Hollow Knight: Best Builds For Grimm

Conquering Grimm: Optimal Charm Builds for Hollow Knight's Troupe Master and Nightmare King

Grimm, a captivating antagonist in Hollow Knight, presents two formidable challenges: Troupe Master Grimm and Nightmare King Grimm. These encounters demand precise timing, skillful maneuvering, and strategic charm selection. All builds below require the Grimmchild charm (occupying two charm notches).

Troupe Master Grimm: Charm Strategies

This fight, while challenging, allows for a more methodical approach. Focus on exploiting openings rather than direct confrontation.

1. Nail Build: Maximize melee damage.

• Unbreakable/Fragile Strength: Essential for increased Nail damage.
• Quick Slash: Enables rapid attacks between Grimm's movements.
• Longnail: Extends Nail range, useful for hitting Grimm during certain attacks (e.g., Diving Dash, Uppercut). A viable alternative to Mark of Pride given Grimmchild's slot usage.
• Grimmchild: (Mandatory)

2. Spell Build: Prioritize spell damage.

• Shaman Stone: Significantly boosts spell damage.
• Grubsong: Maintains Soul supply for consistent spellcasting.
• Spell Twister: Increases spell casting speed.
• Unbreakable/Fragile Heart: Provides extra mask shards for spellcasting.
• Grimmchild: (Mandatory)

Nightmare King Grimm: Advanced Tactics

Nightmare King Grimm is significantly more aggressive, dealing double damage and possessing enhanced attacks, including a devastating flame pillar attack. Adaptability is key.

1. Hybrid Nail/Spell Build: Balance melee and spell damage.

• Unbreakable/Fragile Strength: Boosts Nail damage for crucial openings.
• Shaman Stone: Amplifies spell damage, especially for Abyss Shriek and Descending Dark.
• Mark of Pride: Increases Nail range for additional damage opportunities.
• Grimmchild: (Mandatory)

2. Defensive Spell/Nail Art Build: Emphasize survivability and strategic spellcasting.

• Grubsong: Sustains Soul for spells and Nail Arts.
• Sharp Shadow: Allows for safe dashes through attacks (requires Shade Cloak).
• Shaman Stone: Essential for maximizing spell damage.
• Spell Twister: Accelerates spell casting.
• Nailmaster's Glory: Boosts Nail Art damage, offering a viable alternative damage source.
• Grimmchild: (Mandatory)

Mastering these charm builds will significantly improve your chances of victory against both Troupe Master and Nightmare King Grimm. Remember to adapt your strategy based on your playstyle and the specific challenges each fight presents.