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Do not letHollow Knightfool you. Yes,the art style happens to turn bugsinto incredibly cute characters it’s impossible not to love. Yes, at its core there is a story with remarkable depth. But the truth is, beneath its adorable surface, it turns out thatHollow Knightis actually a really hard game! Luckily, nothing about that difficulty takes away from the incredible experience this game offers.
Players looking to test their mettle, and find out just how hardHollow Knightcan be, will likely find themselves at the entrance to the Colosseum of Fools. This three-tiered gauntlet will see the Knight testedunlike anywhere else in Hallownest.The Trial of the Conqueroris the second in three possible trials,The Trial of the Warrior,The Trial of the Conqueror&The Trial of the Fool.Related:Hidden Secrets Many Still Haven’t Found In Hollow Knight
How to Reach the Colosseum of Fools
The three trials take place in a ringed fighting pit known as the Colosseum of Fools. The arena sits high atop Kingdom’s Edge, an isolated outpost that holds aspecial place in this unique world.
How to Prepare for the Trial of the Conqueror
Because the Trial of the Conqueror is the second in a series of three trials, it can only be accessed aftercompleting the Trial of the Warrior. Before moving on to the next trial, consider doing the following:
There is no reason to take on the trials before being fully prepared. The pale ore needed to fully upgrade the nail is earned from this trial, so one step below will have to suffice for the Knight’s first time through. Once he is confident in his setup, simply pay the450 Geo and get ready to fight!
Make sure to equip charms at the bench before initiating the trial as the Knight will not have access after selecting “Yes.”
Choosing the Best Charms:
Like any other game with customizable equipment, what actually constitutes the ‘best’ combination of charmsis subjective. There are several important factors to consider when determining what works for the Trial of the Conqueror. These include nail form, available charms and charm slots, and preferred play style. Like so much else inHollow Knight,the best options for an individual player are found through trial and error. Here are some general thoughts:
As previously stated, it is nearly impossible to say any one combination is ‘best.‘With a total of 11 possible charms slots, it is up to each player to determine what is best for them.
Fighting Through the Trial of the Conqueror
This trial is made up of 17 total waves, some with multiple stages. The overall structure is similar to the Trial of the Warrior, so be prepared for enemies to be released from various locations.
Remember!Some stages will begin after onlypartiallycompleting the previous stage.It is possible to have enemiesfrom two separate stages on screen at once. Each wave is based on the changing structure.
Wave 1:
First Stage:The trial begins with a loneHeavy Fool.
Second Stage:TwoWinged Foolsenter from above, one to the left, one to the right.
Wave 2:
The second wave begins with three small platforms popping up.
Only Stage:TwoArmored Squit,one from the left, one from the right. Watch for the dual strike out the gate.
Only Stage:AWinged Fooland anArmored Squit.
Wave 5:
Wave five begins with six more small platforms extending up at various heights and locations. The stages of wave five happen in very quick succession.
First Stage:A singlePrimal Aspid(Flying enemies with bright orange torso) and anArmored Squit.Killing the aspid or the squit will initiate the next stage.
Second Stage:AnotherPrimal AspidandArmored Squit.
Third Stage:ThreeVolatile Grizzers(larger flying bug with trunk andorange infection oozing out of body). Be careful, these explode after death!
Fourth Stage:Two moreVolatile Grizzers.
Wave 6
Wave six begins with a new platform forming in the center, the ground is a bed of spikes.
First Stage:A singleHeavy Foolenters on the right side of the platform. It will charge straight off the platform if the Knight jumps at the right moment.
Second Stage:Many players have the runs ended here. ThreeBelfliesspawn above the center of the platform, not at once but in close succession. These are the tracking, exploding bat enemies. This is the first area where theMantis Clawis so important to this trial. Hanging on to the left wall will completely avoid all explosions.
Wave 7:
Wave seven makes the platform considerably smaller.
Only Stage:A singleBelflyattempts to catch the Knight on the center platform. Staying on the left wall will prevent this.
Wave 9:
Wave nine begins with the walls closing in.
Only Stage:AGreat Hopperis released. Use theHowling Wraithsspell if available, it will make quick work of the bouncing robo-spider-thing.
Do not be fooled by the trickyGrub Mimic.
Wave 11:
Wave eleven begins with the ceiling lifting and a single platform arriving in the center.
First Stage:TwoShielded Foolsand aWinged Fool
.
Second Stage:A soloWinged Foolis added when two enemies from stage one are killed.
Second Stage:A soloWinged Fool.
Wave 13:
Spikes emerge from the floor here in Wave thirteen. This is one of the trickiest sections due to the lack of any type of safe ground. The Knight must cling to thewalls with theMantis Clawwhile attacking mid-jump. Using bounce attacks from above can be particularly effective.
Second Stage:TwoArmored Squit.
Wave 14:
In wave fourteen, the walls return to their normal distance. Spikes remain on the ground with three small platforms above them.
Second Stage:A soloWinged Foolfollowed by twoArmored Squit.
Wave 15:
Wave fifteen sees the arena briefly return to its original state, followed by four small platforms rising up. After the second stage, spikes return to cover the floor.
First Stage:FourBattle Obble(the killer flying bowling balls).
Second Stage:Two moreBattle Obble.
Third Stage:Spikes are back on the floor. Three moreBattle Obbleenter the fray.
Wave 16:
Wave sixteen brings the ceiling back down to roughly 50% height. When fighting Battle Obbles, stand directly beneath them to avoid their projectiles.
Wave 17:
The ceiling raises slightly for the final wave.
Only Stage:The final wave consists of twoOblobbles,one coming from each corner. Once one is killed, the second becomes much more aggressive.
Rewards for Completing Trial of the Conqueror
Upon first completing the Trial of the Conqueror, the Knight will receive at least 2000 Geo and a single chunk of Pale Ore. Each subsequent completion will reward Geo, but nothing else.
Completing the trial will also award the player with the ‘Conqueror’achievement.
Hollow Knightis available now for PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC.
