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

Grimm, the enigmatic leader of the Grimm Troupe, presents two incredibly challenging boss fights in Hollow Knight: Troupe Master Grimm and Nightmare King Grimm. These encounters demand precise timing, quick reflexes, and strategic charm selection. This guide outlines the best charm builds to overcome both battles. Note that all builds require Grimmchild (2 charm notches).

Troupe Master Grimm: Charm Builds

Troupe Master Grimm provides a crucial introduction to Grimm's moveset. This faster-paced fight emphasizes skillful dodging and strategic openings.

1. Nail Build:

• Unbreakable/Fragile Strength
• Quick Slash
• Longnail
• Grimmchild (Mandatory)

This build maximizes nail damage. Quick Slash enables rapid attacks between Grimm's strikes. Longnail compensates for the lack of Mark of Pride (due to Grimmchild's notch cost), providing extended reach. Unbreakable/Fragile Strength is essential for increased damage output.

2. 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 allows for rapid spell casting. Grubsong maintains soul reserves, crucial for spell spamming. Unbreakable/Fragile Heart provides extra mask health to survive hits.

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

Nightmare King Grimm: Charm Builds

Nightmare King Grimm is significantly more challenging. He inflicts double damage and moves considerably faster, demanding near-perfect execution.

1. Hybrid Nail/Spell Build:

• Unbreakable/Fragile Strength
• Shaman Stone
• Mark of Pride
• Grimmchild (Mandatory)

This build balances nail and spell attacks. Shaman Stone and Mark of Pride maximize damage output, while Unbreakable/Fragile Strength increases nail damage. Utilize Abyss Shriek and Descending Dark for burst damage during openings.

2. Defensive Spell/Nail Art Build:

• Grubsong
• Sharp Shadow
• Shaman Stone
• Spell Twister
• Nailmaster's Glory
• Grimmchild (Mandatory)

This defensive build emphasizes survivability and strategic spell/nail art usage. Shaman Stone and Spell Twister enhance spell damage, while Grubsong ensures consistent soul supply. Sharp Shadow allows for safe traversal through attacks (with Shade Cloak), and Nailmaster's Glory boosts nail art effectiveness.

These builds provide a strong foundation for conquering both Troupe Master Grimm and Nightmare King Grimm. Remember to adapt your strategy based on your playstyle and comfort level. Good luck, Hollow Knight!