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Grimm, the enigmatic and stylish leader of the Grimm Troupe, is a beloved figure in Hollow Knight and the broader metroidvania genre. Throughout the Knight's quest to save Hallownest, Grimm offers a captivating side quest that provides closure to the adventures of the Grimm Troupe. This journey involves facing Grimm in battle, first as Troupe Master Grimm, and then in a more challenging form as Nightmare King Grimm, to complete the Grimm Troupe DLC. These encounters rank among the game's toughest, demanding precise movements, quick reflexes, and unwavering determination. To conquer these battles, selecting the right charm combinations is crucial.
For all charm builds in these fights, players must equip Grimmchild, which occupies two charm notches.
Best Charm Builds For Troupe Master Grimm
Facing Troupe Master Grimm provides the first opportunity to understand his attack patterns and movements. This battle is fast-paced, resembling a dance more than a brawl, requiring elegance and strategic timing over brute force. Here are some charm builds that can help you master this challenging encounter.
Successfully defeating Troupe Master Grimm unlocks the final Charm Notch, which is essential for the optimal builds against Nightmare King Grimm.
Nail Build
- Unbreakable/Fragile Strength
- Quick Slash
- Longnail
- Grimmchild (Mandatory)
This build maximizes damage output with the Nail during Grimm's brief moments of vulnerability. Given that this fight is slower than the Nightmare King version, a Nail-focused build can be effective for landing multiple hits, thanks to Quick Slash.
Unbreakable or Fragile Strength is essential for boosting Nail damage. Aim to have at least the Coiled Nail or Pure Nail to effectively reduce Grimm's health.
Although Nail builds often include Mark of Pride, Longnail serves as a good substitute here due to Grimmchild occupying two charm slots. While Longnail offers slightly less range than Mark of Pride, it helps in hitting Grimm at the tail end of his attacks, such as the Diving Dash and Uppercut.
Spell Build
- Shaman Stone
- Grubsong
- Spell Twister
- Unbreakable/Fragile Heart
- Grimmchild (Mandatory)
Ideal for players who prefer spell-based combat or are less confident with the Nail, this build leverages the power of spells like Descending Dark, Abyss Shriek, and Shade Soul to quickly defeat Grimm.
Shaman Stone is a must-have for any spell-focused build, significantly enhancing spell damage. Combined with Spell Twister, it allows for frequent spell casts, recharging Soul through Nail hits.
Since dodging can be challenging, Grubsong helps maintain a healthy Soul gauge. Unbreakable/Fragile Heart adds extra masks, freeing up Soul for spell usage.
Best Charm Builds For Nightmare King Grimm
Nightmare King Grimm presents a much more formidable challenge than his Troupe Master counterpart. He inflicts double damage, moves at a blistering pace, and introduces new attacks with flame trails that also deal double damage. His new flame pillar attack, however, can be exploited for high burst damage with Abyss Shriek. Here are the top charm builds to tackle this daunting metroidvania boss.
Best Build
- Unbreakable/Fragile Strength
- Shaman Stone
- Mark of Pride
- Grimmchild (Mandatory)
A pure Nail build is less effective against Nightmare King Grimm. Instead, a hybrid Nail/Spell build maximizes the potential of Abyss Shriek and Descending Dark.
Shaman Stone is essential for increasing spell damage, while Unbreakable/Fragile Strength and Mark of Pride enhance Nail attacks during moments when casting spells is risky or impossible.
Alternate Build
- Grubsong
- Sharp Shadow
- Shaman Stone
- Spell Twister
- Nailmaster's Glory
- Grimmchild (Mandatory)
This more defensive build focuses on spells and the often-overlooked Nail Arts, while providing means to evade Nightmare King Grimm's deadly attacks. Shaman Stone and Spell Twister remain crucial for boosting spell damage.
Grubsong ensures a steady Soul supply, while Sharp Shadow, paired with the Shade Cloak, allows players to dash through Grimm's attacks and deal damage. Nailmaster's Glory enhances the effectiveness of Nail Arts, making them a potent tool against Nightmare King Grimm when combined with strategic spell use.
