Conquering Grimm: Optimal Charm Builds for Hollow Knight's Toughest Fights
Grimm, the enigmatic leader of the Grimm Troupe, presents two of Hollow Knight's most challenging encounters: Troupe Master Grimm and Nightmare King Grimm. These battles demand precise timing, skillful maneuvering, and strategic charm selection. All builds below require Grimmchild (2 charm notches).
Troupe Master Grimm: Charm Build Strategies
Troupe Master Grimm offers a faster-paced fight, emphasizing precise attacks during brief openings.
Nail Build:
- Unbreakable/Fragile Strength
- Quick Slash
- Longnail
- Grimmchild (Mandatory)
This build maximizes nail damage. Quick Slash allows for rapid attacks between Grimm's movements. Longnail compensates for the lack of Mark of Pride (due to Grimmchild). Prioritize a Coiled or Pure Nail for sufficient damage output.
Spell Build:
- Shaman Stone
- Grubsong
- Spell Twister
- Unbreakable/Fragile Heart
- Grimmchild (Mandatory)
This build focuses on spell damage. Shaman Stone significantly boosts spell power, while Spell Twister facilitates rapid spell casting. Grubsong maintains your soul supply, and Unbreakable/Fragile Heart provides extra health for survivability. Utilize Descending Dark, Abyss Shriek, and Shade Soul for optimal damage.
Nightmare King Grimm: Charm Build Strategies
Nightmare King Grimm is significantly more aggressive, dealing double damage and possessing enhanced attacks. A hybrid approach proves most effective.
Optimal Build:
- Unbreakable/Fragile Strength
- Shaman Stone
- Mark of Pride
- Grimmchild (Mandatory)
This hybrid build combines nail and spell damage. Shaman Stone amplifies spell damage, while Unbreakable/Fragile Strength and Mark of Pride boost nail attacks for damage between spell casts. Prioritize Abyss Shriek and Descending Dark.
Alternate (Defensive) Build:
- Grubsong
- Sharp Shadow
- Shaman Stone
- Spell Twister
- Nailmaster's Glory
- Grimmchild (Mandatory)
This defensive build utilizes spells and nail arts. Shaman Stone and Spell Twister enhance spell damage, while Grubsong maintains soul reserves. Sharp Shadow (with Shade Cloak) allows for evasive maneuvers, and Nailmaster's Glory boosts nail art damage for consistent chipping.
