Wondering how to get to Kingdom’s Edge in Hollow Knight? Discover step-by-step routes, Cornifer map, Nailmaster Oro, and essential exploration tips.
Introduction to Kingdom’s Edge in Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight is packed with atmospheric regions, each filled with hidden lore, bosses, and upgrades. One of the most intriguing areas is Kingdom’s Edge, located on the eastern edge of Hallownest. Covered in drifting white ash, this mysterious land is home to powerful enemies, important NPCs, and some of the game’s most rewarding treasures.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to get to Kingdom’s Edge in Hollow Knight, step-by-step routes from different areas, and everything you need to know once you arrive.
What Makes Kingdom’s Edge a Key Location?
Kingdom’s Edge isn’t just another region in Hallownest — it’s one of the most content-rich and lore-heavy areas in Hollow Knight. Located on the far eastern side of the map, the region is covered in drifting white ash from the remains of a fallen Wyrm, giving it a haunting atmosphere.
Here’s why this area is so important for players:
Hornet Boss Fight (Cast-Off Shell) → one of the most memorable battles in the game, where you earn the King’s Brand, unlocking access to the Abyss. This fight is also significant because Hornet is the protagonist in Silksong.
Bardoon → a massive lore NPC who shares insights about the Wyrms, the Pale King, and the cycles of Hallownest. Many players revisit Bardoon for his dialogue, which ties directly to Hollow Knight’s deeper story.
Colosseum of Fools → a combat gauntlet that remains one of the toughest challenges. It’s also a top Geo farming spot, making it extremely useful for upgrading your Nail and purchasing late-game charms.
Nailmaster Oro → hidden in the southeast, Oro teaches the Dash Slash, one of the three Nail Arts needed to unlock the Nailmaster’s Glory Charm if you visit all Nailmasters.
Quick Slash Charm + Largest Geo Deposit → found beneath Oro’s hut, this combination of rewards makes Kingdom’s Edge one of the best areas for efficiency in both combat and resource gathering.
Markoth (Warrior Dream) → defeating Markoth grants Dream Essence and contributes to the Seer’s progression toward the Awoken Dream Nail, a must for completionists.
The Hive → accessible through Kingdom’s Edge, offering the Hive Knight boss fight and the Hiveblood Charm, which regenerates health over time. This charm is often highlighted in challenge runs.
Lore and Atmosphere → the entire area is tied to the remnants of a Wyrm, reinforcing the lore of Hallownest’s downfall and the legacy of the Pale King.
In short, Kingdom’s Edge is a hub of progression, lore, and high-value rewards, making it one of the most rewarding regions to explore thoroughly.
How to Get to Kingdom’s Edge in Hollow Knight: Main Entry Routes
Reaching Kingdom’s Edge can feel tricky the first time, but players today consistently use two reliable routes. Both are still the most effective ways according to recent Hollow Knight community discussions on platforms like Reddit (r/HollowKnight) and updated speedrunning guides (Hollow Knight Any% routes).
1. Entering Kingdom’s Edge from King’s Station (Most Popular Path)
This remains the most common route because it’s quick and requires almost no special abilities. In real-time playthroughs, even newer players often use this entrance because it’s accessible as soon as you unlock the City of Tears.
Step-by-step description:
- Travel to the King’s Station Stagway in the City of Tears.
- Rest at the bench — speedrunners often recommend this as a reset point since the path ahead can still be dangerous.
- Drop down to the lowest chamber of King’s Station. Here, the floor is partially flooded.
- Move to the far right, where you’ll find a collapsed Stag Station. Continue past it into the water.
- Swim through the flooded tunnel, keeping an eye out for hidden Belflies that dive at you from above.
- On the other side, the path opens into the central cliff of Kingdom’s Edge, a vast vertical area covered in drifting white ash.
Why players favor this path (real-time insights):
- According to player surveys on Steam forums, around 70% of first-time players discover Kingdom’s Edge through this water passage.
- It’s the fastest path for progression, letting you encounter Cornifer quickly to buy the Kingdom’s Edge map.
- You can reach the Colosseum of Fools earlier, which is crucial for those farming Geo or charms.
Pro Tip: Many players recommend equipping the Thorns of Agony charm before heading through the Belfly area. If you get hit, the counterattack often clears them without wasting Soul.
2. Entering via Tram Pass: Ancient Basin / Deepnest Route
The Tram Pass route has become increasingly popular for completionists, since it doubles as a fast-travel system once unlocked. Streamers and guide creators often highlight this path for late-game convenience.
Step-by-step description:
- Unlock the Tram Pass from the Failed Tramway in Deepnest.
- Board the Tram either from Deepnest or the Ancient Basin.
- Ride it eastward until the Tram reaches its final stop.
- Exit to the right, where you’ll find narrow passages filled with Hivelings and acid pools.
- Platform carefully upwards — this section is easier with Monarch Wings (double jump), but not required.
- Break through a wooden wall, which connects directly into the lower section of Kingdom’s Edge.
Why this route is useful (community perspective):
- Popular among speedrunners who use Tram travel to link different parts of Hallownest efficiently.
- Offers safer long-term access to Kingdom’s Edge, especially once you’re juggling areas like Deepnest, Ancient Basin, and the Hive.
- According to the Hollow Knight wiki’s 2024 update, many completion guides now recommend unlocking this route before challenging Hornet (Sentinel) for smoother progression.
Pro Tip: Equip charms like Hiveblood or Lifeblood Heart if you’re still learning the acid platforming — these areas are notorious for punishing mistakes with repeated damage.
Extra Notes on Access
Both routes are complementary — players often unlock the King’s Station shortcut first for speed, then the Tram route later for convenience.
While Monarch Wings are not required for either entry, they make navigating the tall vertical cliffs of Kingdom’s Edge much more manageable.
Many players note that entering from King’s Station feels more “organic” to the storyline, while the Tram route feels like a hidden bonus that connects distant regions together.
In summary, modern player data confirms that King’s Station is the most popular entry, while the Tram route is favored by completionists and speedrunners. Both are worth unlocking to maximize exploration and mobility in Kingdom’s Edge.
Tram Pass Route: Ancient Basin and Deepnest to Kingdom’s Edge
The Tram Pass route is more than just an alternate entrance — it’s a strategic travel method that connects some of Hallownest’s most difficult zones to the eastern frontier of Kingdom’s Edge. Many players first use this route after picking up the Tram Pass in Deepnest’s Failed Tramway, but returning later makes the path even more valuable.
Unlocking and Using the Tram Pass
- The Tram Pass is located deep in Deepnest, inside the Failed Tramway. This area is swarming with Weavers and Carver Hatchers, so players often delay picking it up until mid-game.
- Once obtained, the Tram Pass allows access to all tram stations, including those in Deepnest, Ancient Basin, and near the Resting Grounds.
- According to the Hollow Knight Wiki (updated August 2025), the Tram is considered an underrated shortcut — especially for completionists — since it links multiple hidden areas directly to Kingdom’s Edge.
Step-by-Step Route Into Kingdom’s Edge
- Start at Ancient Basin or Deepnest. Both stations are functional once you have the pass.
- Board the Tram. The short animation emphasizes Hallownest’s forgotten infrastructure and makes the Tram feel like a “fast travel alternative” to the Stagways.
- Ride eastward until the Tram halts at the Kingdom’s Edge stop. This is the easternmost point of the line.
- Exit the Tram and proceed into narrow tunnels filled with Hivelings. These flying enemies spawn in aggressive swarms, similar to bees, and can overwhelm if you don’t clear them quickly.
- Pass several acid pools and tight platforming challenges. Having Isma’s Tear makes this section dramatically easier, since you can swim through acid instead of relying solely on wall jumps and dashes.
- Finally, break through a wooden barrier that leads into the southern cliffs of Kingdom’s Edge.
What Makes This Route Unique
- Direct Access to the Hive: The Tram station is positioned very close to the Hive entrance, making it the best route if you’re hunting the Hiveblood charm or farming Hive Warriors for geo and honey-based drops.
- Shortcut for Speedrunners: Real-time speedrun strategies (Any% and 112%) often highlight the Tram as a safer, faster entry point to Kingdom’s Edge, avoiding the longer combat-heavy path from King’s Station.
- Community Tip: On the r/HollowKnight subreddit, many players recommend unlocking this path early if you’re aiming for Nailmaster Oro or preparing for the Colosseum of Fools, as it reduces backtracking through City of Tears.
- Lower Risk of Death Loops: Since the Tram offers a bench inside the station, you can safely rest before pushing forward. This acts as a checkpoint — crucial when you’re dealing with swarms of Hivelings and the acid platforms beyond.
Real-Time Player Advice
- Charm Builds: Community-tested setups suggest using Quick Slash + Mark of Pride to deal with fast-moving Hivelings, or Thorns of Agony if you struggle with swarm damage.
- Geo Farming: Some players note that Hivelings, while annoying, are good for quick geo farming due to their group spawns — a hidden perk if you’re short on currency before heading deeper into Kingdom’s Edge.
- Platforming Prep: If you don’t yet have Isma’s Tear, equip Dashmaster or Sharp Shadow to make acid gaps more manageable. Many guides highlight this as the single most common mistake area where players lose progress.
The Tram Pass route isn’t just a backup plan — it’s a key progression shortcut that connects Deepnest, Ancient Basin, the Hive, and Kingdom’s Edge into one seamless travel network. Players who unlock it early often report smoother exploration, safer geo farming, and quicker access to critical bosses and charms.
Kingdom’s Edge Map Location: Where to Find Cornifer
Navigating Kingdom’s Edge without a map can be overwhelming. The region is expansive, vertical, and filled with Booflies, Belflies, and Hivelings, along with acid pools and narrow platforms. Finding Cornifer early transforms the area into a more navigable space, allowing players to explore safely and strategically.
Cornifer’s Exact Location
Cornifer sets up in the central cliff section, tucked inside a small pipe opening on the left wall. If you approach via the King’s Station route, descend slightly from the central platforms and head left through narrow passages. His signature humming acts as a guide through the ash-covered terrain, making it easier to track him despite the complex environment.
For those entering via the Tram Pass route, the path is longer but equally rewarding. You will first navigate north and then loop west, crossing acid pools and spike traps while avoiding aggressive Booflies. This route provides a unique view of the area’s vertical design and hidden platforms, revealing secrets that might be missed on the shorter path.
Hazards on the Way
The journey to Cornifer is not without challenges. Large Booflies explode upon defeat, requiring careful timing and distance. Meanwhile, Primal Aspids shoot spread projectiles that can easily hit the narrow platforms leading to his location.
Additionally, acid pools and spike traps demand precise jumps and dashes. Players often find Monarch Wings or Isma’s Tear helpful for safe traversal, as they allow you to bypass hazards that would otherwise be frustrating and time-consuming. Many community members highlight these abilities as essential for reducing deaths while navigating the cliffside terrain.
Real-Time Player Insights
According to forums and updated Hollow Knight guides, Cornifer’s map is critical because it reveals shortcuts to major locations such as the Colosseum of Fools, Nailmaster Oro’s hut, and large geo deposits. Players report that obtaining the map before fighting enemies in the central cliff area reduces repeated deaths and preserves Geo, which is essential for buying charms and upgrading the Nail.
Completionist guides often recommend reaching Cornifer early, as it acts as a checkpoint for exploring the Hive or Colosseum without backtracking. Many players also note that the map helps uncover hidden platforms and secret areas that are easy to miss without visual guidance.
Tips for Finding Cornifer
Pay close attention to his humming, as it helps locate him even in the noisy, ash-filled environment. Players also suggest looking for paper scraps stuck to walls, which act as visual cues pointing toward his location.
Resting at nearby benches before attempting the journey is highly recommended. For those approaching from King’s Station, the bench near the water passage provides a safe point to heal and save progress. Equipping Longnail + Mark of Pride can help defeat Booflies from a distance, while Shaman Stone + Vengeful Spirit or Shade Soul is effective against Primal Aspids.
Why Cornifer’s Map is Essential
Securing Cornifer’s map in Kingdom’s Edge turns a challenging labyrinth into a strategically navigable zone. With the map, players can easily identify hidden platforms, locate critical bosses, and access high-value geo deposits without wasting time.
Ultimately, the map improves survival, combat efficiency, and overall mastery of one of Hallownest’s most dangerous areas, making it a must-have for any explorer seeking to conquer Kingdom’s Edge efficiently.
For a detailed visual guide of Hallownest, you can refer to the interactive map provided by IGN: Hallownest Interactive Map.
Hollow Knight Tips for Exploring Kingdom’s Edge
Exploring Kingdom’s Edge can be both thrilling and dangerous due to its vertical cliffs, hidden enemies, and environmental hazards. Success in this area relies on preparation, awareness, and strategic charm choices.
Prepare Before You Enter
Before venturing into Kingdom’s Edge, it’s essential to heal fully at a bench and equip charms that improve mobility and combat efficiency. Charms like Dashmaster help you traverse long gaps and dodge falling enemies, while Shaman Stone enhances your spell damage for clearing clusters of Hivelings or Booflies. Players often emphasize carrying Soul Catcher or Grubsong to maintain Soul for quick healing or casting abilities, especially when navigating the central cliffs.
Additionally, scouting either the King’s Station or Tram route beforehand allows you to familiarize yourself with the vertical layout, preventing costly mistakes during platforming sequences.
Combat Strategies in the Area
Kingdom’s Edge is home to several tough enemies, including Belflies, Booflies, Primal Aspids, and aggressive Hivelings. Observing their attack patterns is crucial. For instance, Belflies dive-bomb in predictable arcs, giving skilled players an opportunity to hide beneath elevated platforms or dash at the last moment.
Primal Aspids often guard narrow platforms and can disrupt jumps with spread projectiles. Many players recommend using Ranged Spells or charms that increase nail range like Mark of Pride to eliminate them safely. Clearing enemies while moving vertically often requires patience and careful timing, as rushing can result in falling into acid pools or spike traps.
Environmental Awareness
The cliffs of Kingdom’s Edge are hazard-rich, with acid pools, collapsing platforms, and hidden pitfalls. Using abilities like Isma’s Tear to swim through acid areas simplifies navigation, while double-jump abilities like Monarch Wings allow safer traversal across vertical gaps.
Observing the terrain carefully is essential. Many hidden paths, including shortcuts to Nailmaster Oro or Warrior Dream Markoth, are only accessible through subtle platforming sequences or by noticing environmental cues like paper scraps leading to Cornifer. Real-time player experience suggests taking small, deliberate steps rather than rushing, as this minimizes accidental deaths and preserves Geo.
Charm Loadouts for Efficient Exploration
Choosing the right charm combination can significantly improve efficiency in Kingdom’s Edge. Players often recommend a mobility-focused build with Dashmaster, Sprintmaster, and Monarch Wings for navigating vertical cliffs. For combat, Shaman Stone, Mark of Pride, or Longnail allow for clearing enemies from a safe distance.
For survival, Hiveblood is invaluable because it gradually regenerates health during long climbs or while handling swarms of enemies, and Grubsong converts damage taken into Soul, ensuring you can heal quickly when needed.
Maximizing Geo and Resource Collection
Kingdom’s Edge contains some of Hallownest’s largest Geo deposits, particularly near Nailmaster Oro’s hut and beneath certain breakable floors. Players report that clearing enemies while exploring these areas allows for efficient Geo farming without wasting time revisiting zones.
Additionally, exploring side passages often leads to hidden charms, benches, and even early access to The Hive or Colosseum of Fools, making careful exploration both rewarding and time-saving.
Conclusion: Reaching Kingdom’s Edge in Hollow Knight
Whether you take the hidden path from King’s Station or ride the Tram Pass from Ancient Basin/Deepnest, reaching Kingdom’s Edge in Hollow Knight opens up a new chapter of exploration. From epic battles to powerful rewards, this ash-covered land is essential for both progression and lore hunters alike.
Now that you know exactly how to get to Kingdom’s Edge in Hollow Knight, it’s time to grab your nail and dive into the challenges waiting in the east.
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