Navigating the sprawling world of Hallownest can feel overwhelming once you complete initial zones like Forgotten Crossroads and Greenpath. Understanding the progression path after clearing early content helps players maintain momentum without getting lost in backtracked corridors. Knowing where to head next ensures you unlock crucial movement abilities efficiently.
Transitioning from Fungal Wastes to the City of Tears
After acquiring the Mantis Claw in Fungal Wastes, players face key branching options. You can enter the City of Tears to upgrade your nail and access mid-game content. Alternatively, defeating the Mantis Lords opens early access into Deepnest.
For the smoothest experience, heading straight into the City of Tears is recommended. The city serves as a hub that connects to several vital sub-regions and narrative milestones. It provides access to weapon upgrades that make surrounding areas far more manageable.
Exploring Crystal Peak and Resting Grounds
Once you acquire Desolate Dive or purchase the Lumafly Lantern, Crystal Peak becomes accessible. Exploring this crystalline region grants the Crystal Heart ability, which unlocks horizontal super-dashing. This movement tool is essential for crossing massive gaps throughout Hallownest.
Dropping down from Crystal Peak leads directly into the Resting Grounds. Here, players receive the Dream Nail from the Seer, which is necessary to advance the main story. Obtaining this key item allows you to interact with Dreamers scattered across the map.
Delving into Royal Waterways and Ancient Basin
With super-dashing unlocked, traveling beneath the City of Tears into the Royal Waterways becomes possible. Defeating the Dung Defender grants access to Isma's Tear, allowing safe swimming through acid. This opens shortcuts and hidden paths across older zones.
Heading further down brings you to the Ancient Basin. Defeating Broken Vessel in this lower region grants the Monarch Wings double-jump ability. Double-jumping allows full exploration of late-game areas like Kingdom's Edge and the Abyss.
Conquering Late-Game Regions and Hunting Dreamers
After obtaining all core movement abilities, players should target the three Dreamers marked on the map. These targets reside in Monomon's archive in Fog Canyon, Lurien's spire in the City of Tears, and Herrah's den in Deepnest. Clearing these areas unlocks the final encounter at the Temple of the Black Egg.
Optional regions like Kingdom's Edge and the Queen's Gardens provide valuable charm upgrades and mask shards before the final boss. Thorough exploration of these end-game locations prepares your character for multiple possible endings.
