Hollow Knight’s four free content packs are included in the game, but they do not all begin the same way. Hidden Dreams and Lifeblood are woven into normal play; to start The Grimm Troupe, light the Nightmare Lantern in Howling Cliffs; to enter Godmaster, unlock the Godseeker’s coffin in the Junk Pit and use the Dream Nail on her.
Are Hollow Knight’s DLCs separate downloads?
No. Team Cherry describes Hidden Dreams, The Grimm Troupe, Lifeblood, and Godmaster as free content packs included in Hollow Knight’s updated game content. They are not four separate paid add-ons with their own start buttons. Their features range from boss fights and upgrades to quests and endgame challenges. See Team Cherry’s official Hollow Knight site for the pack descriptions.
That distinction explains why two packs have no obvious entrance: their content is integrated into the game. The other two have hidden in-game entry points. You do not need to finish the main story before seeking out The Grimm Troupe, and Team Cherry says Hidden Dreams is accessible at any point in a playthrough. Godmaster is aimed at endgame challenge, but the available official announcement describes its difficulty rather than requiring completion of the main story.
How to access each Hollow Knight content pack
| Pack | How it starts | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Hidden Dreams | Integrated into normal play | Explore; its additions include encounters, a hidden Stag Station, and the Dream Gate upgrade. |
| The Grimm Troupe | Light the Nightmare Lantern | Find the hidden room in Howling Cliffs, then return to Dirtmouth. |
| Lifeblood | Integrated into normal play | Explore and progress through the game; there is no separate quest activation. |
| Godmaster | Unlock the Godseeker’s coffin, then use the Dream Nail | Find the Junk Pit through Royal Waterways; a Simple Key is required. |
Hidden Dreams: explore rather than search for a trigger
There is no single place to activate Hidden Dreams. Team Cherry says it is accessible at any point, whether you are starting a new game or pursuing completion. Keep exploring and use the Dream Gate upgrade when you obtain it; the pack also adds two warrior encounters and a hidden Stag Station. Team Cherry’s launch post identified game version 1.1.1.4 as the update containing Hidden Dreams. Its old platform-specific update directions are historical and should not be treated as current installation instructions.
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The Grimm Troupe: light the Nightmare Lantern in Howling Cliffs
- In Howling Cliffs, find and break the wall that opens into a room with a corpse and an unlit brazier.
- Strike the corpse with the Dream Nail, then light the Nightmare Lantern.
- Return to Dirtmouth, where the Troupe appears, to begin the quest.
Team Cherry’s official description says to light the Lantern to summon the Troupe and notes that the quest can be accessed at any point in the journey. The specific route through the hidden room is detailed in a Steam community guide.
Lifeblood: no quest or separate start point
Lifeblood is an integrated update, not a separate quest to activate. Its additions include a new boss, an upgraded boss, custom map markers, balance changes, bug fixes, and performance improvements. Encounter its new content through ordinary exploration and progression. Team Cherry’s launch post listed platform update procedures for the versions available at that time; those directions may not reflect current platform support.
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- Classic side-scrolling action, with all the modern trimmings.
- Forge your own path! The world of Hallownest is expansive and open. Choose which paths you take, which enemies you face and find your own way forward.
- Evolve with powerful new skills and abilities! Gain spells, strength and speed. Leap to new heights on ethereal wings. Dash forward in a blazing flash. Blast foes with fiery Soul!
- Equip Charms! Ancient relics that offer bizarre new powers and abilities. Choose your favorites and make your journey unique!
- An enormous cast of cute and creepy characters all brought to life with traditional 2D frame-by-frame animation.
Godmaster: reach the Godseeker’s coffin in the Junk Pit
- Get a Simple Key. Any Simple Key works; the extra key associated with Godmaster is not mandatory if you already have one.
- In Royal Waterways, find and break the hidden wall above Flukemarm’s arena, then follow the rooms to the Junk Pit.
- Use the Simple Key on the large golden coffin to release the Godseeker. She drops the Godtuner.
- Use the Dream Nail on the Godseeker to enter Godhome.
This route is documented in the maintained Hollow Knight Wiki. Team Cherry’s Godmaster announcement describes the pack as a demanding final chapter, but its launch post does not give the route. Godhome is where you take on the Pantheons and other endgame activities.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do you need to beat the game first?
No main-story completion requirement is stated for starting these packs. Hidden Dreams is accessible at any point, and Team Cherry says the Grimm Troupe quest can be accessed at any point in the journey. Lifeblood is integrated into normal play. Godmaster is an endgame challenge, so it may suit a later stage of progression, but its challenging nature is not the same as a stated requirement to finish the main story first.
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- Classic side-scrolling action, with all the modern trimmings. Dodge, dash and slash your way through even the most deadly adversaries.
- Tightly tuned 2D controls. Dodge, dash and slash your way through even the most deadly adversaries.
- Forge your own path! The world of Hallownest is expansive and open. Choose which paths you take, which enemies you face and find your own way forward.
- An enormous cast of cute and creepy characters all brought to life with traditional 2D frame-by-frame animation.
- Leap into minds with the Dream Nail. Uncover a whole other side to the characters you meet and the enemies you face.
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- Classic side-scrolling action, with all the modern trimmings. Dodge, dash and slash your way through even the most deadly adversaries.
- Tightly tuned 2D controls. Dodge, dash and slash your way through even the most deadly adversaries.
- Forge your own path! The world of Hallownest is expansive and open. Choose which paths you take, which enemies you face and find your own way forward.
- An enormous cast of cute and creepy characters all brought to life with traditional 2D frame-by-frame animation.
- Leap into minds with the Dream Nail. Uncover a whole other side to the characters you meet and the enemies you face.
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