Hive Knight

Hive Knight is an optional boss in Hollow Knight introduced in Lifeblood. Defeating him grants a new Charm.

Lore
Hive Knight is the most valiant and skilled knight of the Hive, flightless and bound to protect Hive Queen Vespa by the Bees's hive mind. Although the Infection spread to the Hive after the queen died, Hive Knight still protects her, hoping she will one day wake up and revive the Hive.

Hollow Knight
Hive Knight can be fought in the furthest room in the Hive where the giant lifeless body of the queen lies. He ambushes the Knight as they enter the place and battles them ferociously. Upon defeat, Hive Knight kneels in front of his queen before collapsing on the floor.

Defeating Hive Knight allows the acquisition of the Hiveblood charm. After taking it, the ghost of Queen Vespa appears next to his corpse, content that he was finally freed from his binding to the Hive.

Behaviour and Tactics
It is highly recommended to obtain Shade Cloak before the fight, as this makes it possible to dash through Hive Knight's Surprise Slash and Lunge attacks and makes handling the Swarm Release attack safer. And with that, Sharp Shadow is a fantastic charm against Hive Knight.

Quick Focus makes it safer to heal. There are plenty of no-charm healing opportunities too: when out of range of a Surprise Slash or Lunge attacks, also if dodged early; during Honey Spikes (when in a safe location); at the beginning of Swarm Release; and during Hive Knight's stagger.

Hive Knight is a light boss. As such, the Knight has more opportunities to move Hive Knight than many other bosses. Mark of Pride is strong against Hive Knight because it can keep players further away from Hive Knight while still dealing damage. Steady Body is very strong against Hive Knight because it allows players to maintain pressure. Quick Slash is also strong against Hive Knight, provided the player does only upward slashes (otherwise Hive Knight will be knocked away and the player will constantly have to chase). Quick Slash works best in combination with Steady Body and Fragile/Unbreakable Strength.

The spell Vengeful Spirit/Shade Soul is strong against Hive Knight due to its versatility. Desolate Dive/Descending Dark is okay against Hive Knight.

The Nail Art, Cyclone Slash is very strong against Hive Knight due to players being able to move laterally while repeatedly pressing the attack button.



Location
Hive Knight can be found in the eastern part of the Hive.