterpiece is undoubtedly exceptional, it is important to note that it is not an easy entry point; the game offers a steep challenge right from the start.

Players quickly learn that they must navigate not just formidable bosses but also difficult non-boss areas and enemies that present their own sets of challenges. With environments ranging from crystal caverns to ethereal dreamscapes, the game is packed with monumental obstacles. To illustrate, here is a ranked list of the ten most challenging areas in Hollow Knight.

10 Fog Canyon

Many Explosions and Confusions

Characters Cornifer; Millibelle; Mister Mushroom; Quirrel; Monomon the Teacher Enemies Charged Lumafly; Mossfly; Ooma; Uoma Bosses Create

My initial foray into Fog Canyon was nothing short of perplexing. Navigational confusion was rampant, as the beautifully designed layout did not facilitate intuitive travel. The constant threat of explosive jellyfish, ready to obliterate players in mere moments, adds another layer of anxiety.

Additionally, the delayed encounter with Cornifer leaves players without a map, compounding the lack of direction and security. Although the area’s boss is manageable and enemies mostly passive, the complexity of movement ensures it secures a place on this list.

9 City of Tears

Complex Interconnectivity

Characters Cornifer; Eternal Emilitia; Nailsmith; Relic Seeker Lemm; Quirrel; Hornet; Zote the Mighty Enemies Belfly; Cowardly Husk; Gluttonous Husk; Gorgeous Husk; Great Husk Sentry; Heavy Sentry; Husk Bully; Husk Dandy; Husk Hornhead; Husk Sentry; Lance Sentry; Leaping Husk; Vengefly; Wandering Husk; Winged Sentry Bosses None

As one of the central locations in Hollow Knight, the City of Tears boasts a maze-like structure with numerous connections to other zones. New explorers may feel overwhelmed by the plethora of paths that diverge in multiple directions.

This area is notorious for its high enemy density, presenting various adversaries at almost every turn. While these foes might not be extraordinarily challenging individually, their numbers create a daunting experience. On a brighter note, the City of Tears soundtrack is delightful, providing a comforting backdrop during extensive explorations.

8 The Hive

Annoying Bee Chases

Characters Hive Queen Vespa Enemies Hiveling; Hive Guardian; Hive Soldier; Husk Hive Bosses Hive Knight

The Hive, often considered a hidden area, can become one of the most frustrating segments in the game. The relentless pursuit of various bee-like enemies can feel overwhelming, as they chase players with alarming precision.

For those less adept at platforming, this region can turn into an arduous trial, requiring constant jumping and dodging. Fortunately, the boss encounter is relatively standard in difficulty, making this area more of a one-time adventure for most players.

7 Soul Sanctum

The Trauma of Teleportation

Characters None Enemies Folly; Mistake; Soul Twister Bosses Soul Warrior; Soul Master; Soul Tyrant

Each time I approach the Soul Master in Soul Sanctum, I can’t help but feel a wave of trepidation. Team Cherry thoughtfully crafted this area with a short traversal path, recognizing that navigating a barrage of high-speed projectiles and challenging foes can become overwhelming.

The bosses here mirror the common enemies but execute far more potent attack patterns. Despite this, encounters in this zone remain engaging and fiercely challenging.

6 Kingdom’s Edge

Hard Enemies, Hard Bosses

Characters Bardoon; Cornifer; Hornet; Mister Mushroom; Nailmaster Oro; Tiso Enemies Belfly; Bluggsac; Boofly; Great Hopper; Hiveling; Hopper; Primal Aspid Bosses Hornet Sentinel; Markoth

In the world of Hallownest, every dedicated player holds a deep-seated fear of the Primal Aspid. This enemy can frustrate even the most seasoned players, particularly when encountered in groups during initial explorations of Kingdom’s Edge.

The area’s strikingly difficult foes demand substantial focus to progress without unnecessary deaths, though its intricate level design pales in comparison to areas like Deepnest. Nevertheless, the hostile minions create significant animosity.

5 Greenpath

The First True Challenge

Characters Cornifer; Dreamers; Hornet; The Hunter; Nailmaster Sheo; Nailsmith; Zote the Mighty Enemies Charged Lumafly; Crawlid; Duranda; Durandoo; Fool Eater; Gulka; Husk Bully; Husk Hornhead; Leaping Husk; Maskfly; Moss Charger; Mosscreep; Mosskin; Moss Knight; Obble; Squit; Tiktik; Vengefly; Volatile Mosskin; Wandering Husk Bosses Hornet Protector; Massive Moss Charger; Vengefly King

When assessing the difficulty across different regions, one cannot overlook the challenge posed by Greenpath. This area serves as a pivotal moment, marking the transition from the tutorial of Forgotten Crossroads to a serious test of a player’s skills.

The abundance of foes, numerous inaccessible areas, and demanding platforming obstacles contribute to a feeling of danger. For veteran players, this area is less intimidating; however, for newer players, it serves as a juncture where many may decide to abandon their quest.

4 White Palace

Platforming Can Be Difficult Too

Characters The Pale King Enemies Kingsmould; Royal Retainer; Wingmould Bosses None

The White Palace exemplifies that not all challenges are derived from fierce bosses or intricate level designs. This ethereal realm necessitates mastery of platforming mechanics, which only a select few players manage to conquer. Yet, it draws many back due to its connection to the game’s secret ending.

Even without including The Path of Pain, the most challenging section in Hollow Knight, the White Palace presents substantial hurdles, facilitated by the game’s impeccable controls.

3 Crystal Peak

Too Many Spikes

Characters Cornifer; Quirrel Enemies Bluggsac; Crystal Crawler; Crystal Hunter; Crystallised Husk; Glimback; Grub Mimic; Husk Miner; Shardmite Bosses Crystal Guardian; Enraged Guardian

Crystal Peak seamlessly integrates the most exasperating elements from Kingdom’s Edge, the platforming trials of White Palace, and the labyrinthine layout of City of Tears.

Foes engage in long-range attacks while the platforming segments become increasingly perilous, filled with spike traps and disorienting layouts that obscure your path. Even as an experienced player, returning to Crystal Peak feels like navigating a minefield.

2 Queen’s Garden

The Most Hostile Environment

Characters Cornifer; Caelif & Fera Orthop; Cloth; Moss Prophet; Traitors’ Child; White Lady Enemies Aluba; Bluggsac; Durandoo; Fool Eater; Loodle; Mantis Petra; Mantis Traitor; Maskfly; Mosscreep; Mossfly; Mossy Vagabond; Spiny Husk Bosses Marble; Traitor Lord

As one of the final zones in the game, it is no surprise that Queen’s Garden ranks as one of the toughest regions in Hollow Knight. Here, players face foes equipped with higher health pools and intricate attack patterns, heightening the challenge of each encounter.

With most battles unfolding on treacherous, spike-laden terrain, heightened alertness is crucial for survival. The presence of two of the most challenging bosses further complicates life in this garden of peril.

1 Deepnest

Spiders, Darkness, and Hell

Characters Mask Maker; Midwife; Mister Mushroom; Quirrel; Zote the Mighty Enemies Bluggsac; Carver Hatcher; Corpse Creeper; Deephunter; Deepling; Dirtcarver; Garpede; Goam; Grub Mimic; Husk Hornhead; Little Weaver; Stalking Devout; Wandering Husk Bosses Nosk; Galien

Even after many years of playing Hollow Knight, I still find myself gripped by a sense of trepidation whenever I approach Deepnest. The reasons are manifold: hauntingly atmospheric design, my personal anxiety regarding spiders, the minimal visibility, and the myriad traps lurking around every corner.

This region continually challenges players regardless of how many times they’ve traversed it. Reaching Herrah in this dark expanse is an arduous journey wrought with gameplay, narrative, and sensory obstacles. The indistinct boundaries of its screens and the difficulty in identifying exits can consume precious time during any playthrough.

While Deepnest achieves its intended design goals remarkably well, it remains a harrowing experience that players often wish to evade in subsequent playthroughs.

Source & Images

Related Articles:

Top 10 Survival Games Featuring Soulslike Mechanics

14:03July 13, 2025

Top 10 Metroidvania Games to Convert You into a Fan

13:05July 13, 2025

Comprehensive Reggie Guide: Master the Art of Dating Everything

18:44July 12, 2025

Top 10 Iconic Boss Fights From the PS1 Era

15:03July 12, 2025

Stalker 2 Guide: Obtaining the Unique Texan Shotgun

Top Strategies for Spending Bento Tokens in Destiny 2

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *