Hollow Knight: Boss Encounters

Ten selected encounters and practical starting tips. Includes late-game and content-pack spoilers; not a complete boss list.

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

Character directory

False Knight

Read the mace swings and jump over shockwaves. Use stagger openings to recover before the next attack cycle.

Hornet Protector

Keep enough distance to read her needle throw and lunges. Attack briefly after a committed move, then reset your position.

Mantis Lords

Learn the first Lord’s patterns before the paired phase. Calm positioning is more useful than chasing every opening.

Soul Master

Watch where he appears and allow room for incoming projectiles. Save attention for the sudden dive attacks.

Dung Defender

Track his underground movement and the bouncing projectiles. Find stable spaces instead of jumping without a plan.

Broken Vessel

Control the nearby infection balloons while watching the Vessel’s jumps and dashes. Avoid healing into a crowded arena.

Watcher Knights

Track both active opponents and give yourself an escape path. Avoid trapping yourself at an edge during rolling attacks.

The Hollow Knight

Learn the tells for slashes, lunges and infection attacks. This encounter belongs to the main ending route.

Troupe Master Grimm

Treat each attack as a repeatable pattern with a short response. A clean dodge is worth more than a risky extra hit.

Paintmaster Sheo

Watch the paint colour and wind-up to anticipate the next attack. His encounter is part of Godhome’s challenges.

Artwork © Team Cherry; character art, icons and maps archived by Hollow Knight Guide. . Hollow Knight with Hidden Dreams, The Grimm Troupe, Lifeblood and Godmaster. Silksong is a separate game.