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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesAfter defeating Soul Master in Hollow Knight’s Soul Sanctum, collect Desolate Dive and use it to explore routes blocked by breakable floors. You can continue exploring the City of Tears or another area open in your save; there is no single required next destination. For an optional boss rematch, use the Dream Nail on Soul Master’s corpse to enter the Soul Tyrant fight.
Claim Desolate Dive and explore Soul Sanctum
Soul Master’s final defeat grants the Desolate Dive spell and opens additional rooms in Soul Sanctum. The spell lets you slam into certain breakable floors, so revisit places where you noticed cracked ground and look for newly reachable passages.
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The Hollow Knight Wiki also lists a reward of 380 Geo for defeating Soul Master. Treat that as the game’s listed in-game bounty, not as a recurring or real-world statistic.
Choose an onward route through Hallownest
Once you have Desolate Dive, continue through the City of Tears or pursue another route already available in your save. Your best next stop depends on which areas and abilities you have unlocked; the game does not require one fixed order.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
If you have not upgraded your Nail
Consider visiting the Nailsmith on the west side of the City of Tears. A Nail upgrade can help with later fights, but it is an option rather than a prerequisite for continuing.
If you want to keep exploring the city
The City Storerooms Stag Station is also on the west side and can make travel through the city more convenient. On the east side, further areas include Watcher’s Spire and the Watcher Knights. Explore those when they fit your route and readiness; they are not mandatory immediate stops after Soul Master.
Rank #2
- 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.
Use Desolate Dive to check blocked routes
When you encounter a floor that looks cracked or otherwise breakable, try Desolate Dive there. Its practical value after the boss is opening routes that were previously inaccessible, rather than pointing you toward one specific destination.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Decide whether to challenge Soul Tyrant
Soul Tyrant is an optional dream-boss rematch, not the required next step in the main exploration route. To start it, return to Soul Master’s corpse and strike it with the Dream Nail. The rematch is stronger and faster than the original fight, so you can leave it for later and continue exploring if you prefer.
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Best Value
- Includes Base Game
- Search the remnants of an age-old intergalactic conflict, started long before your arrival, and discover new powers and abilities
- Master the fluid combat and combine powerful skills to create a playstyle of your own
- Team up with PUCK, and dive deeper into the maze of a mysterious alien world
Rank #4
- Includes four giant bonus content packs: Hidden Dreams, The Grimm Troupe, Lifeblood, and Godmaster
- Classic side-scrolling action, with all modern trimmings
- Tightly tuned 2D controls. Dodge, dash, and slash your way through even the most deadly adversaries
- Explore a vast interconnected world of forgotten highways, overgrown wilds, and ruined cities
- 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
Rank #3
- Discover the fallen insect kingdom of Pharloom! Explore mossy grottos, gilded cities and misted moors as you ascend to the shining citadel at the top of the world.
- Engage in lethal acrobatic action! Wield a huge suite of deadly moves as you dance between foes in swift, beautiful combat.
- Craft powerful tools! Master an ever-expanding arsenal of weapons, traps, and mechanisms to vanquish your enemies and explore new heights.
- Solve shocking quests! Hunt down rare beasts and solve ancient mysteries to grant the wishes of the downtrodden and restore the kingdom’s hope.
- Face over 200 ferocious foes! Beasts and hunters, monsters and knights. Defeat them all with bravery and skill!
| Option | Objective | What you need | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main exploration | Open and explore more of Hallownest | Desolate Dive for routes through certain breakable floors | Flexible onward routes through the City of Tears and other areas available in your save |
| Soul Tyrant | Take on an optional dream-boss rematch | Use the Dream Nail on Soul Master’s corpse | A stronger, faster fight than the original encounter |
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