[Spoiler Safe:] Complete Charm Collection (+Secret Combinations) – »Godmaster« Update

This is a detailed guide about Charms in Hollow Knight: Where and how to acquire all Charms and Charm Notches, what they do exactly (including very specific values), listing strong and secret combinations and explaining what 'overcharming' is. Using spoiler tags and numbering Charms, so it's safe and easy to browse the guide searching only for specific Charms or combinations. This guide is updated for the »Godmaster« content patch.

Introduction

Hollow Knight Complete Charm Collection Guide

This is a detailed guide (that's still work in progress for some exact values) about Charms in Hollow Knight: Where and how to acquire them all, what they do exactly, listing strong and secret combinations and explaining what 'overcharming' is. Since many people regard gameplay functionalities and character progression as a story of itself and vital to certain games, I included spoiler tags and numbered Charms from top left (#01) to bottom right (#40), so it's safe and easy to browse the guide searching only for specific Charms or combinations. The Charm Collection section is split into five parts – due to Steam guide limitations – but sorted accordingly to the four rows shown in the Charm Collection menu within the game.

By popular demand, I also created a version of this guide completely free of any spoiler tags.
You can access it here:

Complete Charm Collection (+Secret Combinations) – »Godmaster« Update 

A Guide for Hollow Knight

By: Icarus

This is a detailed guide about Charms in Hollow Knight: Where and how to acquire all Charms and Charm Notches, what they do exactly (including very specific values), listing strong and secret combinations and explaining...

Important note: All Charm effects, as explained below, only work when having the associated Charm equipped - with only one(?) explicitly mentioned exception.

There's a total of 42 different Charms and 11 Charm Notches to find and buy in Hollow Knight. One of them – the last slot in the Charm Collection menu #40 and typically also the last Charm to acquire – is split into three parts, requires some effort to get and is needed for secret alternate endings to the story. Collecting all Charms allows buying Salubra's Blessing from Charm Lover Salubra – inside her shop in the bottom right/south-east corner of Forgotten Crossroads – which enables automatically and completly refilling your Vessel with Soul over a short time when resting at a bench long enough.

Definitions & Symbol Explanation:

For easier visualization and comprehending information faster I'll be using ⊚ for empty and ⦿ for filled Charm Notches and Charm Notch costs, so it's fairly easy and fast to check if certain Charms could combine into a (good) build.

= content added or changed in the »Hidden Dreams« update
= content added or changed in the »The Grimm Troupe« update
= content added or changed in the »Lifeblood« update
= content added or changed in the »Godmaster« update

Masks = The character's life, also known as hearts or health (points)
Soul = The character's mana, acquired by hitting enemies, used for Focusing and casting spells
Focus / Focusing = Channeling Soul for healing

Charms 01-10 / first row

This list will number and openly name every Charm of the Charm Collection menu's first row, it's Charm Notch cost, effect and where or how to receive it - as shown within the game - from top left (#01) to bottom right (#10)

#01 Wayward Compass ⦿

Shows the character's location on the map, even without the particular map of that region / Dirtmouth - Iselda's & Cornifer's Mapmaker Shop - bought from Iselda for 220 Geo inside, after meeting her husband Cornifer in the Forgotten Crossroads

#02 Gathering Swarm ⦿

Automatically collects Geo on the floor, even from spikes / Dirtmouth - Sly's Merchant Store - bought from Sly inside for 300 Geo, after rescuing him in the bottom right corner of the Forgotten Crossroads

#03 Stalwart Shell ⦿⦿

Increases the invincibility duration after taking damage to 2 seconds / Dirtmouth - Sly's Merchant Store - bought from Sly inside for 200 Geo, after rescuing him in the bottom right corner of the Forgotten Crossroads

#04 Soul Catcher ⦿⦿

Increases the Soul gained from hitting enemies by ~27%¹ / Forgotten Crossroads - Ancestral Mound - found on an altar to the left after fighting the Elder Baldur inside

#05 Shaman Stone ⦿⦿⦿

Increases the damage and size of spells by ~33% / Forgotten Crossroads - Charm Lover Salubra's Shop - bought from Charm Lover Salubra in the bottom right corner for 220 Geo

#06 Soul Eater ⦿⦿⦿⦿

Increases the Soul gained from hitting enemies by ~45%¹ / Resting Grounds - Secret tunnels below the breakable stone coffin at the bottom right of the Spirit tower(?) - in the bottom right corner, behind a secret/breakable(?) wall

#07 Dashmaster ⦿⦿

Decreases the cooldown for dashing continously by 50% and enables dashing downwards / Fungal Wastes - Dashmaster statue - outside and bellow of the Mantis Village, in front of the entrance to the Royal Waterways

#08 Sprintmaster ⦿

Increases the character's movement speed by ~20,5% / Dirtmouth - inside Sly's Merchant Store - bought from Sly for 400 Geo, after rescuing him in the bottom right corner of the Forgotten Crossroads and bringing him the Storeroom Key, found in Crystal Peak in the top right corner of the first long upwards shaft

#09 Grubsong ⦿

Gives 15% Soul when taking damage / Forgotten Crossroads - Grubfather - given as reward for rescuing 10 Grubs and returning to him in the top left corner

#10 Grubberfly's Elegy ⦿⦿⦿

When being at full health: Adds shooting a medium range beam of energy to regular Nail attacks, dealing 50% of the Nail's damage / Forgotten Crossroads - Grubfather - given as reward for rescuing all 46 Grubs and returning to him in the top left corner


¹ Soul Catcher and Soul Eater stack additively(?), increasing Soul gained by ~72%(?)

Charms 11-20 / second row

This list will number and openly name every Charm of the Charm Collection menu's second row, it's Charm Notch cost, effect and where or how to receive it - as shown within the game - from top left (#11) to bottom right (#20)

#11 Fragile Heart ⦿⦿

Gives 2 additional Masks but the Charm breaks when dying, making it unequippable until being repaired / Fungal Wastes - Leg Eater 'Shop' - bought from Leg Eater for 350 Geo, in a room right of the first long shaft just below Forgotten Crossroads / (The Charm can be repaired by Leg Eater for 200 Geo)

#11 (upgrade) Unbreakable Heart ⦿⦿

Gives 2 additional Masks / Dirtmouth - Divine's tent - bought from Divine for 12.000 Geo, after finishing her dialogue when giving the fragile version to her by equipping it and talking to her / (As the name implies, this version no longer breaks when the character dies)

#12 Fragile Greed ⦿⦿

Increases the Geo dropped from enemies by 60%² but the Charm breaks when dying, making it unequippable until being repaired / Fungal Wastes - Leg Eater 'Shop' - bought from Leg Eater for 250 Geo, in a room right of the first long shaft just below Forgotten Crossroads / (The Charm can be repaired by Leg Eater for 150 Geo)

#12 (upgrade) Unbreakable Greed ⦿⦿

Increases the Geo dropped from enemies by 60%² / Dirtmouth - Divine's tent - bought from Divine for 9.000 Geo, after finishing her dialogue when giving the fragile version to her by equipping it and talking to her / (As the name implies, this version no longer breaks when the character dies)

#13 Fragile Strength ⦿⦿⦿

Increases the Nail's damage by 50%³ but the Charm breaks when dying, making it unequippable until being repaired / Fungal Wastes - Leg Eater 'Shop' - bought from Leg Eater for 600 Geo, in a room right of the first long shaft just below Forgotten Crossroads / (The Charm can be repaired by Leg Eater for 350 Geo)

#13 (upgrade) Unbreakable Strength ⦿⦿⦿

Increases the Nail's damage by 50%³ / Dirtmouth - Divine's tent - bought from Divine for 15.000 Geo, after finishing her dialogue when giving the fragile version to her by equipping it and talking to her / (As the name implies, this version no longer breaks when the character dies)

#14 Spell Twister ⦿⦿

Decreases the Soul cost for casting spells by ~29% / Soul Sanctum - in a secret room at the very top - on a secret attic atop the center, right before a screen transition the the left/west

#15 Steady Body ⦿

Nullifies the player character's knockback from hitting anything with the Nail / Forgotten Crossroads - Charm Lover Salubra's Shop - bought from Charm Lover Salubra in the bottom right/south-east corner for 120 Geo

#16 Heavy Blow ⦿⦿

Increases the knockback on enemies from hitting them with the Nail by ~50%(?) / Dirtmouth - Sly's Merchant Store - bought from Sly inside for 350 Geo after rescuing him in the bottom-right corner of the Forgotten Crossroads and bringing him the Storeroom Key found in Crystal Peak in the top-right corner of the first long upwards shaft

#17 Quick Slash ⦿⦿⦿⁴

Increases the attack speed with the Nail by ~35% / Kingdom's Edge - in the bottom right/south-east corner, on an altar in front of an ancient Nail Smith(?)

#18 Longnail ⦿⦿

Increases the range for regular Nail attacks by ~24%⁵ / Forgotten Crossroads - Charm Lover Salubra's Shop - bought from Charm Lover Salubra in the bottom-right corner for 300 Geo

#19 Mark of Pride ⦿⦿⦿

Increases the range for regular Nail attacks by ~36%⁵ / Fungal Wastes - Mantis Village - to the right/east of the central room, inside a chest in a locked room that opens up after defeating the Mantis Lords

#20 Fury of the Fallen ⦿⦿

When having only 1 Mask left: Increases your Nail's damage by 75%³ / Howling Cliffs - King's Pass - in the bottom-right corner - in a hidden cave on the right side, next to the starting point



² Fragile Greed / Unbreakable Greed does not affect mining Geo from caches, finding it in chests or getting it as a reward for certain fights(?)

³ Fragile Strength / Unbreakable Strength and Fury of the Fallen stack multiplicatively, increasing the Nail's damage by 162,5%

⁴ The Charm Notch cost of Quick Slash was increased from ⦿⦿ to ⦿⦿⦿ in update 1.0.1.1
- this change does not affect older save files

⁵ Longnail and Mark of Pride stack additively(?), increasing the range of regular Nail attacks by ~60% - both do neither affect Nail Arts, nor Grubberfly's Elegy

Charms 21-30 / third row

This list will number and openly name every Charm of the Charm Collection menu's third row, it's Charm Notch cost, effect and where or how to receive it - as shown within the game - from top left (#21) to bottom right (#30)

#21 Thorns of Agony ⦿

Emit black thorns from the character ~1 second after taking damage, dealing 200% of your Nail's damage to enemies around in a small area of effect / Greenpath - right from the rightmost 'column' in the center - at the end of a short tunnel containing thorns and Lumaflies

#22 Baldur Shell ⦿⦿

When Focusing: Gives a shell that protects from 4 hits before temporarily breaking / Howling Cliffs - Baldur cave - in the bottom-leftish corner, right next to Greenpath, below a chest with a hole in the floor that only gives 1 Geo

#23 Flukenest ⦿⦿⦿⁶

Changes Vengeful Spirit/Shade Soul spell into throwing a swarm of 9/16 maggots(?) that deal 4(?) damage each on impact and opens up additional dialogue with Fluke Hermit / Royal Waterways - Flukenest - in a secret area in the bottom-left corner, received after defeating Flukemarm

#24 Defender's Crest ⦿

Permanently emits a small toxic mist of dung around the character that damages enemies in the area of effect, dealing 1-3 damage per tick every second(?) and lowers the cost of buying and repairing the fragile Charms in the Leg Eater shop by 20% and opens up additional dialogue with Elderbug, White Lady, Relic Seeker Lemm, Dung Defender, Leg Eater and Divine / Royal Waterways - Dung tunnel - in the top-right corner, received for defeating Dung Defender

#25 Glowing Womb ⦿⦿

Automatically uses Soul to spawn up to 4 small hatchlings, that follow the character around, attack enemies on sight and die on impact, dealing 7 damage each / Forgotten Crossroads - Infected/Glowing Womb(?) - in the center, in a secret area behind a breakable wall right/east of the False Knight boss arena

#26 Quick Focus ⦿⦿⦿

Decreases the time it takes to fully Focus by 50%(?)⁷ / Forgotten Crossroads - Charm Lover Salubra's Shop - bought from Charm Lover Salubra in the bottom right/south-east corner for 800 Geo

#27 Deep Focus ⦿⦿⦿⦿

Focusing heals two Masks at once for the same Soul cost, but also increases the time to Focus by 100%⁷ / Crystal Peak - Crystal Core(?) - in the lower long funnel left/west from the central mining shaft, below the funnel that connects with Dirtmouth

#28 Lifeblood Heart ⦿⦿

Gives 2 additional non-rechargeable Lifeblood Masks / Forgotten Crossroads - Charm Lover Salubra's Shop - bought from Charm Lover Salubra in the bottom right/south-east corner for 250 Geo

#29 Lifeblood Core ⦿⦿⦿

Gives 4 additional non-rechargeable Lifeblood Masks / The Abyss - Lifeblood Core(?) - in a hidden cave, behind a locked door with a blue crystal, that opens when having at least 15 Lifeblood Masks

#30 Joni's Blessing ⦿⦿⦿⦿

Turns all Masks into non-rechargeable Lifeblood Masks (which effectively disables healing), while increasing their amount by 50% and Makes Lifeseeds follow the player character instead of running away / Howling Cliffs - Joni's Repose - in the center, at the dead end of a long tunnel that's accessed from the left/west cliffside


⁶ The Charm Notch cost of Flukenest was increased from ⦿⦿ to ⦿⦿⦿ in the Lifeblood update – this change does not affect older save files

⁷ Quick Focus and Deep Focus combine when worn together and therefore enable healing two Masks at the regular duration

Charms 31-38 / fourth row

This list will number and openly name almost every Charm of the Charm Collection menu's fourth row, it's Charm Notch cost, effect and where or how to receive it - as shown within the game - from top left (#31) to bottom right (#38)

#31 Hiveblood ⦿⦿⦿⦿

Turns all Masks into combs, automatically, but slowly healing only the last lost Mask over 10 seconds and makes all Hive enemies (bees) passive and even removes their contact damage - until being attacked themselves / The Hive - in the bottom right/south-east corner - on an altar(?) at a dead end

#32 Spore Shroom ⦿

When Focusing: Emits a large cloud of poisonous spores damaging enemies by dealing 1-2 damage per tick for X seconds and enables reading a certain inscription in the bottom right/south-east corner of Kingdom's Edge and understanding Mr. Mushroom therefore activating a secret post-credit scene, everywhere falsely referred to as the fourth ending/ Fungal Wastes - in the bottom left/south-east corner, next to the secret ways into Deepnest and Queen's Gardens

#33 Sharp Shadow ⦿⦿

Damages enemies when dashing through them with the Shadow Cloak, dealing the same damage as a regular hit with the Nail / Deepnest - right next and underneath/south-west of the Tram Station - behind an Abyss(?) beam/black wall, that needs the Shadow Cloak

#34 Shape of Unn ⦿⦿

When Focusing: Turns the character into a maggot(?), enabling crawling movement / Lake of Unn - behind/beneath the lake itself - in a dead end, given when interacting with Unn(?)

#35 Nailmaster's Glory ⦿

Decreases the time to charge a Nail Art by 50%⁷ and enables additional dialogue with all three Nailmasters(?) / Dirtmouth - Sly's Merchant Store - in the basement, after rescuing him in the bottom right/south-east corner of Forgotten Crossroads and obtaining all three Nail Arts - given by talking to Nailmaster Sly

#36 Weaversong ⦿⦿

Spawns up to 3 weaverlings, that will crawl - and even jump - around the floor and attack enemies autonomously, dealing 3 damage per hit and opens up additional dialogue with Midwife / Deepnest - Weaver's Den - found inside on a small platform next to some eggs on the top floor

#37 Dream Wielder ⦿

Decreases the time to channel and strike with the Dream Nail by 62,5% (from 2,4 to 0,9 seconds) and increases the Soul gain from hitting enemies with it by 50% (from filling 33% to 66% of the Soul Vessel) and increases the chance to gain Essence from killing regular enemies by 100% / Resting Ground - Spirit Tower(?) - given to by The Seer after collecting 500 Essence with the Dream Nail

#38 Dreamshield ⦿⦿⦿

Conjures a golden shield that rotates around the character, spins faster when Focusing, pushes outwards a little bit when attacking with the Nail, blocks enemy projectiles and damages enemies on contact, doing the same damage as the character's Nail, which results in the shield collapsing for a few seconds / Resting Grounds - found on an altar in a secret room below the Seer, hidden behind a breakable wall


⁷ Information on Nail Arts: Great Slash and Dash Slash deal 250% and Cyclone Slash deals 3-7 hits of the Nails regular damage.

Charms 39-40 / fourth row

This list will number and openly name the last two Charms of the Charm Collection menu's fourth row, it's Charm Notch cost, effect and where or how to receive it - for #39 and #40

#39 Grimmchild (phase I) ⦿⦿

Spawns a Grimm familiar that follows the character and absorbs Scarlet Flames and shows Scarlet Flames on the map and allows talking to Troupe Master Grimm after collecting 3 Scarlet Flames and opens up additional dialogue with White Lady / Dirtmouth - inside the Grimme Troupe's tent - given by Troupe Master Grimm after talking to him for the first time, after lighting the Nightmare Lantern in the bottom-right corner of Howling Cliffs

#39 Grimmchild (phase II) ⦿⦿

Spawns a Grimm familiar that follows the character, attacks enemies autonomously and absorbs Scarlet Flames and shows Scarlet Flames on the map and allows talking to and fighting Troupe Master Grimm after collecting another 3 Scarlet Flames and opens up additional dialogue with White Lady / Dirtmouth - inside the Grimme Troupe's tent - given by Troupe Master Grimm when talking to him after collecting 3 Scarlet Flames

#39 Grimmchild (phase III) ⦿⦿

Spawns a Grimm familiar that follows the character, attacks enemies autonomously dealing more damage and absorbs Scarlet Flames and shows Scarlet Flames on the map and enables fighting Nightmare King Grimm after collecting at least another 3 of 4 Scarlet Flames and opens up even more additional dialogue with White Lady / Dirtmouth - inside the Grimme Troupe's tent - given by Troupe Master Grimm after defeating him

#39 Grimmchild (phase IV) ⦿⦿

Spawns a Grimm familiar that follows the character and attacks enemies autonomously dealing even more damage / Dirtmouth - inside the Grimme Troupe's tent - acquired after defeating Nightmare King Grimm / (Choosing this path grants the final form of the Grimmchild Charm, but makes acquiring Carefree Melody impossible)

#39 (alternative) Carefree Melody ⦿⦿⦿

Grants a chance of negating all damage from an incoming attack – the probability depends on the number of hits taken, the more hits taken, the higher the chance, starting at 0% and raising the chance by ~10% per hit / Dirtmouth - given by Nymm after talking to him – Nymm only appears in Dirtmouth after banishing the Grimm Troupe by destroying the Nightmare Lantern in Howling Cliffs instead of fighting Nightmare King Grimm, after collecting all Scarlet Flames and talking to Brumm in Distant Village / (The Grimmchild Charm is completely lost and replaced with Carefree Melody, when choosing this path)

#40 (phase I) White Crest Fragments

Not equipable - Starts a hidden/secret quest / Queen's Gardens - inside the Queen's temple(?)/refuge - in a secret area in the top left/north-east corner, the rooms before are behind an Abyss(?) beam/black wall, that needs the Shadow Cloak and are accessed from the top center

#40 (phase II) Kingsoul ⦿⦿⦿⦿⦿

Automatically, but slowly replenishes Soul (fills 2% of the Soul Vessel per second) and enables quest progression / Ancient Basin - Palace Grounds - inside the White Palace, accessed by hitting the body of the Pale Knight with an awakened Dream Nail, at the very end/top, dropped when hitting the Pale King on his throne

#40 (phase III) Void Heart

Permanently equipped, not unequippable, has no Charm Notch cost - Final quest progression: Enables hitting the Hollow Knight with the Dream Nail, therefore fighting The Radiance and getting a different ending and turns all Shades/Siblings (including your own) friendly and let the character consume them in one hit and opens up additional dialogue with Hornet, The White Lady, Confessor Jiji, Bardoon and Steel Soul Jinn / The Abyss - in a secret area - while wearing the Kingsoul: Accessed by smashing the crackling floor in the center of the bottom of the pit - at the very end of this secret cave, in the bottom right corner, gained by hitting your own reflection in the cracked black orb with the awakened Dream Nail

»Hidden Dreams« – Content Update 01

This section will feature all changes regarding Charms that were made in the »Hidden Dreams« patch.

#17 Quick Slash ⦿⦿⦿

● Charm Notch cost increased from ⦿⦿ to ⦿⦿⦿

»The Grimm Troupe« – Content Update 02

This list will number and openly name every Charm that was added in the »The Grimm Troupe« update, it's Charm Notch cost, effect and where or how to receive it.

#08 Sprintmaster ⦿

Increases the character's movement speed by ~20,5% / Dirtmouth - inside Sly's Merchant Store - bought from Sly for 400 Geo, after rescuing him in the bottom right corner of the Forgotten Crossroads and bringing him the Storeroom Key, found in Crystal Peak in the top right corner of the first long upwards shaft

#36 Weaversong ⦿⦿

Spawns up to 3 weaverlings, that will crawl - and even jump - around the floor and attack enemies autonomously, dealing 3 damage per hit and opens up additional dialogue with Midwife / Deepnest - Weaver's Den - found inside on a small platform next to some eggs on the top floor

#38 Dreamshield ⦿⦿⦿

Conjures a golden shield that rotates around the character, spins faster when Focusing, pushes outwards a little bit when attacking with the Nail, blocks enemy projectiles and damages enemies on contact, doing the same damage as the character's Nail, which results in the shield collapsing for a few seconds / Resting Grounds - found on an altar in a secret room below the Seer, hidden behind a breakable wall

#39 Grimmchild (phase I) ⦿⦿

Spawns a Grimm familiar that follows the character and absorbs Scarlet Flames and shows Scarlet Flames on the map and allows talking to Troupe Master Grimm after collecting 3 Scarlet Flames and opens up additional dialogue with White Lady / Dirtmouth - inside the Grimme Troupe's tent - given by Troupe Master Grimm after talking to him for the first time, after lighting the Nightmare Lantern in the bottom-right corner of Howling Cliffs

#39 Grimmchild (phase II) ⦿⦿

Spawns a Grimm familiar that follows the character, attacks enemies autonomously and absorbs Scarlet Flames and shows Scarlet Flames on the map and allows talking to and fighting Troupe Master Grimm after collecting another 3 Scarlet Flames and opens up additional dialogue with White Lady / Dirtmouth - inside the Grimme Troupe's tent - given by Troupe Master Grimm when talking to him after collecting 3 Scarlet Flames

#39 Grimmchild (phase III) ⦿⦿

Spawns a Grimm familiar that follows the character, attacks enemies autonomously dealing more damage and absorbs Scarlet Flames and shows Scarlet Flames on the map and enables fighting Nightmare King Grimm after collecting at least another 3 of 4 Scarlet Flames and opens up even more additional dialogue with White Lady / Dirtmouth - inside the Grimme Troupe's tent - given by Troupe Master Grimm after defeating him

#39 Grimmchild (phase IV) ⦿⦿

Spawns a Grimm familiar that follows the character and attacks enemies autonomously dealing even more damage / Dirtmouth - inside the Grimme Troupe's tent - acquired after defeating Nightmare King Grimm / (Choosing this path grants the final form of the Grimmchild Charm, but makes acquiring Carefree Melody impossible)

#39 (alternative) Carefree Melody ⦿⦿⦿

Grants a chance of negating all damage from an incoming attack – the probability depends on the number of hits taken, the more hits taken, the higher the chance, starting at 0% and raising the chance by ~10% per hit / Dirtmouth - given by Nymm after talking to him – Nymm only appears in Dirtmouth after banishing the Grimm Troupe by destroying the Nightmare Lantern in Howling Cliffs instead of fighting Nightmare King Grimm, after collecting all Scarlet Flames and talking to Brumm in Distant Village / (The Grimmchild Charm is completely lost and replaced with Carefree Melody, when choosing this path)

#11 (upgrade) Unbreakable Heart ⦿⦿

Gives 2 additional Masks / Dirtmouth - Divine's tent - bought from Divine for 12.000 Geo, after finishing her dialogue when giving the fragile version to her by equipping it and talking to her / (As the name implies, this version no longer breaks when the character dies)

#12 (upgrade) Unbreakable Greed ⦿⦿

Increases the Geo dropped from enemies by 60%² / Dirtmouth - Divine's tent - bought from Divine for 9.000 Geo, after finishing her dialogue when giving the fragile version to her by equipping it and talking to her / (As the name implies, this version no longer breaks when the character dies)

#13 (upgrade) Unbreakable Strength ⦿⦿⦿

Increases the Nail's damage by 50%³ / Dirtmouth - Divine's tent - bought from Divine for 15.000 Geo, after finishing her dialogue when giving the fragile version to her by equipping it and talking to her / (As the name implies, this version no longer breaks when the character dies)

»Lifeblood« – Content Update 03

This section features all changes regarding Charms that were made in the »Lifeblood« patch.

Charm changes:

#36 Weaversong ⦿⦿

● Increased weaverlings damage from 2 to 3, including a new attack animation
● Reduced the amount of weaverlings spawned from 4 to 3
● Weaverlings can now both jump and stagger bosses

#23 Flukenest ⦿⦿⦿

● Charm Notch cost increased from ⦿⦿ to ⦿⦿⦿
● Flukenest: Damage decreased from 5(?) to 4(?) per maggot

#30 Joni's Blessing ⦿⦿⦿⦿

● Reduced Mask amount increase from +50% (rounded down) and +1 full Mask
to only +50% (rounded down)

#24 Defender's Crest ⦿

● Enables additional dialogue wtih Divine

New secret Charm combinations added:

Arachnophobia 3/11⦿

Weaversong ⦿⦿ + Sprintmaster ⦿ =
Increases the weaverlings' speed by X

Insect Song 3/11⦿

Weaversong ⦿⦿ + Grubsong ⦿ =
Makes weaverlings collect X Soul on hit

»Godmaster« – Content Update 04

This section features all changes regarding Charms that were made in the »Godmaster« patch.

»Gods & Glory« was renamed to »Godmaster« to avoid legal problems with a claimed trademark for a mobile game with the same name.

The Glorify Charms feature was sadly cut from this update and is not included in the game.

Charm changes:

23. Flukenest ⦿⦿⦿⁶

● opens up additional dialogue with Fluke Hermit




The following text is the official announcement for Gods & Glory on team cherry's homepage:

New Character and Quest – The Godseeker arrives (and your romance options expand).
Track down this disturbing yet alluring being, break her chains and aid her in an ancient duty.

New Boss Fights – Hallownest’s greatest warriors raise their blades. Prepare yourself for giant new boss fights against the ultimate foes. Each new battle intertwines with the Godseeker’s quest.
No specifics on how that’ll happen, but it may not be as you expect!

New Game Mode – Hollow Knight receives a third game mode. This ones been long requested and is a classic for the genre. Complete the Gods & Glory story to unlock the new mode.

New Music – Christopher Larkin is going all out for Hollow Knight’s final free pack, with new soaring boss tracks and giant remixes of some beloved classics.

Glorify Charms – Prove yourself and uncover a whole new depth to your charm collection.

Of course, other surprises will be hiding about the place, but we can’t spoil all the fun!

Charm Notches

This section of the guide will list the location and method of obtaining all 11 Charm Notches and number them accordingly in the easiest, most common order of acquiring. The first 3 Charm Notches are already present when starting the game and are unlocked after finding your first Charm.

4th Charm Notch ⊚

Sold by Charm Lover Salubra inside her shop in the bottom right/south-east corner of Forgotten Crossroads for 120 Geo - available after collecting 5 Charms

5th Charm Notch ⊚

Sold by Charm Lover Salubra inside her shop in the bottom right/south-east corner of Forgotten Crossroads for 500 Geo - available after collecting 10 Charms

6th Charm Notch ⊚

Obtained after defeating two big mushroom enemies (officially called 'Shrumal Ogres') in Fungal Wastes, in the room next to the bottom left/south-west exit of the first deep, column-like cave

7th Charm Notch ⊚

Sold by from Charm Lover Salubra inside her shop in the bottom right/south-east corner of Forgotten Crossroads for 900 Geo - available after collecting 18 Charms

8th Charm Notch ⊚

Found in a big cavern with a LOT of explosive jellyfish (officially called 'Ooma') and explosive eggs in Fog Canyon, the room is on the opposite side/next to the secret passage to Fungal Wastes

9th Charm Notch ⊚

Sold by Charm Lover Salubra inside her shop in the bottom right/south-east corner of Forgotten Crossroads for 1400 Geo - available after collecting 25 Charms

10th Charm Notch ⊚

Obtained after successfully completing the first match, the Trial of the Warrior, in the Colosseum of Fools, in the top left/north-west corner of Kingdom's Edge, next to the elevator connecting Resting Grounds with the eastern part of the City of Tears

11th Charm Notch ⊚

Obtained after successfully defeating Troupe Master Grimm, who can be fought – after collecting the first 6 Scarlet Flames with the Grimmchild Charm equipped – in the Grimm Troupe's tent in Dirtmouth, which appears after lighting the Nightmare Lantern in the bottom-right corner of the Howling Cliffs

Overcharming

“It's a bit of a sin to wear too many Charms at once, isn't it? Sometimes less is more! Mmmm!
Yes, you shouldn't try to cram on more Charms than you can handle. The effect could be positively overwhelming!”

– Charm Lover Salubra

When having at least one, but less slots left, that a certain Charm requires to be equipped, mashing the button will equip it anyway. After 5 button presses and their corresponding attempts the Charm will be equipped, displaying a message that the character is now 'overcharmed'. Being overcharmed doubles the damage the character takes. This is independent of how many more slots are filled.

Secret Charm Combinations

»Do you wear a lot of Charms at once? It's a lot of fun isn't it, mixing and matching them to get the perfect combination? I don't know whether you've noticed, but some Charms seem to like each other. Yes! Mmm! When Charms like each other, they shine even brighter and sing even more sweetly! Even more reason to try all sorts of fun and surprising combinations of Charms!«

– Charm Lover Salubra

There are a couple of secret effects and synergies when combining certain Charmes that enhance, alter or simply change the appearance of the affected abilities and/or spells.

Lifeblood Comb 8/11⦿

Joni's Blessing ⦿⦿⦿⦿ + Hiveblood ⦿⦿⦿⦿ =
Turns all Masks into Lifeblood combs, automatically, but slowly, healing the last lost Lifeblood Mask over 10 seconds. (Combines with Fragile Heart ⦿⦿, but does not with Lifeblood Heart ⦿⦿ and Lifeblood Core ⦿⦿⦿. The later two simply add regular, non-healing Lifeblood Masks on top.)

Grubberfly's Fury 5/11⦿

Grubberfly's Elegy ⦿⦿⦿ + Fury of the Fallen ⦿⦿ =
When having only 1 Mask left: Adds shooting a red medium range beam of energy, dealing increased (87,5% of your Nail's) damage, to regular Nail attacks. (Stacks with Fragile Strength ⦿⦿⦿ in the same way as normal attacks, increasing the energy beam's damage to 131,25%.)

Nailmaster's Fury 3/11⦿

Nailmaster's Glory ⦿ + Fury of the Fallen ⦿⦿ =
When having only 1 Mask left: Increases the damage of Nail Arts by 150%(!?). (Does not stack with Fragile Strength ⦿⦿⦿ – as Nail Arts in general do not.)

Stink Bomb 2/11⦿

Spore Shroom ⦿ + Defender's Crest ⦿ =
When Focusing: Emits a huge toxic cloud of dung that does more (40) damage to enemies in the area of effect over 4.1 seconds. Still does ~6 damage per tick, but decreases the tick interval/cooldown by ~50%.

Super Spores 5/11⦿

Spore Shroom ⦿ + Deep Focus ⦿⦿⦿⦿ = When Focusing: Increases the radius of the toxic cloud by 35%.

Gas Grenade 6/11⦿

Spore Shroom ⦿ + Defender's Crest ⦿ + Deep Focus ⦿⦿⦿⦿ =
When Focusing: Emits a gigantic toxic cloud of dung that does more (40) damage to enemies in the area of effect over 4.1 seconds. Still does ~6 damage per tick, but decreases the tick interval/cooldown by 50%.

Poisonous Maggot 4/11⦿

Flukenest ⦿⦿⦿ + Defender's Crest ⦿ =
Changes the Vengeful Spirit/Shade Soul spell into throwing a big toxic maggot that deals 3 contact damage and explodes on contact or after time, dealing 44-46 damage and emitting a toxic dung cloud dealing ~22 damage (2/4 damage per tick) for 2.2 seconds.

Lord of the Flies 3/11⦿

Glowing Womb ⦿⦿ + Defender's Crest ⦿ =
Automatically uses Soul to spawn up to 4 toxic hatchlings, that follow the character around, attack enemies on sight and explode on impact dealing 13(or 5!?) damage each, emitting a small, short lasting cloud of toxic mist, dealing 5 (1-2 damage per tick) for 1 second.

Furious Flies 4/11⦿

Glowing Womb ⦿⦿ + Fury of the Fallen ⦿⦿ =
When having only 1 Mask left: Automatically uses Soul to spawn up to 4 red glowing hatchlings, that follow the character around, attack enemies on sight and explode on impact dealing 15(?) damage each.

Black Plague 6/11⦿

Flukenest ⦿⦿⦿ + Shaman Stone ⦿⦿⦿ =
Increases the damage and size of the Vengeful Spirit/Shade Soul maggots

Shadow Master 4/11⦿

Sharp Shadow ⦿⦿ + Dashmaster ⦿⦿ =
Increases the damage of dashing through enemies by 50% (1.5x Nail damage)
(and increases the distance traveled by ~33%!?)

Movement Master 3/11⦿

Sprintmaster ⦿ + Dashmaster ⦿⦿ =
Further increases movement speed by 39% combined.

Dreamshield Wielder 4/11⦿

Dreamshield ⦿⦿⦿ + Dream Wielder ⦿ =
Increases the size of Dreamshield by 15%.

Metamorphosis 4/11⦿

Grubsong ⦿ + Grubberfly's Elegy ⦿⦿⦿ =
Increases the Soul gained when taking damage from 15 to 25.

Arachnophobia 3/11⦿

Weaversong ⦿⦿ + Sprintmaster ⦿ =
Increases Weaverlings' speed by 50%.

Insect Song 3/11⦿

Weaversong ⦿⦿ + Grubsong ⦿ =
Weaverlings collect 3 Soul when damaging enemies – and can even collect Sould from enemies that don't give any from regular Nail hits.

Fast Crawling 5/11⦿

Quick Focus ⦿⦿⦿ + Shape of Unn ⦿⦿ =
When Focusing: Increases the speed of crawling around as a slug by 100%.

Crawling Shell 4/11⦿

Shape of Unn ⦿⦿ + Baldur Shell ⦿⦿ =
When Focusing: Crawl around as a snail with a blue shell. (Purely cosmetic.)

Mushroom Slug 3/11⦿

Shape of Unn ⦿⦿ + Spore Shroom ⦿ =
When Focusing: Crawl around as a slug with little mushrooms on the back. (Purely cosmetic.)

Mushroom Snail 5/11⦿

Shape of Unn ⦿⦿ + Baldur Shell ⦿⦿ + Spore Shroom ⦿ =
When Focusing: Crawl around as a snail with a blue shell and little mushrooms on the back of it. (Purely cosmetic.)

Strong Charm Combinations I

Paladin 11/11⦿

Quick Slash ⦿⦿⦿ + Mark of Pride ⦿⦿⦿ + Quick Focus ⦿⦿⦿ + Soul Catcher ⦿⦿ = Long range, quick hits and therefore really high damage, especially with the Pure Nail upgrade, staying quite safe away from the enemies, collecting enough Soul and being able to heal fast. Good 'quality' build for many bosses and the Colosseum of Fools. Changing Quick Focus ⦿⦿⦿ to Fragile Strength ⦿⦿⦿ is an option to rely more on offense and dodging.

Samurai 11/11⦿

Mark of Pride ⦿⦿⦿ + Quick Slash ⦿⦿⦿ + Fragile/Unbreakable Strength ⦿⦿⦿ + Heavy Blow ⦿⦿ = Melee Master. Long range, quick and strong hits – while pushing enemies away to stay safe. Heavy Blow can be replaced by Long Nail – when feeling safe enough with the enmies fought – to increase range and possible damage per second even further.

Ronin 11/11⦿

Joni's Blessing ⦿⦿⦿⦿ + Quick Slash ⦿⦿⦿ + Fragile/Unbreakable Strength ⦿⦿⦿ + Steady Body ⦿ = Don't heal at all, just face tank the enemy while dealing as much damage as quickly as possible. Works only on slow/not moving bosses and possibly needs the Pure Nail upgrade to deal enough damage.

Holy Light 10/11⦿

Grubberfly's Elegy ⦿⦿⦿ + Quick Slash ⦿⦿⦿ + Fragile/Unbreakable Strength ⦿⦿⦿ + Steady Body ⦿ = Really strong beams of light are fired very fast when attacking. (Does neither combine with Longnail, nor Mark of Pride on longer range for the beams, though both still affect the regular attacks.)

Warlock 11/11⦿

Dreamshield ⦿⦿⦿ Dream Wielder ⦿ + Grubberfly's Elegy ⦿⦿⦿ + Grubsong ⦿ + Weaversong ⦿⦿ + Sprintmaster ⦿ = Attack your enemies from afar with Spells, beams of light and really aggressive Weaverlings. A very defensive, quite passive build, focused on staying back and keeping your distance to all enemies. The included secret Charm combination "Insect Song" will always give you enough Soul to heal. Both Dreamshield or Grubberfly's Elegy could either be replaced by Quick Focus, depending on personal preferences.

Battle Mage 11/11⦿

Soul Eater ⦿⦿⦿⦿ + Soul Catcher ⦿⦿ + Spell Twister ⦿⦿ + Shaman Stone ⦿⦿⦿ = Hitting any enemy once with your Nail gives enough Soul to cast a very strong spell.

Sorcerer 9/11⦿

Shaman Stone ⦿⦿⦿ + Spell Twister ⦿⦿ + Weaversong ⦿⦿ + Sprintmaster ⦿ + Grubsong ⦿ = The closest Charm build of playing as a mage, only using magic. Damage your enemies by shooting at them from range, while the included secret Charm combination "Insect Song" generates Soul for you.

Priest 10/11⦿

Quick Focus ⦿⦿⦿ + Shape of Unn ⦿⦿ + Grubsong ⦿ + Stalwart Shell ⦿⦿ + Baldur Shell ⦿⦿ = Focused on being protected during quick heals and even dogding while doing so for maximum safety. Can be combined with Spore Shroom or even the secret Charm combination Stink Bomb to deal damage while Focusing.

Lifeblood Galore 11/11⦿

Fragile/Unbreakable Heart ⦿⦿ + Lifeblood Heart ⦿⦿ + Lifeblood Core ⦿⦿⦿ + Joni's Blessing ⦿⦿⦿⦿ = 22 Lifeblood Masks – don't let your memes be dreams!

Strong Charm Combinations II

Ninja 11/11⦿

Sharp Shadow ⦿⦿ + Dashmaster ⦿⦿ + Sprintmaster ⦿ + Thorns of Agony ⦿ + Quick Focus ⦿⦿⦿ + Defender's Crest ⦿ + Spore Shroom ⦿ = Deal damage to enemies by dashing through them, even more when you fail to and at last when you're healing. You're a ninja, you live in the shadows and fight with all the tricks that you've got. (Only works with the Shade Cloak upgrade.)

Toxic Thorns 8/11⦿

Quick Focus ⦿⦿⦿ + Stalwart Shell ⦿⦿ + Grubsong ⦿ + Thorns of Agony ⦿ + Spore Shroom ⦿ = Simultaneously gain Soul and damage enemies in a small area around the character when taking damage, immediately Focus afterwards to deal even more damage in a large area of effect while being invincible long enough to heal uninterupted.
Can be combined with the secret Charm combination Stink Bomb to deal even more damage while Focusing.

Prismatic Focus 11/11⦿

Deep Focus ⦿⦿⦿⦿ + Quick Focus ⦿⦿⦿ + Grubsong ⦿ + Grubberfly's Elegy ⦿⦿⦿ = Focusing heals 2 Masks without taking more time, while taking damage gives more Soul than needed for a single Focus. An extremely safe build focusing completely on healing, that a player named Prismwind came up with.

Poisonous Shell 6/11⦿

Spore Shroom ⦿ + Baldur Shell ⦿⦿ +
Quick Focus ⦿⦿⦿ = Being safe while slowly chipping away the enemies health by Focusing quickly. Can be combined with the secret Charm combination Stink Bomb to deal even more damage while Focusing.

Ultimate Summoner 10/11⦿

Grimmchild ⦿⦿ + Weaversong ⦿⦿ + Sprintmaster ⦿ + Grubsong ⦿ + Glowing Womb ⦿⦿ + Defender's Crest ⦿ + Spore Shroom = Decimate your fows by attacking them with a whole army of minions. This is a bad meme build! While the included secret Charm combination Insect Song will generate Soul the whole time, all your Soul will always be drained by Glowing Womb, which makes Focusing to heal extremely difficult. This is a general problem with the latter Charm.

Old Strong Charm Combinations

Paladin 10/11⦿: Longnail ⦿⦿ + Quick Slash ⦿⦿⦿ + Soul Catcher ⦿⦿ + Quick Focus ⦿⦿⦿ = Long range, quick hits and therefore really high damage, especially with the Pure Nail upgrade, staying quite save away from the enemies, collecting enough Soul and being able to heal fast. Good 'quality' build for many bosses and the Colosseum of Fools. Changing Quick Focus ⦿⦿⦿ to Fragile Strength ⦿⦿⦿ is an option to rely more on offense and dodging.

Toxic Thorns 8/11⦿: Quick Focus ⦿⦿⦿ + Stalwart Shell ⦿⦿ + Grubsong ⦿ + Thorns of Agony ⦿ + Spore Shroom ⦿ = Simultaneously gain Soul and damage enemies in a small area around the character when taking damage, immediately Focus afterwards to deal even more damage in a large area of effect while being invincible long enough to heal uninterupted.
(See "Secret Charm Combinations" section for an upgraded version.)

Laser Gun 10/11⦿: Grubberfly's Elegy ⦿⦿⦿ + Quick Slash ⦿⦿⦿ + Fragile Strength ⦿⦿⦿ + Steady Body ⦿ = Really strong beams of light are fired very fast when attacking. (Does neither combine with Longnail, nor Mark of Pride on longer range for the beams, though both still affect the regular attacks.)

Battle Mage 8/11⦿: Spell Twister ⦿⦿ + Soul Catcher ⦿⦿ + Soul Eater ⦿⦿⦿⦿ = Hitting any enemy once with your Nail gives enough Soul to cast a spell. Adding Shaman Stone ⦿⦿⦿ for more damage is a possibility for a classic "glass cannon" build.

Samurai 10/11⦿: Mark of Pride ⦿⦿⦿ + Quick Slash ⦿⦿⦿ + Heavy Blow ⦿⦿ + Steady Body ⦿ + Nail Master's Glory ⦿ = Melee Master. Long range, quick hits and fast Nail Art charges - while standing still and pushing enemies away to stay save.

Priest 9/11⦿: Quick Focus ⦿⦿⦿ + Shape of Unn ⦿ + Grubsong ⦿ + Stalwart Shell ⦿⦿ + Baldur Shell ⦿⦿ = Focused on being protected during quick heals and even dogding while doing so for maximum safety.

Poisonous Shell 6/11⦿: Spore Shroom ⦿ + Baldur Shell ⦿⦿ +
Quick Focus ⦿⦿⦿ = Being save while slowly chipping away the enemies health by Focusing quickly.
(See "Secret Charm Combinations" section for an upgraded version.)

Lifeblood Galore 11/11⦿: Fragile Heart ⦿⦿ + Lifeblood Heart ⦿⦿ + Lifeblood Core ⦿⦿⦿ + Joni's Blessing ⦿⦿⦿⦿ = 22 Lifeblood Masks

Ninja 4/11⦿: Sharp Shadow ⦿⦿ + Defender's Crest ⦿ + Thorns of Agony ⦿ = (Only works with the Shade Cloak upgrade.) Deal damage to enemies by dashing through them - and even more when you fail to.
Possible good additions: Dash Master ⦿⦿, Grubsong ⦿ and Stalwart Shell ⦿⦿

Ronin 11/11⦿: Joni's Blessing ⦿⦿⦿⦿ + Quick Slash ⦿⦿⦿ + Fragile Strength ⦿⦿⦿ + Steady Body ⦿ = Works only on slow/not moving bosses and possibly needs the Pure Nail upgrade to deal enough damage. Don't heal at all, just face tank the enemy while dealing as much damage as quickly as possible.

Prismatic Focus 11/11⦿: Deep Focus ⦿⦿⦿⦿ + Quick Focus ⦿⦿⦿ + Grubsong ⦿ + Grubberfly's Elegy ⦿⦿⦿ = Focusing heals 2 Masks without taking more time, while taking damage gives more Soul than needed for a single Focus. An extremely save build focusing completly on healing, that a player named Prismwind came up with.

Contributors

A huge thanks for adding and specifing certain information to the whole comment section on Reddit and especially even more so to the following people on Steam: Rahler, Imaginaut, -Iker, DPX-Infinity, squattop, Nojocki, KugiPanchi, Prismwind, RiderFight0710, Raymondius, Shiny, wataniyob and AlexanderXIII.

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[oRpheusB20]

It's really funny looking at this and realizing that I've been defaulting to an apparently really strong charm combo as my basic exploration setup for some time now, give or take couple for compass, before I had the necessary upgrades and various circumstances besides. The 'Ninja' one, specifically. I like the movement the dash and sprint charms give, dung and spore are just good for passive damage, and since I'm usually pretty flippant running around in basic exploration, the thorn charm is great for when I accidently run into something lol

[flynn]

Perfect guide! No spoilers, information is well organised! Thanks for compiling and sharing!

[Dwebbleman]

my primary charm combo is one I like to call "self-sufficient knight",and as the name would imply,revolves around making the knight less reliant on focusing. this is a 7 notch setup initially with it having the primary two be hiveblood and carefree melody. these combined allow for the user to dodge and regenerate while also preventing masks from being lost in the process. it's great for both exploration and combat.

[Graembly]

I'm late to the party, but thanks for the excellent guide! I'll add my fav charm combos for fun. Berserker absolutely shreds bosses and Battlemaster is great in the Colosseum. Healing is for the weak lol.

Berserker
Dodge or approach rapidly and score many powerful hits at once
3 Unbreakable Strength
3 Quick Slash
2 Long Nail
2 Dashmaster
1 Steady Body

Battlemaster
Hits hard, moves fast, excellent range, many attack options
3 Unbreakable Strength
3 Mark of Pride
2 Dashmaster
2 Sharp Shadow
1 Nailmaster's Glory
Sharp Shadow + Dashmaster synergy

Sojourner
Travel quickly with confidence and companionship
1 Wayward Compass
1 Steady Body
1 Sprintmaster
2 Dashmaster
3 Mark of Pride
1 Grubsong
2 Weaversong
Sprintmaster + Dashmaster synergy
Dashmaster + Weaversong synergy
Weaversong + Grubsong synergy

[Hermeticoh]

Hi! My combo for fighting is Unbreakable Strenght, Mark of Pride, Quick Focus, Nailmaster's Glory and Sprintmaster. This allowes our hero to move fast, while dodging and charging our weapon for great damage with nail arts. You can even replace Mark of Pride with Quick Slash for hits between charges. And it let's you try to hide for a second for healing.

[Emm]

small fix: spelling mistake in secret charm combinations where charms are written as charmes

[Angloid Gaming]

While I didn't pay too much attention as to how I unlocked the charms, I cannot wait to try out the combos mentioned as they look super duper fun to use. Thanks for the guide you awesome people!

[opgrusin]

This guide is super useful! I also wanted to point out that Shape of Unn uses 2 Charm Notches rather than 1. Other than that, I thought this was an awesome article. It helped me find all of the charms, and seeing good charm builds has been super helpful. Thanks!

[Missing_Username]

@Marvinou that's a link to the soundtrack for the content packs

[Teambooster]

you can use your nail as a normal sword. or you upgrade your nail into a fucking sniper rifle