Defeating Hornet in Greenpath is one of the most important milestones in Hollow Knight, as it grants you the Mothwing Cloak ability. With this air dash, previously unreachable gaps and vertical paths across Hallownest become fully accessible. Knowing where to venture next helps keep your journey smooth without getting lost in the expanding map.
Heading to the Fungal Wastes
The standard progression route after gaining the dash movement ability leads directly to the Fungal Wastes. You can reach this region by traveling down through the bottom-left sections of the Forgotten Crossroads or by cutting through parts of Fog Canyon. This fungal biome presents new platforming mechanics and introduces tougher enemies that test your agility.
While navigating through the area, keep an eye out for bouncy pink mushrooms that require a downward nail strike to launch higher. Exploring deep into this territory will eventually lead you to the Mantis Village.
Acquiring the Mantis Claw
Inside the Mantis Village, your main objective is to locate the Mantis Claw item. This crucial upgrade unlocks wall jumping, allowing you to scale sheer vertical shafts across every region. Mastering wall jumps drastically expands your mobility options and makes backtracking to earlier zones far more rewarding.
Once you possess the Mantis Claw, you can choose whether to challenge the Mantis Lords boss fight immediately. Many players prefer upgrading their weapon at the City of Tears before attempting this intense duel.
Unlocking the City of Tears
With both the Mothwing Cloak and Mantis Claw secured, you can proceed toward the capital city of Hallownest, known as the City of Tears. Inserting the City Crest into the massive gates connects the fungal caverns directly to the urban heart of the kingdom. Here, you can visit the Nailsmith to increase your weapon damage and store collected Geo safely with merchants.
Exploring the capital opens up multiple branching paths to late-game zones and key story objectives. It serves as the primary hub for mid-game progression, making it an essential destination for every adventurer.
Alternative Routes and Exploration Options
If you prefer an alternative exploration path, you can return to Dirtmouth and purchase the Lumafly Lantern from Sly's shop. This illumination tool allows you to safely enter dark passages like the pathway leading into Crystal Peak. Finding the right route depends on your playstyle, as Hallownest rewards curious players who systematically check open gaps marked on their map.
