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 precise timing, skillful dodging, and strategic charm selection. This guide details the best charm builds to overcome both encounters. All builds require the mandatory Grimmchild charm (occupying two charm notches).

Troupe Master Grimm: Charm Build Strategies

Troupe Master Grimm serves as an introduction to Grimm's moveset. While fast-paced, it's more of a tactical dance than a brute-force brawl. These builds provide a solid foundation for victory. Defeating Troupe Master Grimm unlocks the final charm notch, crucial for Nightmare King Grimm.

1. Nail Build:

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

This build maximizes nail damage. Quick Slash allows for rapid attacks between Grimm's openings. Unbreakable/Fragile Strength is essential for increased damage output. Longnail provides extended range, useful for hitting Grimm during the end of his attacks (Diving Dash, Uppercut), offering a viable alternative to Mark of Pride given the Grimmchild requirement.

2. Spell Build:

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

For spell-focused players, this build shines. Shaman Stone significantly boosts spell damage, synergizing perfectly with Spell Twister for rapid spell casting. Grubsong maintains soul reserves, crucial for consistent spell usage. Unbreakable/Fragile Heart provides extra masks, allowing for more spell-based attacks.

Nightmare King Grimm: Advanced Charm Strategies

Nightmare King Grimm is significantly more challenging. He inflicts double damage and moves much faster, demanding a more refined approach. His new flame pillar attack presents both a threat and an opportunity for burst damage.

1. Hybrid Nail/Spell Build (Optimal):

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

A pure nail build is inefficient against Nightmare King Grimm. This hybrid approach utilizes the power of spells like Abyss Shriek and Descending Dark. Shaman Stone remains essential for amplified spell damage. Unbreakable/Fragile Strength and Mark of Pride maximize damage during brief attack windows.

2. Defensive Spell/Nail Art Build (Alternative):

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

This defensive build focuses on spell usage and nail arts, offering survivability. Shaman Stone and Spell Twister remain core components. Grubsong ensures consistent soul supply. Sharp Shadow allows for dashing through attacks (with Shade Cloak), and Nailmaster's Glory makes nail arts a viable offensive option.

By utilizing these charm builds and mastering Grimm's attack patterns, you'll be well-equipped to conquer these challenging encounters and claim victory in Hollow Knight.