 In wilds beyond, they speak your name with reverence and regret. For none could tame our savage souls, yet you the challenge met. Under palest watch you taught we changed, base instincts were redeemed, a world you gave to bug and beast as they had never dreamed." Elegy of Hollow Nest from Monoman the Teacher. Okay. So I haven't seen that because I skipped it to test the mod. But something's afoot. I wonder, if we're bugs, does that make those tiny fireflies even bugger bugs, like smaller bugs? There we go. Yeah. Here we are. Woo! So, I tested the mod and I have a yellow cloak because that was the easiest thing to do in a short amount of time as a recolor. So I have a yellow cloak. I do plan on doing a full, total, like, respriting of the sheet, but that's gonna take a while. Higher beings, these words are for you alone. The great strength marks you among us. Focus your soul and you shall achieve feats of which others can only dream. Collect soul by striking your enemies. Once enough soul is collected, hold B to focus soul and heal. Okay. Alright. Hello world, I'm here to destroy you. I don't know why I'm hitting these things, it just feels good. Higher beings, these words are for you alone. Beyond this point, you enter the land of king and creator. Step across this threshold and obey your hour laws. Bear witness to the last and only civilization, the eternal kingdom, Alonest. Okay. Yeah, this is some of the scenery that I saw, that I drew the preview with. It's so pretty. Dirt mouth, the fading town. Hello. Oh, they're traveling. They're traveling. I'm afraid there's only me left to offer welcome. Our towns fall in quiet, you see. The other residents, they've all disappeared, headed down that well one by one into the caverns below. Used to be there was a great kingdom beneath our town. It's long fell to ruin, yet it still draws folks into its depths. Wealth, glory, enlightenment. That darkness seems to promise all things. I'm sure you too seek your dreams down there. Well, watch out. It's a sticky air that fills the place. Creatures turn mad and travelers are robbed of their memories. Perhaps dreams aren't such great things after all. Many used to come hoping the kingdom would fulfill their desires. Alonest, it was once called supposedly the greatest kingdom there ever was, full of treasure and secrets. Hmm. Now it's nothing more than a poisonous tomb full of monsters and madness. Everything fades eventually, I suppose. Feeling tired? That bench may be iron, but I assure you it's quite comfortable. There's no place to collect your thoughts before heading below. Plus, I enjoy the company. Not that you seem the talkative sort. Yeah. Okay, so I guess this is our bonfire. I guess this is the well. I didn't see what else. Hold on. Let me see what else. Eh. Eh. Well, I guess I'm down here now. So it seems like focus or soul is a renewable resource and it's not actually items I collect. Oh, the temple of the black egg. Hello there. How delightful to meet another trap on these forgotten roads. No short one, but you have a strong look about you. I'm quarreled. I have something of an obsession with uncharted places. This ancient kingdom holds many fascinating mysteries and one of the most intriguing of them is standing right before us. Oh, that was in the opening cutscene. A great stone egg lying in the corpse of an ancient kingdom and this egg, is it one? It certainly gives off a unique air. Can it be opened? There are strange marks all over it. I do so love a mystery and who knows what other marvels lie even deeper below us. For so long I've felt drawn here, so many tales full of wonders and horrors, no longer could I resist. I just had to see it for myself. And what a time I chose to arrive. This dead world has sprung to life. The creatures are riled up and the earth rumbles. The air is thick. I wonder what could have brought this all about. To preserve this ruin, the old nail alone just won't be enough. Though that's no problem, one only has to look around. Plenty have come before us and most have met their grisly end. Many more equipped than you and I. I'm sure they wouldn't mind where a fellow explorer to relieve them of their tools. It's a kindness really that Ed should be burned in with such things. I like that sentiment. Did you pass the town above? Not really. What a gloomy little place and such majesty hidden right beneath. I suppose that's why they've all headed down here who could resist such possibilities. True marvel. I've never been here. That's for sure. Hello. You are not friendly. Why are you right? Why are you? Just exploring and no, I was planning on just sitting here. Oh, hello. Sir? I'd like to help. Oh, he's missing his grubs. I see. Okay. Gonna bring all his grubs back. What is down here? But more falling. Hello. Hello there. Come down to explore these beautiful old ruins. Don't mind me. I have a fondness for exploring myself. Getting lost and finding your way again is a pleasure like no other. We're exquisitely lucky you and I. I'm a cartographer by trade, and I'm working on mapping this area right now. Would you like to buy a copy of my work so far? Oh, yeah, that's hella cheap. Yeah, dude. Thank you. A map can be a useful thing, but it alone won't show you where you are. If you're not the head for directions, I suggest purchasing a compass from my wife, Iselda. She's just now opening our new map shop in Dirtmouth, selling all sorts of useful things to wanderers like yourself. She'll even sell some of my old maps from time to time. I'll pop back to see her whenever I finish mapping an area. She's always so excited to see me. Okay. Okay, sweet. Okay. Okay, we can swim. Always nice. Oh, it restores soul. That's so nice. Aw, this game's really pretty. Ooh, door with an open slot. Okay. God, I really like the design of this. Wow, this looks so nice. I really like this, like, gothic Victorian style the game has going for it. It is so good. I hear you. I'm looking for you, buddy. Yeah, there it is. Found ya. Oh, this is where the knight thing is. Probably not. No, this doesn't look like knight material. Oh, there it is. Okay. Yeah, your head looks false knight. Yeah, you look more like the thing on the map. Oh, okay. There's contact damage. That's good to know. Oh, get cheeky. Here we are. Show your face. Yes, yes. Yes, I know you're upset. I know you're upset. Oh, goodbye, sir. Got him. First try. Falsehood city crest. You are not as cute as you once were. Wow, okay. What is that? Ooh, that quill cannot be updated. I don't like that. That sounds ominous. Look at that. Hello. Ooh. Come to buy a map, have you? It's really my husband you should be dealing with. But what a surprise. He's headed down below. He'll pop back occasionally to deliver new maps for the store. But I do wish he'd spend a little more time up here. I've not much interest in retail myself. Now, let's see what's here for me to sell. Oh, that quill. Okay. You'll need this if you want to update your map with new areas as you explore. Yeah, let's get it. Hello. Oh. Oh, thank you. God, they're so... Have you ever seen anything more adorable? God, the sounds, the design. So cute. Ghosts. I see. This is Pac-Man's lair. I guess I can't go here yet. Ghosts is closed. Aw, man. It's my favorite ride. Ghosts. Oh. Oh. Hello. Ah! What are you off? You wield your nails like a club. Esme, how much deeper do we have to go? What? Who are you? I see this old village. What a strange dream. To have led me down here. If you hadn't found me, I don't think I would have ever awoken. I'm sly. Usually I live in an uneventful life up in the dirt mouth. The air in these ruins don't agree with me. So I'd best be getting back. If you were to turn above, come and see me. I'll probably have the friendliest face left there. And I can thank you properly for your good deed. Huh. You're exploring then. Very brave. Very brave. Plenty of courageous wonders have been lost to the hunger of these old caverns. You have your nail though. I can tell just by looking at you, that you know how to wield it. Mmm. Mmm. Nail. Nail you know how to use. Night of Hollow you are. Help you I will. Mmm. Mmm. Disgusting these things are. Mmm. A long skywalker must travel to untouched lands. And find grub you will later. When you stop being, when being a bitch you stop. Mmm. Mmm. Mmm. Be good at games you must. Find, find the snack. Mmm. Not very good you are. Getting hit by ads. Let's pay the toll. There are no plans to have a highlights on the YouTube channel. Ooh. Hello. Whoa. Greetings little one. It has been an age since I last heard the ringing of a station bell. It echoed down the stag ways and called me to you. I've grown stiff and tired over these many years. And I've forgotten much. But the sound of the bell will always call me back. These stag ways stretch to the depths of Holonust. If you want to travel them, hail me from the platform. I will take you where you need to go. Oh, I like this. Mmm. Okay. Fast travel. Yeah, let's go back to dirt mouth for now. See what's up. Whoa. Animated scene. Hello elderbug. Oh, what a return. Our shop keeps coming home. Just wandered back in. I'd hope for grand tales of his time below. But he seems to remember almost nothing. Maybe it was all too much for him. If you're interested in his wares, watch out. He drives a hard bargain that one. No competition. That's the problem. It's bad for the market. Not that he's complaining. I never thought I'd see such a thing. The stag station reopened. That building lay silent since before even my time. Oh, I've heard the tales of the glorious lines. A web of tunnels running all through the kingdom. Not that I'll ever travel them, mind you. I'm quite content where I am. All right, buddy. Let's go. Molic. Ow. That's a lot. Oh, how did I not get hit by that? That's rough. That's really rough. Holy crap. Holy crap. Holy crap. Ow, ow, ow, ow. Oh, man. All right, first death. Who knows what he's talking about? You look spooky. Okay. Oh, I didn't have enough soul. Oh, I was holding the soul button. All right. Well. All right, chat. I give in. Help me out. Help me out, chat. Where do I go? This is the point where I would probably look up a guide. The room to the left of the boss. Oh, I thought I already went in there. Okay. I guess I didn't. I have explored a lot. So who is that creeping out of the darkness? Smire looking grim, a strange empty face and a wicked looking weapon. Something important is drawing you down to Hollow Ness's corpse. But I won't ask what. Perhaps you're the reason you found me is because you may need my help. Say no more, friend. I'll just give you a gift. Nasty little spell of my own creation. It's just perfect for little ones like you. Oh. I died at the end. Vengeful spirit. Tap B to unleash the spirit. Okay. Hello. Oh. You woken at last. I apologize. Perhaps I should have warned you about the power of that spell. I was watching over you as you slept. It's not creepy at all. I mean, how did you get here? I had to carry you. Let's not worry about that, but it seems to have slipped away myself. Now we're awake. I was wondering whether you could do me a favor. Not as repayment for my gift, of course. Simply because we're friends now. You see, a horrid great beast has made its home in the heart of this temple. Such disrespect. I would be grateful if you were to venture deeper in and slay it for me. It's hardly a creature, but with your new power, you're more than a match for it. It's a hearty creature. Sorry. Joseph can't really read right now. Good luck with this small favor, my friend. Oh. Whoa. Hadouken. Hello. Oh, so it's done then. You slain the beast. The poor thing must have been terrified at you. It used to be quite docile, but the rancid air in these caverns filled it with some ancient rage. Still, you did what had to be done. You have my gratitude, of course. We both know you wouldn't have made it without the spell of mine. Oh. And look, the gate between us has opened. I'm sure you're eager to move on. Farewell and have faith. Whatever you're seeking, it will find you. Oh-ho-ho-ho. Why do you hesitate? You'll get nothing more from me, I'm afraid. Though I do admire your persistence. Oh. Aw. Ow. I thought that was a friend. Okay. God, why do they have to make the enemy so cute? Aw, I wish these things were friendly. Look at them. Aw. Little bush creature. Little bush beetle. Get out of here, mosquito. Okay. Ah. Okay. Mechanics. Come on. Hey, you. Come on. Hey, hey, hey, hey. Ah-ha! Oh-ho-ho-ho. Oh-ho-ho-ho. Hey, what's up, dude? Isn't this a contrast from the crossroads? Such a humid, lively place. The roads twist and turn in the most wondrous ways. Wonderful ways, sorry. I've done my best to chart the area ahead, but I must admit some of the area's inhabitants provide quite a nuisance. Yeah, I'll buy it. Oh, by the way, I haven't introduced myself, have I? Yes, I should apologize for that. When you spend a lot of time by yourself with just your own thoughts, you forget the niceties of conversation. My name is Cornifer. I've always loved exploring the world. Why? When I was first hatched, I wandered off immediately, leaving my brothers and sisters and poor mother behind. But that's why as soon as I could, I moved to the dirt mouth with my wife. A huge, unending kingdom to explore right on our doorstep. Who could resist? Anyway, I'll let you return to your travels. With a little luck, we'll meet again. Be safe and farewell. I ran into another traveler as I made my way down here. I tried to call out to her as she dashed past, but she barely even glanced in my direction. I'm not an appreciator of maps like you and I, obviously. Oh, friendo! Hey, go back to your day. Oh, hello, goodbye. Who is she? Oh! Hey, hey, what are you doing? Hey, let him go. Get out of here. That's not cool. Phew! Wow, I'm really bad at that. Twenty minutes later. Bang, yeah! Get blasted at point blank. Hello, sir. He is alive. Hey, just what do you think you're doing? You dare to come between me and my prey? Is it the habit of yours to scurry around getting in the way of causing bother? No, this cur. I am Zoth, the mighty, a knight of great renown. Cross me it again, and you'll find out why they call my weapon life ender. All right. What are you still bothering me for? I am a knight. I'm not interested in your childish games. I need my rest. Be gone, lest I draw my nail. Oh, hello. Oh. Ah, I see. Can I get out, please? Okay. Come no closer, ghost. I've seen you creeping through the underground, stalking me. This old kingdom, a terrible thing awakens. I can smell it in the air. I know what you are. I know what you're trying to do. I can't allow it. What? What? Hornet. Okay. Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow. Ow. Ow, ow, ow, ow. Ow. Ow. Okay, I was not prepared for that. Yeah, Geode, you're going to... Guess you're ready cause I'm getting for you. I'm going to be so excited. Got you feeling cause I feel the muscle. Yeah, you don't want to know. Come along, get it on. Gonna get my car, gonna see me. Gonna drive along till I get you. You made it done, man. You don't like it. I'm gonna race for you. Gotta go down. Guess, guess, guess. I can do it this time. Pew. Okay, so she does that. Shaw. Shaw is a stab. You're too tall. I like her needle. Hegale is a bunch of liars. Shaw is stab. Nope, never mind. Ow, touching her hurts. Oh, I just want to heal. Ah, this music. This piano is so good. Don't stab. Goodbye. Just got some 3D maneuver gear. Mothwing cloak. I triggered a dash forward. Ah, that's what we needed. Dash, dash. Oh, what'd I do? Would it seek to break the seals? They cannot be undone. They must be undone. Let us sleep, little shadow. Return to your darkness. Allow us our peace. Who said that? Oh boy. Hmm, I see. And don't seem to speak and are killing everything around us. Hello? Ah, bench. Nice. Oh, it's Quirrell. Hello there. Seems we both tread far from the path. I hardly believe those dusty old highways led to such a lush and lively place. This building suggests some form of worship, though its idol has clearly been long forgotten. Doubles equally well for a moment's respite. I saw a strange fellow out there. He seemed quite taken by the lake. I'd planned to offer greetings, though. I figured I'd first tender my nail on chance our meeting goes poorly. Your nail looks a fine instrument, but it's showing signs of wear. And wager up there, it would take you far. Down here, however. I suspect you'll soon meet dangers the surface world can't match. Allowness is perfect for vigilant explorers like us. So tense and thrilling. In this place you're either alert or you're dead. Oh, hello, Zo. You there. Why are you skulking around in the shadows? Yes, your eyes do not deceive you. I am Zoth the Mighty, a knight of great renown. Tremble before me. While you were hiding here in your dinghy little village, I ventured into the dark pit below. Below us and slew a great beast. It had sharp mandibles and atrocious manors. Yes, a glory to me, but I don't have time for the antulation. I must rest and prepare my next journey down below. Bad man. The daft old fellow over there. He keeps talking absolute drivel. Seems to think the very air is deadly down in the caverns. Perhaps he should consider not breathing. That is a death joke. He keeps talking about dreams, too. Dreams offer those two people to truly live. What a squalid little hamlet this is. The air is foul and the townsfolk have beady eyes. I'll be heading back down soon as possible. While you were busy in this rinky-dinks town, I studied the blade. Oh. Really? Oi! Hello? Welcome, small intruder. I've been sound asleep in here for some time. Some time? Ah, yes, yes. Well, now you've gone and woken me up. It's no matter, I suppose. I might even be able to help you. I am Gigi. If you have found your way into my chamber, you must need my help. You see, sometimes we leave our regrets behind in the world, like black stains. We don't deal with those regrets. Hope starts to drain us. Do you have regrets of your own, little one? Let me peer into you for a moment. Ah, you don't have to have any lingering regrets. How lucky for you. You don't need services of one such as I. One thing that I think cannot be appreciated enough is the sound design in this game is great. Like, all the sound effects are super satisfying in the music. Everything. The enemy sounds. I love it all. Like, the sound of the shell, like, like, clink. It sounds so good. I didn't fight the thing on the right. I'm gonna go to the thing on the right. That was a while back. So, let's see what that's going on with that. I like this procedural music, by the way. Like, it plays a certain amount of the track, a certain amount of instruments, depending on where you are on the map. We're gonna fight this thing. Whatever it is. Let's put up this. It's not a fight, unless it is. The hunter. Tiny squim. You approach fearless. Are you a hunter like me? Do you feel the urge inside to stalk, kill, to understand? Then take it, my journal. It will aid you. At first the text may seem difficult to discern, but a learned hunter will come to understand its words. Enter the depths of this land and slay its beasts. Prove yourself worthy to bear the mark of hunter. Oh, bless you. Okay, well, I guess this wasn't a fight. A menu that navigates a journal. Defeat enemies to add new entries to the journal and decipher the hunter's notes. Oh. Neat. It's a Pokedex. Moss creep. Aw. That's very cool. I like this. Skill protector of hollowness to ruin the wielder, wields a needle and thread. I like the design of all these characters. It's really fun. Oh, what a nice, what a nice little hunter. Aw. I was scared of him at the beginning. Who's the best waifu so far? There's only two that I can tell. I don't know. People seem to say Zote. I don't know much about Zote other than he thinks himself very great, which, you know, good thing. Self-confidence is important. There is Frendo. Operation save Frendo. All right. Mission failed. We'll get him next time. Where am I? Okay, creature from the dark. Beastie of the deceased. Yes. Frendo. Fendo. Almost botched it, almost completely ruined it. Fendo. Yay. This place looks gorgeous though. Ow. Okay, I'm just gonna, not gonna hit those. That's what I'll do. Seems like a smart idea. Stop hitting the things that are killing you. Think about that? Ah, God. Oh my, oh my. Run away. Oh my God. Queen's station. Oh, Querel. Isn't this something? I'd not expect to discover so huge a stag station after that foggy descent. The bugs of Holonest must have been an impressive lot, moving such grand structures so far into these wilds. Seems the dangerous creatures about having it made their way in here. It's the perfect place for a quick rest. Can you imagine this place in its time? Hordes of bugs travelling about the kingdom. Stag bells ringing, the station bustling with activity of life. Now only our like even know it exists. That's a special thing, I suppose, to cherish these sites even in their decay. Is it that just faintly? I can still hear the echo of the bells. Yeah, a little bit. Wee. I didn't mention how great this sound design is. I don't like you. Ah, I really don't like you. Jesus. What? I love that guy. I love the sound of all of these enemies. Hello? Hello? The tiny steps of a tiny creature. You've got the look of an adventurer, so at a much in common. Searching for dangerous places, I? Well, you're on the right track. A long-necked critter warned me of a tribe deep down. Warrior sort, so she says, I'm itching for some serious combat. Keep sharp, my adventurer's red. Say live, and let's meet again on the road ahead. Aw, I like them. You mantis claw. Press A. Oh, sliding against the wall. Yay! We got the wall jump. Yeah! Woo! I can just jump off one wall too. Ah, that's cool. Because sometimes it kind of bugs me when video games where it's like, it doesn't send you far enough. Like, you have a wall jump in a video game, and then you keep holding the button towards the wall a little bit too long so you don't gain all the distance you need. That's that. I appreciate this. And that's how you get back up. Ah, the level design. It's smart. It's very smart. Ooh, that guy looks like the false knight. The large knight statue. There's a socket on its chest. Insert the city crest. Why not? That is where I found it from the false knight. I'm sure that's a good sign. Oh, girl. Hey, what's up, man? That guy is before us, my friend. What a somber place it seems. One that holds the answers to many a mystery. I too have felt the pull of this place, and now I sit before it, I find myself hesitant to descend. Is it fear, I wonder, or something else that holds me back? A city looks to be built on an enormous cavern, and the rain pours down from cracks in the stone above. There must be a lot of water up there somewhere, I suppose. The decay blue stays strong this long. It should hold for us. Before I leave this kingdom, I'd like to see where all that water comes from. What a sight it must be. If you look down from here through the rain, you can just make out those twisted sentries. The husks still stuck in endless patrol. I'd be courses around them, my short friend. Their training will not have been forgotten. The city presents them formidable foes. Isn't this a wonderful spot to rest? I so love the sound of the rain upon glass. I like Whirl. This seems really cool. Ooh, these are needles! I hear blacksmith! Upgrade time? Upgrade time? Ooh. Hey, oh, look at this beard! Hmm, then does who? Have you brought me another nail to be own? Leave it on the ground and return later. You're just still breathing. Ah, run, Joe Stinger. Oh, I thought you were someone else. After a nailsman, are you? It's Nailsmith. Ah, Nailsmith. Ah, I like that. Well, you found one. Not much for talk. But if it's a nail that needs to repair, then you've gone to the right bug. Your own nail's quite a sorry state. It's obviously not one of mine. Still, anything can be refined with enough effort and skill. Even that broken blade. If you like, I can reforge your nail. It'll make the blade far more deadly. Oh, hell yeah. Ah, he's a freaking horned beetle. I like him. As you wish. I'll get to work then. Nice. Ah, that's so cool. Garadel, Akari. There we go. The reforging is complete. I've owned your nail's edge. You'll find it much stronger than it used to be. Head up there and test its strength against your foes. Hmm, then does who? You're still here? Is there something else you want? You'll bring me a piece of pale ore. I can forge it into your nail to make it stronger still. Pretty be careful. Wouldn't want my work squandered. Oh my god, one shot. Mosquitos. Nice. Oh, is it lore time? Again, we meet little ghosts. I'm normally quite perceptive. You are underestimated, though I've since guessed the truth. You've seen beyond this kingdom's bounds. Yours is resilience, born of two voids. It's no surprise that you've managed to reach the heart of this world. In so doing, you shall know the sacrifice that keeps it standing. Hakanasagamas. If knowing the truth, you still attempt a roar in Hollow's nest's perpetuation. Seek the grave and ash. And the mark it would grant to one like you. So mysterious. Hollow Knight. So that's the Hollow Knight. In the black vault far above, through its sacrifice, Hollow nest lasts eternal. It's just pots. Just pots. Oh, hello, hello, hello. Holy shit. Okay, surprise boss fight time. Surprise mini boss. Ooh. What the hell was that? Soul twister. Arcane knowledge to twist souls into vicious spells. Soul jerks, apparently. I'm not ready for what's about to happen here. Hello, mini boss. Yeah, that's my own fault, really. I deserve that. Oh, man, I'm so far back. Gamer license for vote. Boomer license acquired. No, I don't want to be a boomer. Hey, finally. Goodness, I've been looking for you forever. Isn't this a change from those twisted normal natural caverns? The ring does cast something of a sadness upon it all, but the architecture is simply splendid. Yeah, I don't say. Charting such a different space is quite the challenge. The one I eagerly, I've eagerly undertaken. Perhaps you care to purchase a copy of my achievement so far. Yep. Thank you for making it so cheap. We've both come far to reach this grand place. While I'm about these buildings, I must remember to collect a trinket or two for yourself. Oh, so. Oi, watch where you're going, you soggy vagabond. I don't want you splashing me. I've had a miserable time trying to get dry. I am Zotho mighty, a knight of great renown. And if I decide that if I'm going to stay dry, then that's what's going to happen. Curse this wretched city. Water and monsters constantly fall from above. After this plastic kingdom fell to ruin. And, dude, have you seen them? The gods who still patrol the city, even after dying. Hmm, being overly devoted to one's duties is no virtue. Uh, what about yours? You can have a little bit of positivity right now, man. Okay, boomer. It does look like a boomer. Okay. Oh, my gosh. I love it. Let's go down into something. Oh, boy. Close one. I don't like that. This has got to be a boss. All right. Boss time. Hello. Hmm, large thing in the background. Soul master. Holy shit. Oh, you faked me out. Yeah, I'm not going to be able to do this first try. Oh, my goodness. Oh, he faked you out. Oh, that's rough. Okay, that makes a shock wave. Shock wave, Joe. Shock wave. Remember the shock wave. Bad timing. Man, wizards. Always teleporting around. Getting real close, boy. Holy shit. Chill out, bro. Chill out, chill out, chill out. Wee, wee, wee, wee, wee, wee. That's a lot of dead grubs around us. Woo, woo, woo, woo, woo, woo. Die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die. Get out of here. Woo, woo, woo. Yeah? All right, cool. Oh, boy. Desolate dive. That's the thing that I needed. I'm holding down to strike the earth with a burst of power. Spell with deplete soul. Strike the earth. All right. Woo, cool. All right, there we are. Hoo wee. I'm thoroughly enjoying this game.