Grimm Builds Guide: Master the Nightmare's Challenge

Conquering Grimm: Optimal Charm Builds for Hollow Knight's Toughest Fights

Grimm, the enigmatic leader of the Grimm Troupe, presents two formidable challenges in Hollow Knight: Troupe Master Grimm and Nightmare King Grimm. These battles demand precision, reflexes, and strategic charm selection. This guide outlines the best charm builds for both encounters, assuming you've already acquired Grimmchild (a mandatory two-notch charm).

Troupe Master Grimm: Charm Builds

Troupe Master Grimm offers a faster-paced fight, emphasizing skillful dodging and precise attack windows. These builds provide the necessary edge:

1. Nail Build:

• Unbreakable/Fragile Strength (mandatory for increased Nail damage)
• Quick Slash (for rapid attacks between Grimm's moves)
• Longnail (extends Nail range, a viable alternative to Mark of Pride due to Grimmchild's two-notch requirement)
• Grimmchild (Mandatory)

This build maximizes Nail damage output, exploiting openings during the fight's slower moments. Aim for a Coiled Nail or Pure Nail for optimal damage.

2. Spell Build:

• Shaman Stone (mandatory for amplified spell damage)
• Grubsong (maintains Soul supply for consistent spell casting)
• Spell Twister (increases spell casting speed)
• Unbreakable/Fragile Heart (provides extra masks for spell usage)
• Grimmchild (Mandatory)

This build prioritizes spell damage, ideal for players who prefer ranged combat or find close-quarters combat challenging. Descending Dark and Abyss Shriek are particularly effective.

Defeating Troupe Master Grimm unlocks the final charm notch, crucial for the Nightmare King fight.

Nightmare King Grimm: Charm Builds

Nightmare King Grimm significantly increases the difficulty. He inflicts double damage, moves faster, and adds a devastating flame pillar attack. These builds offer the best chance of survival:

1. Hybrid Nail/Spell Build:

• Unbreakable/Fragile Strength (for increased Nail damage)
• Shaman Stone (mandatory for amplified spell damage)
• Mark of Pride (extends Nail range for crucial hits)
• Grimmchild (Mandatory)

This build balances Nail and spell damage, using Abyss Shriek and Descending Dark to exploit openings created by the flame pillar attack.

2. Defensive Spell/Nail Art Build:

• Grubsong (maintains Soul supply)
• Sharp Shadow (allows for quick dashes through attacks, assuming Shade Cloak is acquired)
• Shaman Stone (mandatory for amplified spell damage)
• Spell Twister (increases spell casting speed)
• Nailmaster's Glory (boosts Nail Art damage)
• Grimmchild (Mandatory)

This build focuses on defense and spell/Nail Art synergy. Sharp Shadow facilitates dodging, while Nailmaster's Glory makes Nail Arts a viable damage source.

These builds provide a solid foundation for tackling Grimm's challenging encounters. Remember that skillful dodging and precise timing remain paramount, regardless of your charm selection.