Exploration is key when playing Hollow Knight, leading players to new areas with their own challenges and unique encounters. As players progress through Hallownest, they will reach the Fungal Wastes, a section of the map full of mushrooms, and home to a clan of warrior bugs. It is the leaders of this tribe that the players must defeat in order to reap the rewards.
Though defeating the Mantis Lords is not required to complete Hollow Knight, doing so can yield some advantages and rewards. Here's how players can beat this optional boss.
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Preparing To Battle The Mantis Lords
Along the way to the Mantis Village, players may encounter Quirrel, a friendly NPC that will explain the nature of the Mantis Tribe. He will also hint at the Nailsmith, another character that players can interact with, who can be found in the capital, the City of Tears. As the name suggests, the Nailsmith offers upgrades to the player’s Nail for a price. It is recommended to have at least one Nail upgrade before taking on the Mantis Lords.
Players must first fight their way through the Mantis Village to reach the boss arena, descending further into their territory before finding the throne room. The three Mantis Lords will be sitting on their thrones, but they are not immediately hostile and will only engage in battle when the player challenges them. After initiating the battle, two walls will be erected at either side of the arena and two spike pits will also appear.
If players go to the far left, a doorway leading to Deepnest will be sealed off by the command of one of the Lords. Should players have already collected the Mantis Claw from the outskirts of the village, it is possible to scale the wall above this doorway to reach a breakable wall, which hides a Lifeblood Cocoon that players can use before going into the fight.
The Mantis Lords' Attacks & How To Counter Them
Drop
During the first phase of the battle, the Mantis Lord sitting in the central throne will jump into the transformed arena. This attack will see her hover momentarily above the player’s position before plunging down, intending to skewer the Knight with her lance. Players can avoid this attack by using the Mothwing/Shade Cloak to dash to a safe area.
After defeating the first Mantis Lord, the remaining two will then join the battle and players now have two enemies to juggle. In this phase, both Mantis Lords can use the Drop attack simultaneously, leaving less space for players to maneuver. They may also use this attack in conjunction with their Dash.
Dash
When using this attack, the Mantis Lord currently engaged in the battle will land on one side of the arena before lunging forwards with her lance, traveling the full length of the ground before jumping away again. During the second phase, both Mantis Lords can use this attack concurrently, dashing from either side together or with one using the Drop attack while the other uses Dash.
If players have access to the Desolate Dive/Descending Dark spell, they can unleash this spell as they jump over the Mantis Lord to avoid the Dash attack. This will deal damage, as well as allowing players to take advantage of I-frames to reposition during the fight. Additionally, equipping the Longnail charm can make executing down slashes easier, and the Monarch Wings will provide players more breathing room as they spend longer in the air.
Boomerang
When using this attack, the Mantis Lord will hold onto the wall on either side and throw a spinning blade that will travel the width of the arena before returning to her. During the second phase, the two Mantis Lords will appear on opposite sides and their Boomerangs have a shorter arc, meeting in the middle before curving back.
This attack gives players the best chance to heal during the fight as it takes the longest to complete, but healing can be sped up with the use of the Quick Focus charm. It is also worth noting where on the wall the Mantis Lords have positioned themselves, as this will determine where the Boomerang arc begins and ends. Note that the descending arc is easier to avoid while there are two Mantis Lords on the field for efficient healing.
After Defeating The Mantis Lords
Although they are an optional boss, the rewards for defeating the Mantis Lords are helpful. The previously sealed doorway will now be opened, allowing players to access one of the entrances to Deepnest. Players will also have admission to another room within the Mantis Village that houses the Mark of Pride charm. Additionally, Mantises within the Fungal Wastes will no longer attack the Knight, as the player has earned the respect of the tribe and their leaders.
Hollow Knight is available on PC, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.
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