Hollow Knight Ending Achievements Guide

In Hollow Knight, there are several possible endings, each tied to specific achievements. These endings not only provide closure to the story but also offer additional challenges and secrets. Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to unlocking each of the major endings in the game, as well as tips to help you along the way.

Warning: Spoilers Ahead!

1. Normal Ending

How to Unlock:

1. Defeat the Hollow Knight in the final boss battle. This is triggered after collecting all three major essences in the game.
2. Head straight to the Hollow Knight’s chamber and defeat the boss.

Tip: The Normal Ending is the default ending, and while it’s straightforward, it sets the stage for the game’s more complex endings.

Achievement: The Hollow Knight

2. Sealed Siblings Ending

How to Unlock:

1. Collect all three major essences (the masks found on the door to the temple).
2. Assemble the Void Heart Charm.
3. When fighting the Hollow Knight, do not use the Dream Nail after Hornet intervenes.
4. Instead, defeat the Hollow Knight using only your melee attacks.

Tip: This ending features Hornet assisting you in the battle, which makes for a more dramatic conclusion. Be sure to refrain from using the Dream Nail when prompted to trigger this ending.

Achievement: Sealed Siblings

3. Dream No More Ending

How to Unlock:

1. Follow the same steps as the Sealed Siblings ending, but this time, use the Dream Nail on the Hollow Knight after Hornet’s intervention.
2. This triggers the hidden boss fight with the Radiance.
3. Defeat the Radiance to achieve the Dream No More ending.

Tip: This ending reveals the Radiance, a powerful entity that is central to the game’s lore. Defeating the Radiance rewards you with the best possible ending.

Note: You can unlock both the Sealed Siblings and Dream No More endings in the same playthrough by loading the save after finishing the game and triggering the alternate ending.

Achievement: Dream No More

4. Passing of the Age Ending

How to Unlock:

1. Throughout your journey, you’ll encounter Mr. Mushroom at various locations in Hallownest.
2. Find him at each of the following locations to progress the quest:
   • Kingdom’s Edge
   • Fungal Wastes
   • Kingdom’s Edge (again)
   • Deepnest
   • Howling Cliffs
   • Ancient Basin
   • Fog Canyon
   • King’s Pass
   • Queen’s Station
   • Hidden Station
   • Stag Nest
3. Once you have visited all these locations, you’ll trigger the secret ending during the credits.

Tip: Mr. Mushroom’s quest is one of the most cryptic in the game, and you must complete it to unlock the hidden “Passing of the Age” scene after the credits roll. Make sure you wear the Spore Shroom Charm when talking to him.

Achievement: Passing of the Age

The Dream No More ending is arguably the best, revealing the Radiance and offering the most satisfying conclusion to the game’s lore. However, the Sealed Siblings ending provides an interesting alternative with Hornet’s aid. Completing Mr. Mushroom’s quest for the Passing of the Age ending adds a nice touch, hinting at future adventures in the Hollow Knight universe.

Which ending did you enjoy the most? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!