Grimm, the enigmatic leader of the Grimm Troupe, is a fan-favorite character in *Hollow Knight*, offering a compelling side quest and some of the game's most challenging boss fights. Confronting both Troupe Master Grimm and Nightmare King Grimm requires skill, precise timing, and strategic charm selection. All builds below require the Grimmchild charm (occupying two charm notches).
Best Charm Builds for Troupe Master Grimm
Troupe Master Grimm provides a crucial introduction to Grimm's moveset. This fast-paced battle demands careful timing and precise openings. The builds below are effective for overcoming this challenging encounter. Defeating Troupe Master Grimm unlocks the final charm notch, essential for Nightmare King Grimm builds.
Nail Build
- Unbreakable/Fragile Strength
- Quick Slash
- Longnail
- Grimmchild (Mandatory)
This build maximizes nail damage. Quick Slash allows for efficient attacks between Grimm's strikes. Unbreakable/Fragile Strength is essential for increased damage output. A Coiled Nail or Pure Nail is recommended for optimal damage. While Mark of Pride is often included in nail builds, Longnail provides a useful alternative given Grimmchild's two-notch requirement. Its extended range aids in hitting Grimm during attack recovery.
Spell Build
- Shaman Stone
- Grubsong
- Spell Twister
- Unbreakable/Fragile Heart
- Grimmchild (Mandatory)
This build focuses on spell damage. Players should have upgraded Descending Dark, Abyss Shriek, and Shade Soul. Shaman Stone significantly boosts spell damage, while Spell Twister increases spell casting speed. Grubsong maintains your soul supply, crucial for consistent spell use. Unbreakable/Fragile Heart provides extra health to mitigate damage.
Best Charm Builds for Nightmare King Grimm
Nightmare King Grimm presents a significantly greater challenge. He inflicts double damage and moves much faster than his Troupe Master counterpart, demanding a refined approach. His new flame pillar attack offers brief opportunities for significant damage.
Best Build
- Unbreakable/Fragile Strength
- Shaman Stone
- Mark of Pride
- Grimmchild (Mandatory)
A hybrid nail/spell build proves most effective. Shaman Stone is vital for consistent damage. Unbreakable/Fragile Strength and Mark of Pride enhance nail damage during opportunities between spell use. Abyss Shriek and Descending Dark remain potent spells in this fight.
Alternate Build
- Grubsong
- Sharp Shadow
- Shaman Stone
- Spell Twister
- Nailmaster's Glory
- Grimmchild (Mandatory)
This more defensive build utilizes spells and nail arts. Shaman Stone and Spell Twister remain core components. Grubsong ensures soul reserves. Sharp Shadow (requiring Shade Cloak) allows for quick dashes through attacks, while Nailmaster's Glory significantly boosts nail art damage.
