Hollow Knight: Best Charm Loadouts for Each Boss – A Tier List Guide

Introduction

In Hollow Kingdom of Hallownest, your nail is only as strong as the charms you equip. With over 40 charms and limited notches, choosing the right loadout can mean the difference between victory and a respawn at the last bench. This tier list breaks down the most effective charm combinations for every major boss encounter, from the humble Gruz Mother to the absolute Radiance. Whether you're a speedrunner or a completionist, these loadouts will help you conquer the kingdom.

S-Tier: Overwhelming Power

These charm combos trivialize most bosses and are essential for tough fights like the Radiance or Nightmare King Grimm. Unbreakable Strength + Quick Slash + Mark of Pride is the classic DPS build. Add Shaman Stone for spellcasters. Against Pure Vessel, use Sharp Shadow to dash through attacks. For the Pantheons, equip Grubsong + Dream Wielder to regain SOUL quickly.

Radiance Build

Shaman Stone – Boosts spell damage.
Spell Twister – Reduces SOUL cost.
Soul Catcher – Faster SOUL gain.
Grubsong – Extra SOUL when hit.

A-Tier: Excellent and Reliable

These loadouts offer great synergy for mid-game bosses like Broken Vessel or Soul Master. Fragile Strength (or Unbreakable) + Quick Focus lets you heal faster during staggers. For Dung Defender, use Defender's Crest to keep him staggered. A nail-focused build with Longnail and Steady Body works wonders against Crystal Guardian.

B-Tier: Solid but Situational

Useful against specific bosses. Thorns of Agony is decent early game but falls off. Weaver Song + Glowing Womb can distract The Collector. Deep Focus is powerful for healing, but costs too many notches for most fights. Hiveblood shines in the White Palace platforming sections.

C-Tier: Niche or Outclassed

Charms like Heavy Blow are rarely useful. Fury of the Fallen can be abused in speedruns but is risky normally. Dreamshield blocks weak projectiles but drains focus. Avoid these unless you have extra notches.

F-Tier: Never Use

Deep Focus is here purely because of its notch cost. Spore Shroom is a joke. Flukenest is decent but not top tier. Actually, Flukenest + Weaver Song is strong against stationary bosses, but usually outclassed. Honestly, no charm is truly F-tier if used creatively, but these are the least impactful.

Boss-Specific Recommendations

Nightmare King Grimm

Sharp Shadow – Dash through his attacks.
Unbreakable Strength – High nail damage.
Quick Slash – Faster hits.
Mark of Pride – Extended range.

Hollow Knight (Dream Form)

Shaman Stone – Abyss Shriek deals massive damage.
Spell Twister – More spells.
Soul Eater – Fast SOUL gain.
Grubsong – Safety net.

The Radiance

Shaman Stone
Spell Twister
Unbreakable Strength
Quick Slash

Adapt your loadout based on your playstyle. Remember, you can change charms at benches, so experiment! May your nail stay sharp and your soul remain unbroken.