Combat in Hollow Knight includes The Knight's close range combat options (using their primary weapon, the Nail) and various ranged Spell based attacks. This page will cover the basic combat strategies for fighting enemies and bosses.
Hollow Knight Combat
The Nail
The Knight can attack in four directions using the Nail. Performing a down attack while in the air allows you to pogo off an enemy, often multiple times in a row. It's the most effective way to defeat the first enemies you encounter. Later on you'll have to watch out for enemy moves that guard against this attack.
Focus Mechanic
Another unique combat mechanic is the use of Spells and Focus. Hitting enemies with The Nail allows The Knight to gain SOUL, which is needed to conjure spell based attacks or to heal. It is essential to learn how to heal mid-fight as well as how to sustainably regain SOUL in order to win. Some spells are primarily offensive, like a piercing fireball which can either go straight left or right. The AoE spells allow you to hit a wider area around you, but also provide i-frames to phase through enemy attacks.
Parrying
While in battle, The Knight can parry certain attacks from enemies and bosses. Any incoming attack that has a white trace can be parried with basic Nail strikes, but not with the use of Nail Arts, Spells and Abilities. A successful parry deals full Nail damage and provides 0.25 seconds of invulnerability.
Staggers
Staggering in Hollow Knight applies when you stun a boss after successfully landing a number of attacks, causing them to be paralyzed for a short period of time. This will give the players a window of opportunity to take their time to heal or go on the offensive using Spells or Nail Arts. Stagger last a few seconds, meaning you can deliver multiple hits. After a few hits, the boss will rise again and the fight will continue. Not all bosses will stagger, and some will only stagger when their health is low enough, triggering the next stage of the fight.
Hi
7
+12
-1