In “Hollow Knight,” players are presented with five distinct endings, each influenced by the actions taken during the game and the items acquired. The game’s narrative depth is showcased through these endings, where decisions throughout your journey have significant implications for Hallownest and its characters. Below is a structured overview of each ending, detailing how they can be achieved and their principal outcomes.

Ending Overview

| Ending Name | How to Get It | Main Outcome |
|———————|———————————————————————-|————————————————————————————————–|
| The Hollow Knight | Defeat the Hollow Knight without acquiring the Void Heart | The Knight absorbs the Infection, becoming the new Hollow Knight and is sealed inside the Black Egg chamber. This ending locks if you obtain the Void Heart. |
| Sealed Siblings | Acquire the Void Heart (by collecting Kingsoul and opening the Birthplace in The Abyss), then defeat Hollow Knight but do not use the Dream Nail on it | After defeating the Hollow Knight, The Knight absorbs the Infection. Hornet, too, is sealed inside the Black Egg, her mask appearing on the Temple’s door. |
| Dream No More | Defeat the Hollow Knight but use the Dream Nail on it during the fight after acquiring the Void Heart | You confront the Radiance, the true source of the Infection, leading to its destruction and the Knight waking in an awakened Hallownest. This ending is often regarded as the “true” ending. |
| Embrace the Void | Complete the Dream No More ending, then challenge and defeat the Pure Vessel (in the Godmaster DLC) | The Knight embraces the Void, transcending into a powerful void being, representing a significant transformation. |
| Delicate Flower | After defeating the Pure Vessel, fulfill additional conditions from the Godmaster DLC | This ending centers around Hornet’s new role as the protector of Hallownest, with themes of dream-flower symbolism and a poignant focus on her fate. |

Key Requirements and Concepts

– Void Heart: This charm is crucial for several endings. Players can acquire it by combining the Kingsoul found within The Abyss. The Void Heart reveals the Knight’s true identity and connection to the Infection, enhancing the game’s lore.

– Dream Nail: Using the Dream Nail on the Hollow Knight during the final confrontation is pivotal, as it triggers a fight with the Radiance, unlocking the Dream No More ending.

– Godmaster DLC: The last two endings, Embrace the Void and Delicate Flower, necessitate the additional content included in the Godmaster DLC. This expansion introduces new bosses and challenges that enrich the game’s narrative and gameplay.

Additional Lore and Themes

All five endings are considered canonical, each providing different perspectives on the fate of Hallownest as well as its inhabitants. They explore themes of sacrifice, destiny, and the cycle of infection, emphasizing the complexity of the characters and their intertwined fates.

Post-credits scenes from some endings further reflect on the passage of time within the game, adding layers to the overarching narrative of “Hollow Knight.”

Conclusion

In summary, “Hollow Knight” presents a rich tapestry of narrative choices leading to various endings. By acquiring the Void Heart, utilizing the Dream Nail effectively against the Hollow Knight, and engaging with the content in the Godmaster DLC, players unlock complex and deeply lore-enriched conclusions to their journey through Hallownest. Each ending not only provides closure to the game’s narrative but also offers a multifaceted look at its themes and characters.