To achieve 112% completion in Hollow Knight, you must collect all 40 charms, obtain every movement ability and spell upgrade, reach the final nail level, defeat specific core bosses, and conquer the challenges provided by the Grimm Troupe and Godmaster expansions. This milestone represents the absolute mastery of Hallownest.
Achieving the coveted 112% completion mark is the ultimate challenge for any Wanderer. Since the release of the final free content packs, "The Grimm Troupe" and "Godmaster," the completion percentage cap was raised from the original 100% to 112%. Unlike many other Metroidvanias, completion in Hollow Knight is not tied to every single pickup or map discovery; rather, it is tied to specific milestones of power, exploration, and combat prowess. As of 2026, this checklist remains the standard for players looking to verify their progress before heading to the Temple of the Black Egg or Godhome.
The Foundation: Movement and Spells (11%)
The core of Hollow Knight’s progression is gated by movement abilities and soul-based spells. Each of these represents a 1% increase in your total completion.
Movement Abilities (5%)
There are five primary movement abilities found throughout the map. Obtaining each one contributes 1% to your total score.
- Mothwing Cloak: Found in Greenpath after defeating Hornet Protector. It allows for a horizontal dash.
- Mantis Claw: Located in the Mantis Village within the Fungal Wastes. This is essential for wall-jumping.
- Monarch Wings: Guarded by the Broken Vessel in the Ancient Basin. This provides a double jump.
- Isma’s Tear: Found in Isma’s Grove in the Royal Waterways. This allows you to swim in acid, opening up massive sections of the Fog Canyon and Queen’s Gardens.
- Crystal Heart: Located in the Crystal Peak. This allows for the "super dash" across long horizontal gaps.
Spells and Upgrades (6%)
Spells are divided into three base forms and three "Shadow" upgrades. Each individual spell or upgrade counts as 1%.
- Vengeful Spirit / Shade Soul: The base spell is given by the Ancestral Mound Shaman. The upgrade is found behind an Elegant Key door in the Soul Sanctum.
- Desolate Dive / Descending Dark: The base is dropped by the Soul Master. The upgrade is found in the Crystallized Mound within the Crystal Peak.
- Howling Wraiths / Abyss Shriek: The base is found in the Overgrown Mound (Fog Canyon). The upgrade requires standing on the pedestal in the bottom-left of The Abyss and using the Wraiths.
Combat Mastery: The Nail and Arts (7%)
Your primary weapon, the Nail, and the secret techniques taught by the Nailmasters are pivotal for completion.
Nail Upgrades (4%)
The Nailsmith in the City of Tears can upgrade your weapon four times. Each upgrade costs Geo and, eventually, Pale Ore.
- Sharpened Nail: 250 Geo.
- Channeled Nail: 800 Geo + 1 Pale Ore.
- Coiled Nail: 2,000 Geo + 2 Pale Ore.
- Pure Nail: 4,000 Geo + 3 Pale Ore.
To achieve these, you must find all six pieces of Pale Ore scattered across Hallownest (found in places like the top of Crystal Peak, the Ancient Basin, and as rewards for the Seer and the Colosseum).
Nail Arts (3%)
The three Nailmasters are hidden in the corners of the world. Each art they teach counts for 1%.
- Great Slash: Taught by Nailmaster Sheo in Greenpath.
- Dash Slash: Taught by Nailmaster Oro in Kingdom’s Edge.
- Cyclone Slash: Taught by Nailmaster Mato in Howling Cliffs.
The Heart of the Knight: Health and Soul (7%)
Increasing your survivability is mandatory for the 112% mark. This involves collecting Mask Shards and Soul Vessel Fragments.
- Ancient Masks (4%): There are 16 Mask Shards in total. Every 4 shards create a full mask. You must obtain all 16 to get the 4% completion credit.
- Soul Vessels (3%): There are 9 Vessel Fragments in total. Every 3 fragments create a full Soul Vessel. You must obtain all 9 to get the 3% completion credit.
These are found through exploration, shops (Sly), and quest rewards (such as the Delicate Flower quest).
The Charm Collection (40%)
The largest single category of completion is the Charms. There are 40 charms in the game, and each one is worth exactly 1%.
To reach 112%, you must possess all 40 at once. It is important to note that the Kingsoul charm is eventually replaced by the Void Heart. While this is a permanent change, the Void Heart still counts as the 40th charm for percentage purposes.
Essential Charm Milestones
- Fragile Charms: Bought from Leg Eater in Fungal Wastes. These count toward the total even if they are broken, but must be in your inventory.
- Grimmchild / Carefree Melody: Depending on your choice in the Grimm Troupe DLC (completion or banishment), you will end up with one of these. Both count equally toward the 40-charm goal.
- Wayward Compass and Swarm: Often the first charms bought from Iselda and Sly, these are just as vital for completion as the end-game charms.
Bosses, Dreamers, and Trials (23%)
Defeating the major guardians of Hallownest is a core requirement. However, not every mini-boss in the game counts toward the 112%.
The Core Bosses (17%)
The following 17 bosses each provide 1% toward completion:
- Gruz Mother
- False Knight
- Hornet Protector (Greenpath)
- Mantis Lords
- Soul Master
- Dung Defender
- Nosk
- Broken Vessel
- Watcher Knight
- Uumuu
- Hornet Sentinel (Kingdom's Edge)
- Enraged Guardian (Crystal Peak)
- Traitor Lord
- The Collector
- Troupe Master Grimm
- Nightmare King Grimm (or Banishment)
- Hive Knight
The Dreamers (3%)
Defeating the three Dreamers and breaking their seals is required.
- Lurien the Watcher: Located atop the Watcher's Spire.
- Monomon the Teacher: Located in the Teacher's Archives.
- Herrah the Beast: Located in the Distant Village.
The Colosseum of Fools (3%)
You must complete all three trials at the top of Kingdom’s Edge.
- Trial of the Warrior: 1%
- Trial of the Conqueror: 1%
- Trial of the Fool: 1%
The Dream Nail and Seer (3%)
The Dream Nail is a unique tool that bridges the gap between the physical world and the dream realm.
- Obtaining the Dream Nail: 1% (Acquired in Resting Grounds).
- Awakening the Dream Nail: 1% (Requires 1,800 Essence).
- Seer’s Final Words: 1% (Requires 2,400 Essence and talking to the Seer one last time for her "Ascension").
The Godmaster Content (5%)
The final 5% of the game is found in the Junk Pit of the Royal Waterways, where you access Godhome.
- Godtuner: 1% (Obtained by using a Simple Key on the Junk Pit sarcophagus).
- Pantheon of the Master: 1%
- Pantheon of the Artist: 1%
- Pantheon of the Sage: 1%
- Pantheon of the Knight: 1%
Note: The fifth and final pantheon, the Pantheon of Hallownest, is notoriously difficult but is not required for the 112% completion percentage. It is only required for the "Focus" and "Embrace the Void" endings and associated achievements.
Comprehensive 112% Checklist Summary
| Category | Component | Percentage Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Abilities | Dash, Wall Jump, Double Jump, Acid Swim, Super Dash | 5% |
| Spells | 3 Base Spells + 3 Shadow Upgrades | 6% |
| Nail | 4 Upgrades + 3 Nail Arts | 7% |
| Health/Soul | 4 Full Masks + 3 Full Soul Vessels | 7% |
| Charms | All 40 Unique Charms | 40% |
| Dreamers | Lurien, Monomon, Herrah | 3% |
| Bosses | 17 Specific Main Bosses | 17% |
| Colosseum | Trial 1, Trial 2, Trial 3 | 3% |
| Dream Nail | Acquire, Awaken (1800), Seer (2400) | 3% |
| Godhome | Godtuner + Pantheons 1 through 4 | 5% |
| Total | 112% |
Common Mistakes and Missing Percentages
If you find yourself stuck at 111%, the issue is almost always one of three things:
- The Seer: Many players collect 2,400 essence but forget to return to the Seer in the Resting Grounds to hear her final dialogue. This is a common "missing" 1%.
- The Trial of the Fool: While the first two trials are manageable, the third is a significant difficulty spike. It is a mandatory 1% for completion.
- The Hive Knight: Because The Hive is an optional, tucked-away area, players often overlook the Hive Knight boss fight.
- The Collector: Located in the Tower of Love. You need the Love Key from Queen's Gardens to access this fight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to beat the Radiance for 112%?
No, defeating the Radiance or the Absolute Radiance is not required for the 112% completion score. However, you must defeat the three Dreamers to unlock the end-game, and you must defeat the Hollow Knight to trigger the credits and see your final percentage on the save file screen.
Does the Path of Pain count toward completion?
The Path of Pain is a hidden sub-area within the White Palace. While it offers a significant narrative reward and a Journal entry, it does not contribute to the 112% completion percentage. Similarly, the standard White Palace completion is required for the Kingsoul charm (which counts), but the platforming challenge itself is not a separate percentage point.
Can I still get 112% if I banish the Grimm Troupe?
Yes. Choosing to banish the Troupe or defeating Nightmare King Grimm both result in a completion point. If you banish them, you receive the Carefree Melody charm, which replaces the Grimmchild. Since you still have 40 charms and have completed the "Grimm event," your percentage remains intact.
Does completing the Hunter's Journal count?
While completing the Hunter's Journal is required for the "Keen Hunter" and "True Hunter" achievements, it does not contribute to the 112% completion metric. You do not need to hunt down every rare mob or hidden creature to reach the percentage cap.
Is the 5th Pantheon required for 112%?
The Pantheon of Hallownest (P5) is not required for 112%. The percentage cap is reached after completing the first four Pantheons (Master, Artist, Sage, and Knight). P5 is purely for the hardest endings and the ultimate bragging rights.
Final Recommendation
To efficiently reach 112%, focus on exploration and health upgrades first. Once you have the Pure Nail and all Shadow Spells, tackle the Colosseum of Fools. Save the Godhome Pantheons for last, as they serve as a "boss rush" that tests everything you have learned throughout the game. Once you believe you have reached 112%, travel to the Temple of the Black Egg and read the lore tablet next to the bench to confirm your current percentage before facing the final boss.
