What is the hardest achievement in Hollow Knight?
The hardest achievement in Hollow Knight is generally considered to be Embrace the Void, earned by completing the Pantheon of Hallownest from the Godmaster update. It is a boss rush through nearly every boss in the game, ending with Absolute Radiance, with only a few short healing breaks and no saves along the way. Steel Soul (finishing the game in permadeath mode) and the speedrun achievements are also very demanding.
The toughest achievements
- Embrace the Void — clear the Pantheon of Hallownest. A full run takes a long time, and one mistake near the end sends you back to the start.
- Steel Soul — finish the game in Steel Soul mode, where dying once deletes the save.
- Speedrun 2 — beat the game in under 5 hours (Speedrun 1 is under 10 hours), which requires a planned route.
- Completion achievements — reaching 100% or more requires exploring the whole map, collecting charms and beating optional bosses.
How to prepare for Pantheon 5
- Beat every boss in Hall of Gods on Ascended difficulty to learn the patterns.
- Clear Pantheons 1–4 first.
- Pick a reliable charm setup (for example, Quick Slash, Unbreakable Strength and Mark of Pride for nail builds, or spell builds with Shaman Stone).
- Practice the late gauntlet — Pure Vessel and Absolute Radiance — separately.
FAQ
What is the hardest boss in Hollow Knight?
Absolute Radiance at the end of the Pantheon, plus Nightmare King Grimm and Pure Vessel, are usually called the hardest.
Can you get all achievements in one playthrough?
Mostly, except Steel Soul, which needs its own permadeath save, and speedrun achievements, which are easier on a dedicated run.
Is Pantheon 5 required for 112%?
Generally no — the extra percentage comes from Pantheons 1–4 and other Godmaster content, while the Pantheon of Hallownest is its own achievement.
How long does it take to 100% Hollow Knight?
Typically 40–60 hours for most players.
Is Hollow Knight very hard?
It is challenging but fair; the main story is manageable, while optional content like the Pantheons is very difficult.