Conquering Grimm: Optimal Charm Builds for Hollow Knight's Toughest Fights

Grimm, a captivating antagonist in Hollow Knight, presents two formidable challenges: Troupe Master Grimm and Nightmare King Grimm. These battles demand precision, reflexes, and strategic charm selection. All builds require the two-notch Grimmchild charm.

Troupe Master Grimm: Charm Builds

This fight, while challenging, is slower-paced than Nightmare King Grimm, allowing for more deliberate attacks.

Nail Build:

• Unbreakable/Fragile Strength (mandatory for increased Nail damage)
• Quick Slash (for faster attacks)
• Longnail (extends Nail range, a good alternative to Mark of Pride given Grimmchild's two-notch cost)
• Grimmchild (Mandatory)

This build maximizes Nail damage, exploiting openings between Grimm's attacks. Aim for a Coiled Nail or Pure Nail for optimal damage output.

Spell Build:

• Shaman Stone (mandatory for amplified spell damage)
• Grubsong (maintains Soul supply)
• Spell Twister (faster spell casting)
• Unbreakable/Fragile Heart (increased health for spell-focused gameplay)
• Grimmchild (Mandatory)

This build utilizes powerful spells like Descending Dark and Abyss Shriek. Grubsong compensates for the riskier nature of spell-based combat.

Defeating Troupe Master Grimm unlocks the final charm notch, crucial for Nightmare King Grimm builds.

Nightmare King Grimm: Charm Builds

Nightmare King Grimm is significantly faster and more aggressive, dealing double damage. His flame pillar attack presents a key vulnerability.

Optimal Hybrid Build:

• Unbreakable/Fragile Strength (increased damage)
• Shaman Stone (amplified spell damage)
• Mark of Pride (extends Nail range for crucial hits)
• Grimmchild (Mandatory)

This build balances Nail attacks with powerful spells like Abyss Shriek and Descending Dark, capitalizing on Shaman Stone's damage boost.

Defensive Spell/Nail Art Build:

• Grubsong (sustained Soul supply)
• Sharp Shadow (dash through attacks and deal damage)
• Shaman Stone (amplified spell damage)
• Spell Twister (faster spell casting)
• Nailmaster's Glory (boosts Nail Art damage)
• Grimmchild (Mandatory)

This defensive strategy combines spells with Nail Arts, utilizing Sharp Shadow for evasive maneuvers and Nailmaster's Glory for increased Nail Art effectiveness. Grubsong ensures consistent Soul for spells. This build requires Shade Cloak.

These builds provide a solid foundation for tackling Hollow Knight's most challenging boss encounters. Remember to adapt your strategy based on your playstyle and comfort level.