Entering the City of Tears is a monumental turning point for anyone playing Team Cherry's masterpiece, Hollow Knight. The sudden shift from the organic tunnels of the Fungal Wastes into a grand, melancholy metropolis creates an unforgettable atmosphere. This guide provides essential navigation strategies and map insights to help you fully explore the rain-soaked heart of Hallownest.
Finding the Map Maker and Using the City Crest
To begin your journey into this vast urban labyrinth, you must first unlock the main gates using the City Crest acquired from the False Knight. Once inside, your top priority should be tracking down Cornifer the cartographer to secure your local map. You can hear his distinctive humming near the upper corridors of the western section, just past the first bench.
Purchasing the map immediately clarifies the multi-layered layout of this beautiful zone. It also reveals the paths connecting the western side to the eastern districts, which are initially divided by locked gates. Navigating without this guide can quickly leave players disoriented among the towering spires.
Upgrading the Nail and Locating Key Points
The City of Tears houses the Nailsmith, one of the most vital non-playable characters for your long-term progression. His workshop is nestled at the far western base of the city, right along the watery edge. For a modest fee of Geo, he will upgrade your basic weapon to increase your damage output significantly.
After strengthening your blade, you can confidently explore the grand plaza located at the center of the area. Here, you will discover the Memorial to the Hollow Knight, which serves as an important lore landmark and a central crossroad. From this plaza, paths branch upward toward the treacherous Soul Sanctum and downward toward the Royal Waterways.
Conquering the Soul Sanctum and Unlocking Fast Travel
The upper northern quadrant of the metropolis is dominated by the Soul Sanctum, an area filled with teleporting sorcerers. This sub-area tests your combat patience as you dodge magical projectiles in narrow corridors. Defeating the main boss here rewards you with the Desolate Dive spell, which opens shaky ground throughout Hallownest.
To safeguard your hard-earned progress, you should unlock the local transportation network as soon as possible. The King's Station on the eastern edge provides a crucial Stag Station for rapid travel across the kingdom. Nearby benches also offer safe resting points to equip helpful charms before tackling tougher challenges.
Discovering Hidden Rooms and Valuable Secrets
Beyond the main paths lie numerous hidden rooms that contain rare treasures like Mask Shards and Vessel Fragments. You can also meet Lemm, a relic seeker who purchases your found Hallownest Crests and King's Idols for large sums of Geo. His shop is located in a prominent tower just to the right of the central fountain plaza.
For players seeking emotional moments, visiting the Pleasure House in the eastern district offers a brief respite. There, you can listen to the ethereal songstress Marissa, whose music echoes softly through the empty halls. Finding these hidden details makes a comprehensive exploration of the rainy city incredibly rewarding.
