Hollow Knight: Abilities & Spells

Core movement upgrades, spells and Nail Arts. Acquisition and late-game ability spoilers are included.

13 characters · one picture per entry · open a picture for full size.

Movement

Dash horizontally on the ground or in the air. Earn it after the first Hornet encounter in Greenpath.

Cling to walls and jump from them. Found in Mantis Village; it transforms how you navigate vertical shafts.

Charge a long horizontal super dash from a stable surface. Found in Crystal Peak.

Add a second jump in mid-air. Found beyond the Broken Vessel encounter in Ancient Basin.

Swim through acid without taking its normal damage. Explore Isma’s Grove beneath the city.

Upgrade your dash to pass through enemies and certain barriers when its shadow effect is ready. Found in the Abyss.

Fire a horizontal projectile using SOUL. Shade Soul is its stronger upgrade.

Slam down with a spell that damages nearby enemies and breaks certain floors. Its upgrade strengthens the attack.

Release a burst of damage above the Knight. The upgraded version is especially useful against enemies that linger overhead.

Interact with dream-related targets, gather Essence and uncover thoughts. The Seer guides its development.

References

Covered edition: Hollow Knight with Hidden Dreams, The Grimm Troupe, Lifeblood and Godmaster. Silksong is a separate game.