Hollow Knight Charm Notch Locations Guide

The Knight may start as a capable warrior with basic spells and a trusty nail, but true power in Hallownest comes from mastering the art of Charms. These equippable items transform gameplay, allowing for diverse builds that can turn challenging areas into manageable paths and formidable bosses into conquerable foes. However, without sufficient Charm Notches, even the most powerful Charms remain locked away. Starting with only three Notches, players must seek out eight more scattered throughout the kingdom.

One of the most efficient ways to boost your Charm capacity is by visiting Salubra, the "Charm Lover," whose shop lies in the Forgotten Crossroads. After obtaining the Mothwing Cloak from Hornet in Greenpath and defeating the Gruz Mother, head southeast to find a dash-accessible gap leading to her establishment. Salubra offers four Charm Notches for sale, though each requires owning a specific number of Charms first. This makes her shop a mid-game priority for those looking to expand their build options quickly.

Venturing into Fog Canyon reveals another Notch, hidden beneath the Stone Sanctuary. This area demands Isma's Tear, acquired after besting the Dung Defender in Royal Waterways and discovering Isma's Grove. Northeast of Fog Canyon, a small opening in the left wall leads to a maze-like chamber filled with Oomas and acid pools. With Isma's Tear allowing safe passage through acid, navigate the hazards to claim the Notch at the arena's end.

The Fungal Wastes host a mini-boss encounter that rewards a Charm Notch. Near the top Bench and the entrance to Fog Canyon, an arena pits the Knight against two Shrumal Ogres. These fungal giants attack with venom sprays and body slams, requiring precise jumps and dashes to evade. Strategic use of the nail, Desolate Dive, or Descending Dark can turn the tide, with the Notch as a prize for victory.

For those seeking a greater challenge, the Colosseum of Fools in Kingdom's Edge offers the Trial of the Warrior. This 100 Geo entry fee gauntlet tasks players with surviving waves of foes like Vengefly Kings, Sturdy Fools, and Primal Aspids. Completion not only brings Geo and acclaim but also a valuable Charm Notch, making it an essential stop for combat enthusiasts.

The Grimm Troupe DLC introduces a final Notch through a questline that begins with summoning the troupe to Dirtmouth. After equipping a special Charm to gather flames across Hallownest, players face Troupe Master Grimm in a demanding boss battle. Victory here secures the last Charm Notch, cementing the Knight's status as a master of Charms. With all eleven Notches collected, the full potential of Hallownest's arsenal is unlocked, ready for any challenge ahead.

This overview is based on research highlighted by Gamasutra (Game Developer), a leading source for insights into game design and player engagement. Their articles often explore how mechanics like Hollow Knight's Charm Notch system encourage exploration and experimentation, rewarding players who adapt their strategies and seek out hidden content throughout the game world.