Hollow Knight: Best Builds For Grimm

Conquering Grimm: Optimal Charm Builds for Hollow Knight's Toughest Fights

Grimm, the enigmatic leader of the Grimm Troupe, presents two formidable challenges in Hollow Knight: Troupe Master Grimm and Nightmare King Grimm. These battles demand precision, reflexes, and strategic charm selection. This guide details the best charm builds to overcome both encounters. All builds require Grimmchild (occupying two charm notches).

Troupe Master Grimm: Charm Build Strategies

Troupe Master Grimm provides a crucial introduction to Grimm's moveset. This faster-paced fight emphasizes skillful dodging and seizing attack openings.

Nail Build: Maximizing Melee Damage

• Unbreakable/Fragile Strength
• Quick Slash
• Longnail
• Grimmchild (Mandatory)

This build focuses on maximizing nail damage between Grimm's attacks. Quick Slash enhances attack speed, while Longnail (a suitable alternative to Mark of Pride given Grimmchild's slot consumption) increases reach, allowing for hits during attack recovery. Unbreakable/Fragile Strength is essential for increased damage output.

Spell Build: Unleashing Magical Power

• Shaman Stone
• Grubsong
• Spell Twister
• Unbreakable/Fragile Heart
• Grimmchild (Mandatory)

For spell-focused players, this build utilizes Shaman Stone to amplify spell damage, complemented by Spell Twister for faster spell casting. Grubsong maintains soul reserves, crucial for consistent spell usage. Unbreakable/Fragile Heart provides additional health, mitigating the risk of taking damage.

Defeating Troupe Master Grimm unlocks the final charm notch, crucial for the Nightmare King encounter.

Nightmare King Grimm: Advanced Charm Strategies

Nightmare King Grimm significantly surpasses his predecessor in difficulty. He inflicts double damage and moves considerably faster, demanding a more refined approach.

Optimal Hybrid Build: Combining Nail and Spell Attacks

• Unbreakable/Fragile Strength
• Shaman Stone
• Mark of Pride
• Grimmchild (Mandatory)

A pure nail build is inefficient against Nightmare King Grimm. This hybrid approach leverages Shaman Stone's spell damage boost alongside Unbreakable/Fragile Strength and Mark of Pride to maximize damage during brief attack windows. Spells like Abyss Shriek and Descending Dark remain vital for dealing significant damage.

Defensive Spell/Nail Art Build: Prioritizing Survival

• Grubsong
• Sharp Shadow
• Shaman Stone
• Spell Twister
• Nailmaster's Glory
• Grimmchild (Mandatory)

This defensive build emphasizes spell usage and nail arts. Shaman Stone and Spell Twister are crucial for damage output, while Grubsong ensures consistent soul supply. Sharp Shadow allows for safe traversal through attacks (with Shade Cloak), and Nailmaster's Glory significantly enhances nail art damage, providing additional offensive capabilities.

Mastering these charm builds will significantly improve your chances of defeating both Troupe Master Grimm and Nightmare King Grimm, two of Hollow Knight's most challenging bosses. Remember to adapt your strategy based on your playstyle and comfort level.