Hollow Knight has many optional bosses, and two are favorites for players asking for help: the Mantis Lords and Nightmare King Grimm. This guide explains where to find them, what they do, and how to win. Information is from the Hollow Knight community wiki, checked on October 10, 2026. Godhome fights like Absolute Radiance are also very hard, but we do not cover them in detail here.
Key takeaways
- The Mantis Lords are optional and found in Mantis Village. The fight has two phases.
- Nightmare King Grimm is in the Large Troupe Tent in Dirtmouth after you complete the Grimm Troupe tasks.
- Both fights reward patience. Strike in the pauses between attacks.
- Upgrade your nail and pick charms that fit the boss.
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Mantis Lords
The Mantis Lords fight happens in Mantis Village, and you start it by challenging them. Phase one is one Mantis Lord (210 HP). Phase two is the other two together (160 HP each). Their attacks are the boomerang thrown from the wall, a charge across the platform, and an overhead jump and drop.
| Attack | Answer |
|---|---|
| Boomerang | Heal during it. In phase two stand in the center so returning boomerangs pass overhead. |
| Charge | Jump over it after a brief delay. |
| Overhead drop | Dash away after it leaps, before it lands. |
Tips
- Good charms: Quick Focus for faster healing, Grubsong, Thorns of Agony, Shaman Stone and Spell Twister.
- Use Vengeful Spirit when a Mantis clings to the wall and telegraphs a boomerang.
- Desolate Dive or Howling Wraiths can handle the overhead attack, and Desolate Dive can also dodge floor dashes.
- Upgrade the Old Nail at the Nailsmith if you struggle.
The reward is the Mark of Pride and the Hallownest Seal, and the reward door in the village opens after you win.
Nightmare King Grimm
To reach him, defeat Troupe Master Grimm first. Later he asks for a second batch of scarlet flames. Strike him with the Dream Nail and enter his dream to fight Nightmare King Grimm in the Large Troupe Tent in Dirtmouth. The reward is a fully upgraded Grimmchild.
| Phase | Attacks |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Teleport slash, spike spawns, fireball rain |
| Phase 2 | Fire bats, dash, aimed dive and dash, fire pillars |
Plan
- Read the indicators. Stand between spike and pillar warnings.
- Keep moving during the aimed dive, because it targets your last position.
- Strike after he finishes an attack. He pauses briefly between attacks.
- Heal only when safe. Fans also suggest lowering visual effects and avoiding Nail Arts.
General boss tips
- Spend soul on healing only when the boss is in a long recovery.
- Dash after dodging to get a free hit.
- Do not forget the nail upgrades. They cut boss time a lot.
Charm and nail planning
Charms decide how comfortable a fight feels. Notches are limited, so pick a plan: either a defensive setup that gives you more room for mistakes, or an offensive setup that ends the fight quickly. Against the Mantis Lords, many players choose fast healing and spell damage, because the fight is short and healing windows are small. Against Nightmare King Grimm, damage taken is higher than in normal fights, so avoid builds that rely on being hit. Spend time at the Nailsmith too, since every nail upgrade shortens the fight and reduces the chances to make an error. If you still have trouble, return later with more masks and soul capacity. The game does not hurry you.
Finally, learn the arena. In Mantis Village the platforms and walls decide where boomerangs land. In the Troupe Tent the floor is flat but the spike and pillar indicators fill it fast. Knowing where you can stand safely is half of the plan. Watching a live stream of an experienced player is a good way to see that spacing in action. Take notes on what you learn, and try one change at a time so you know what helped. Even hard fights become routine after enough calm practice, and the first win feels great.
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