Hollow Knight Boss Tier List 2025 – Every Boss Ranked from S to D

Hollow Knight Boss Tier List (Updated August 2025) – If you’ve spent any time in Hollow Knight, you know the boss fights aren’t just enemies – they’re what make the game memorable. Every battle in Hallownest, from your first clash with the False Knight in the Forgotten Crossroads to finally overcoming the Pure Vessel in Godhome, stays with you. These encounters are the reason so many players call Hollow Knight one of the greatest indie games ever made.

That’s exactly why I decided to put together this Hollow Knight Boss Tier List. It’s not just another ranking thrown together; it’s built from countless runs, community discussions, and plenty of rage-quits followed by “one more try.” My goal is simple: give you a clear picture of which fights stand out, which ones test your patience, and which ones are more bark than bite.

Here’s what I considered when ranking the bosses:

• Difficulty Some fights are a pure skill check, while others are more forgiving.
• Design & Arena  A fight isn’t only about attacks; the arena and boss animations play a huge role.
• Lore & Story Weight A boss tied deeply to Hollow Knight’s narrative feels more meaningful.
• Replay Value Is it fun to fight again, or something you’d rather avoid after the first win?
• Community Opinions  Hollow Knight fans are vocal (check Reddit, forums, speedrunners), and their input can’t be ignored.

With that in mind, let’s dive in and see where each boss lands on the tier list from the unforgettable legends to the fights that most of us breeze past without breaking a sweat.

How We Built This Hollow Knight Boss Tier List?

Ranking Hollow Knight bosses isn’t as simple as putting names into boxes. I’ve spent hours sometimes painfully replaying fights, dying a dozen times, and figuring out what makes each boss tick. Here’s how I approached it:

1. Difficulty – Mechanics and Attack Patterns

Some bosses hit hard because of raw skill timing your dodges, learning attack patterns, and knowing when to strike. Others are tricky in ways that aren’t obvious at first. I tried to measure how tough each fight feels to a regular player, not just someone speedrunning the game.

2. Lore Importance – Story Weight

Hollow Knight isn’t just about fighting; the story matters too. Some bosses are huge for the plot, like the Radiance or the Hollow Knight, while others mostly fill the world. A boss can feel epic and memorable even if it’s not the hardest fight.

3. Community Opinions – Reddit, Steam, and Forums

I didn’t make this list in a vacuum. Hollow Knight fans are everywhere online, sharing tier lists, favorite fights, and tips. I looked at discussions on Reddit and Steam, and noticed which bosses players love, hate, or talk about the most.

4. Overall Enjoyment Factor

Finally, I asked myself: is this fight actually fun, or just frustrating? Some bosses are punishing but still enjoyable, while others get tedious after a few tries. Fun matters a lot.

So that’s the method behind this Hollow Knight Boss Tier List. It’s not just about difficulty it’s a mix of challenge, story, community vibes, and plain fun.

Hollow Knight Boss Tier List (Quick Overview):

Here’s a quick look at how I’d rank the bosses before getting into the nitty-gritty. Some fights will make you scream in frustration, others you’ll breeze through, and a few will stick in your memory long after you’ve beaten them. This chart is just a snapshot—it shows which bosses hit hardest, which are tricky but fair, and which are mostly there for completionists.

Tier	Bosses

S-Tier

Pure Vessel, Nightmare King Grimm, Absolute Radiance

A-Tier

Hornet (2nd fight), Lost Kin, Watcher Knights

B-Tier

Soul Master, Broken Vessel, Traitor Lord

C-Tier

Dung Defender, Gruz Mother, Marmu

D-Tier

False Knight, Vengefly King, Gorb

Quick Notes:

• S-Tier bosses are the ones that will test every skill you’ve learned. Be ready to die a lot.
  
• A-Tier bosses are tough, but fair definitely memorable and rewarding.
  
• B-Tier bosses provide solid challenge without being punishing.
  
• C-Tier bosses are fun, but most players can beat them with practice.
  
• D-Tier bosses are easier fights that are mostly filler still worth experiencing for lore or completionists.
  

This overview gives you a snapshot, but the real insights come when we break down each boss individually, with strategies, lore details, and why they earned their place on the list.

S-Tier Hollow Knight Bosses:

These are the fights that will test you like no others. Some will make you scream, some will make you quit for the night, and some will stick in your memory for weeks because of how intense they are. If you’ve beaten these, you’ve truly mastered Hollow Knight.

Pure Vessel:

Why S-Tier: Pure Vessel is pure chaos. Every move is lightning-fast, and one wrong dodge can end your run. It’s exhausting, frustrating, but somehow ridiculously satisfying when you finally win.

Difficulty: 10/10

Lore: Facing Pure Vessel is like confronting the game’s soul. You feel the weight of Hallownest’s tragedy in every attack.

Tips:

• Don’t just swing your Nail randomly wait for openings.
  
• Shadow Dash is your best friend here.
  
• Learn the patterns slowly; rushing only gets you killed.
  

Nightmare King Grimm:

Why S-Tier: This fight is flashy and unforgiving. Grimm jumps, slams, and breathes fire in ways that can catch you off guard even if you’ve fought him before.

Difficulty: 9.5/10

Lore: Grimm’s not just a tough optional boss; he’s part of the Grimm Troupe storyline, adding a darker layer to Hallownest that’s really cool if you follow the lore.

Tips:

• Moving constantly—standing still is death.
  
• Don’t get greedy with attacks; focus on dodging first.
  
• Charms like Dashmaster help a lot here.
  

Absolute Radiance:

Why S-Tier: Absolute Radiance is the ultimate pain. It’s fast, unforgiving, and will test every skill you’ve learned. You’ll die. A lot. But beating it feels incredible.

Difficulty: 10/10

Lore: This boss is the heart of Hallownest’s corruption. It’s not just about mechanics—the fight is the emotional climax of the story.

Tips:

• Stay calm, watch patterns carefully, and don’t panic.
  
• Use ranged attacks carefully when safe.
  
• Patience is the key focus on surviving first, hitting second.

A-Tier Hollow Knight Bosses:

These bosses are tough, but fair. They’ll challenge you, but unlike S-Tier fights, they rarely feel impossible. You’ll sweat, you’ll mess up, but victories here feel earned without crushing your will.

Lost Kin:

Why A-Tier: Fast and relentless, but predictable once you learn the patterns. It’s basically a step below Pure Vessel.

Difficulty: 8.5/10

Lore: A hollowed vessel turned berserk, showing the tragic consequences of Hallownest’s failed experiments.

Attacks & Counters:

• Dash Attack: Wait for the start, then Shadow Dash past or Nail strike after.
  
• Jump Slam: Step back or dash through; timing is everything.
  
• Projectile Burst: Focus on dodging first, attack in the brief pause.
  

Hornet (2nd Fight):

Why A-Tier: Hornet’s second fight tests speed and timing. She’s quick, but her moves are readable once you study them.

Difficulty: 8/10

Lore: Shows Hornet’s growth and her role as protector of Hallownest. Her fight feels like a personal duel rather than just another obstacle.

Attacks & Counters:

• Needle Swings: Stay mid-range, dodge carefully, strike when she pauses.
  
• Thread Shot: Jump or dash to avoid, then counterattack.
  
• Charge Combo: Learn the tell—the pause before she charges is your opening.
  

Watcher Knights:

Why A-Tier: Crowd control is the tricky part here. Their synchronized attacks can overwhelm, but the fight is fair with patience.

Difficulty: 8/10

Lore: Ancient protectors of the kingdom, a reminder of Hallownest’s disciplined past.

Attacks & Counters:

• Double Sword Slash: Watch the animation, strike after the last swing.
  
• Jump Slam: Step back and wait for recovery.
  
• Combo Rush: Keep moving, strike during stagger windows.
  

B-Tier Hollow Knight Bosses:

These fights are moderately challenging—fun, engaging, but not soul-crushing. Perfect for mid-game practice or casual runs.

• Soul Master: Focus on dodging spells; patience beats aggression.
  
• Broken Vessel: Predictable patterns make it easier than Lost Kin.
  
• Traitor Lord: A bit punishing at first, but manageable once you learn attack timing.
  

Tips: Keep calm, learn patterns, and enjoy the fights. These bosses are more about fun than frustration.

C-Tier Hollow Knight Bosses:

Entry-level bosses that are good for warming up. They provide challenges without punishing players too harshly.

• Dung Defender: Fun and quirky, easy to read attacks. Popular for casual and speedrun practice.
  
• Gruz Mother: Predictable and not overly damaging.
  
• Marmu: Short fight, mostly story filler, but still enjoyable.
  

Lore Notes: These bosses add charm and context to Hallownest, helping the world feel alive even if the fights aren’t brutal.

D-Tier Hollow Knight Bosses:

The weakest foes. Most are predictable, have simple patterns, and often exist just to fill out the game world.

• False Knight: Easy fight, but fun for early exploration.
  
• Vengefly King: Mostly nuisance enemies, minimal challenge.
  
• Gorb: Simple pattern, low threat, lore-light.
  

These fights are mostly for completionists or newcomers, providing a break from the tougher battles without significant stress.

Alternative Rankings:

Sometimes, looking at bosses from just one angle gives a better sense of their challenge or importance. While our main Hollow Knight Boss Tier List balances difficulty, lore, and fun, here’s another way to break things down:

Difficulty-Only Tier List (Hardest to Easiest):

If you just want to know which fights will push your skills to the limit, this ranking is for you:

• Absolute Radiance – Nothing compares to this nightmare.
  
• Pure Vessel – Lightning-fast attacks that punish mistakes instantly.
  
• Nightmare King Grimm – Brutal, unpredictable, and unforgiving.
  
• Lost Kin – Fast, relentless, but patterns are learnable.
  
• Hornet (2nd Fight) – Quick and tricky, but fair once you know her moves.
  
• Watcher Knights – Requires patience and timing for the group attacks.
  
• Soul Master / Broken Vessel – Mid-level challenge, manageable with practice.
  
• Dung Defender / Gruz Mother / Marmu – Fun fights, not overly punishing.
  
• False Knight / Vengefly King / Gorb – Entry-level bosses, easy to beat.
  

This list is perfect if your goal is testing your skills rather than story or lore.

Lore-Based Tier List (Most Significant to Least):

Some bosses are important because of the story they tell, not just the challenge they pose:

• Absolute Radiance – Central to Hallownest’s corruption and the game’s ending.
  
• Hollow Knight / Pure Vessel – Tied to the kingdom’s tragic history.
  
• Nightmare King Grimm – Optional, but adds a rich story about the Grimm Troupe.
  
• Hornet (2nd Fight) – Shows her role as protector and her personal growth.
  
• Watcher Knights – Guardians of the kingdom, representing Hallownest’s past discipline.
  
• Lost Kin / Broken Vessel – Reflect the failed experiments and consequences of Hallownest’s ambitions.
  
• Dung Defender / Soul Master – Fun lore moments with minor story impact.
  
• False Knight / Marmu / Gorb – Mostly world-building or filler.
  

This list is for players who care about Hallownest’s story and want to prioritize bosses that matter to the narrative.

Radiant / Ascended Boss Versions Ranking:

Many bosses have harder, radiant versions for those who really want a challenge:

• Absolute Radiance (Radiant) – The nightmare of nightmares.
  
• Pure Vessel (Radiant) – Every move faster, every mistake punished.
  
• Nightmare King Grimm (Radiant) – Perfect for speedrunners and masochists alike.
  
• Hornet / Lost Kin (Radiant) – Optional difficulty spikes for mastery runs.
  

These versions are mostly for veterans who want to push their skills even further.

Tips to Beat the Hardest Bosses:

If you’re taking on the S and A-tier bosses, get ready—these fights aren’t messing around. You’ll probably die a few times, maybe curse a little, but that’s part of the fun. Here’s some advice I’ve picked up from my own attempts and from other players to help you survive and finally beat these tough encounters.

General Advice:

• Stay calm: Panicking is the fastest way to die. Take a deep breath between attacks.
  
• Learn the patterns: Every S and A-tier boss has tells. Watch, wait, and strike at the right moment.
  
• Don’t be greedy: Hitting too much can leave you open. Prioritize survival over damage.
  
• Charm wisely: Some bosses become much easier with the right combo.
  

Equipment & Charm Recommendations:

• Quick Focus: Heal faster between attacks, especially helpful against S-Tier bosses like Pure Vessel.
  
• Dashmaster: Dodging becomes smoother, essential for Nightmare King Grimm.
  
• Shaman Stone: If you’re using spells, it amplifies damage, great against Absolute Radiance.
  
• Mark of Pride / Longnail: Extends Nail range, giving safer hits in tight fights.
  
• Grubsong: Helps maintain Soul for spells, particularly in longer fights.
  

Mini Strategy Guide for Key Bosses:

Pure Vessel:

• Focus on dodging first; Nail Arts and Shadow Dash are your best friends.
  
• Learn when it jumps or dashes—it telegraphs subtle clues before attacking.
  

Nightmare King Grimm:

• Keep moving. Jump over fire and thread attacks, and strike only when safe.
  
• Dashmaster or Quick Focus really help surviving long combos.
  

Absolute Radiance:

• Patience is everything. Rushing leads to instant death.
  
• Study the attack patterns for multiple attempts; survival is victory.
  

Lost Kin (A-Tier):

• Step back during dashes and bursts, then counterattack in small windows.
  
• Focus on rhythm rather than brute force.
  

Hornet (2nd Fight):

• Don’t get greedy; hit when she pauses.
  
• Use Nail arts carefully—jump attacks are risky if timed wrong.
  

Watcher Knights:

• Avoid hitting multiple enemies at once unless you’re ready to dodge immediately.
  
• Keep moving and exploit stagger windows.
  

Pro Tips from the Community:

• Speedrunners: Study video clips patterns are consistent, learning from them saves hours of trial and error.
  
• Forums & Reddit: Fans often share niche charm combos that make bosses much easier.
  
• Persistence over perfection: Sometimes surviving is better than perfect damage output; don’t get frustrated with repeated deaths.

Conclusion:

Ugh beating Hollow Knight bosses is a pain sometimes. I swear, Pure Vessel had me shouting at my screen so many times. Hornet too, she’s fast and tricky, and I kept messing up my timing. But somehow, when you finally beat one, it feels amazing. You really learn patience and when to just stop swinging and wait for the right moment.

This list? Honestly, it’s just my take. I know someone else might rank bosses totally differently. If you do, just type it in the comments. I actually like seeing how others see it.

Also, bookmark this page if you want. I’ll add new stuff when I figure out better strategies or hear tips from other players. Whether you’re just starting Hallownest or trying to master it, this should help you survive a few more boss fights, maybe even enjoy them a bit.

FAQ:

Q: What’s the hardest boss in Hollow Knight?
A: Oh man… that’s tough. Most people would say Absolute Radiance or Pure Vessel. I personally died so many times on Radiance I lost count. It’s not just fast; it’s relentless. Pure Vessel is brutal too, but once you get the rhythm, it’s a tiny bit more manageable.

Q: Who’s stronger, Pure Vessel or Absolute Radiance?
A: Depends on who you ask. Radiance hits like a truck and doesn’t stop. Pure Vessel is quicker and punishes mistakes super fast. For me, Radiance made me rage more, but Pure Vessel made me sweat every second.

Q: What’s the easiest boss in Hollow Knight?
A: False Knight, for sure. Maybe Vengefly King too. They’re super predictable and don’t really punish you unless you totally mess up. Perfect if you just want to practice Nail swings.

Q: How many bosses are there in Hollow Knight?
A: Okay, counting everything including optional and radiant ones… probably over 40. It’s crazy how many fights are packed into this game. Some are short and easy, others… not so much.

Q: Is Nightmare King Grimm harder than Radiance?
A: He can feel harder for some people. Grimm’s attacks are super fast and kind of unpredictable, especially if you’re trying to dodge everything. But honestly, Absolute Radiance is the real nightmare in terms of pattern memorization and endurance.