Completing the Path of Pain requires patience, perseverance, and practice. Hopefully, these tips will help you overcome this challenging trial.
Introduction
The Path of Pain is a challenging platforming section in Hollow Knight that requires precision and perseverance. Here are some tips to make the journey more manageable and enjoyable. Please note that this guide may contain spoilers, assuming you have completed the game and are familiar with its lore.
Charms and Loadout
I recommend using the following charms:
• Defender’s Crest
• Grubsong
• Longnail
• Shaman Stone
• Fragile/Unbreakable Heart
• Soul Catcher
Feel free to customize your loadout based on your playstyle. However, before reaching the final room, you’ll face a battle against two guards. Unless you’re exceptionally skilled at sword pogoing, I recommend equipping Longnail or Mark of Pride. Personally, I prefer Longnail because its extended range is suitable for areas with low ceilings.
Checkpoints and Soul Management
The statues found throughout the Path of Pain provide infinite Soul, allowing you to heal yourself. These statues also act as checkpoints, where you’ll respawn if you get hit and still have some health remaining. However, if you die (zero masks) and had progressed significantly, you’ll have to start from the beginning, as there are no benches. Note that two statues are hidden: one is located at the beginning of the left hidden path, while the second one is in an area with a small ledge and a thorn tunnel that requires Super Dash. The wall is fake, and you can identify it by hitting it with your sword, as it won’t make a sound.
Recommended Upgrades
It is highly recommended to have all Lifeblood masks, all nail upgrades, Monarch Wings, and the Shade Cloak before attempting the Path of Pain. These upgrades will significantly enhance your survivability and mobility throughout the challenging platforming sections.
Final Stretch and Jump Timing
Just before the battle with the guards, there are intermittent spikes. Pay attention to the sawblade on your left, as it is synchronized with the one on the right. This synchronization will be helpful in determining the precise moment to jump.
Guard Battle Strategy
During the fight with the guards, it is recommended to use Descending Dark and Vengeful Spirit, both empowered by the Shaman Stone charm. These spells deal significant damage and can help you overcome the challenging encounter more easily.
Saving Progress
If you’re tired and don’t want to lose your progress or need to sleep because it’s already 4 a.m. and you have to wake up early, you can hibernate or suspend your computer. The game will resume from the exact point where you left off, ensuring that no progress is lost.
Additional Tips
• It’s advisable to experiment with different charm combinations to find what works best for you in each section of the Path of Pain.
• Here are some additional charms that can be useful in areas where statues are unavailable: Hiveblood, Void Heart (after obtaining the Pale King charm), and Deep Focus. (More charms may be added in the future.)
• Remember to consider the amount of notches each charm occupies and test different combinations to find the ones that suit you best.
Conclusion
Completing the Path of Pain requires patience, perseverance, and practice. Hopefully, these tips will help you overcome this challenging trial. Feel free to share any additional advice or strategies in the comments, as it may benefit others facing this daunting challenge. Remember, patience and perseverance are key.
