Best Charm Builds For Troupe Master Grimm
Grimm is a standout character in Hollow Knight, renowned for his enigmatic charm and cool aesthetic. As the leader of the Grimm Troupe, he captivates the Knight on a quest to save Hallownest, providing a compelling side narrative that adds depth to the game's rich storyline. Facing Grimm is an essential part of the journey, requiring players to battle him at least once to unlock the challenging Nightmare King Grimm fight within the Grimm Troupe DLC. Both encounters are some of the most demanding in Hollow Knight, demanding precision, quick reflexes, and a strategic approach to conquer the "death dance." The right charm combinations are crucial for success in these battles.
For both Troupe Master and Nightmare King Grimm fights, players must equip the Grimmchild charm, which occupies two charm notches. Below, we'll explore the best charm builds tailored for each encounter.
Nail Build
Troupe Master Grimm introduces players to his basic moveset and attack patterns, setting the stage for a fast-paced, dance-like combat experience. Rather than brute force, this fight demands elegance and strategic timing to exploit windows of opportunity. The following charm build focuses on maximizing Nail damage to navigate this challenging encounter successfully.
- Unbreakable/Fragile Strength - Essential for increasing Nail damage, making every hit count.
- Quick Slash - Allows for quicker attacks, helping players land more hits between Grimm's attacks.
- Longnail - Extends the range of Nail attacks, useful for hitting Grimm during the tail end of his moves like the Diving Dash and Uppercut.
- Grimmchild (Mandatory) - Required to access the boss fight, taking up two charm notches.
This build is particularly effective as the fight's pace allows for a Nail-focused strategy. Players should aim to have at least the Coiled Nail or the Pure Nail to effectively chip away at Grimm's health. While the Mark of Pride charm typically boosts range, Longnail serves as a viable alternative due to the Grimmchild's notch requirement.
Spell Build
For those who prefer spellcasting or are less confident with Nail combat, a spell-focused build offers a potent alternative to swiftly defeat Troupe Master Grimm. By this stage, players should have access to the Descending Dark, Abyss Shriek, and Shade Soul spells, which are crucial for tackling tough bosses.
- Shaman Stone - A must-have for spell builds, significantly boosting spell damage.
- Grubsong - Helps maintain a full Soul gauge by generating Soul on hits, vital for continuous spell use.
- Spell Twister - Reduces the Soul cost of spells, allowing more frequent casting.
- Unbreakable/Fragile Heart - Provides additional health, allowing for more aggressive spell usage.
- Grimmchild (Mandatory) - Required for the fight, occupying two charm notches.
This build leverages the power of spells to deal significant damage. Shaman Stone amplifies spell damage, while Spell Twister and Grubsong ensure players can cast spells frequently. The extra health from Unbreakable/Fragile Heart allows for more daring maneuvers, focusing on spellcasting without worrying too much about incoming damage.
Best Charm Builds For Nightmare King Grimm
Nightmare King Grimm takes the challenge to another level. He inflicts double damage, moves at an increased speed, and introduces new attacks, including flame pillars that can be exploited for massive burst damage with Abyss Shriek. Here are the best charm builds to conquer this formidable foe.
Best Build
A pure Nail build is less effective against Nightmare King Grimm due to his increased speed and damage. A hybrid Nail/Spell build is more suitable, capitalizing on the power of Abyss Shriek and Descending Dark.
- Unbreakable/Fragile Strength - Boosts Nail damage for crucial hits.
- Shaman Stone - Essential for maximizing spell damage.
- Mark of Pride - Increases the range of Nail attacks, useful for safe hits.
- Grimmchild (Mandatory) - Required to access the boss fight, taking up two charm notches.
This build balances Nail and spell damage, allowing players to deal significant damage when opportunities arise. Shaman Stone ensures spells are potent, while Unbreakable/Fragile Strength and Mark of Pride enhance the Nail's effectiveness during windows where spellcasting is risky.
Alternate Build
For a more defensive approach, this build focuses on spellcasting and underutilized Nail Arts, providing tools to evade Nightmare King Grimm's lethal attacks.
- Grubsong - Generates Soul on hits, crucial for continuous spell use.
- Sharp Shadow - Allows for damaging dashes through Nightmare King Grimm's attacks with the Shade Cloak.
- Shaman Stone - Boosts spell damage significantly.
- Spell Twister - Reduces the Soul cost of spells, enabling frequent casting.
- Nailmaster's Glory - Enhances Nail Arts, making them a viable damage source.
- Grimmchild (Mandatory) - Required to access the fight, occupying two charm notches.
This build emphasizes a defensive strategy, utilizing spells and Nail Arts to chip away at Nightmare King Grimm's health. Grubsong ensures a steady supply of Soul, while Sharp Shadow and Nailmaster's Glory provide unique ways to deal damage and evade attacks, making this a versatile approach to tackling one of Hollow Knight's toughest challenges.
