Cut Content (Hollow Knight)

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Blundering Oberlisk
A centipede-like charging creature that was never implemented into the game. Its description was: "This placid herbivore doesn't seem to wish harm on any of the creatures it shares a habitat with. However, its careless nature and bulky weight sometimes leads to messy accidents."
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White Knight Duel
"One of Hallownest's five greatest Knights and defender of the Queen’s Glade. She was driven mad by her Queen lost and the garden overrun. Still she retains her honour, offering fair challenge to the Hollow Knight: Nail against nail. A duel to the death."

This duel did not make it into the game, but the corpse of the White Knight can be found in front of the hiding place of the White Lady.

For more in-game information, see Dryya.
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Tyrant's Fist
Appears to be an earlier version of Desolate Dive and shares the same functionality. Additionally, Desolate Dive is acquired from defeating Soul Master, whose dream variant is called "Soul Tyrant".

"During your journey through Hallownest, you'll be collecting a whole bunch of powerful equipment, tools and spells. One of those spells is the earth-shattering Tyrant's Fist. This ancient, royal magic allows you to focus energy into your fist and slam it down into the ground, releasing a shockwave that blows away foes and can even rupture the earth you stand on."
 * colspan="2" |Tyrants Fist 1.gif


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Backdashing
Additional movement option that did not make it into the game. Resembles the Dash ability, except in the opposite direction and with a decreased distance.

It was said to have been removed because it "kills the flow of combat more than it adds to it" as well as making no difference in comparison to just immediately dashing in the opposite direction.

There can be found a value within the files called "canBackDash" which would probably test if the Knight has the ability to dash backwards. This value is turned to 0 by default, however, changing it to 1 or any other number won't affect anything in the game.
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Swimming
Another movement option that allowed the player to swim under acid which was possibly scrapped for Isma's Tear. Additionally, an unused room resembling the room which Unn can be found in the game files that has a layout designed for swimming through.
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Holy Grounds / Temple
"Deep within the Forest of Bones waits the Holy Grounds, once a place of worship, now overtaken."


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Snail Village
Little is known about the Snail Village other than it made an appearance in the A Weird and Wonderful World trailer. Some of its assets can still be found in-game files.
 * colspan="2" |Snail Town 1.jpg


 * colspan="2" |Snail Town 2.jpg
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Spider Mage
In an early Twitter post, Team Cherry showed a GIF of an enemy called a "Spider Mage". It was described as:

This enemy was cut, instead, an uninfected Weaver is present in Weavers' Den. The Hunter's Journal image for the Spider Mage as well as the icon still exists in the game's files.


 * width="20%" |B_Weaver.png
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Shrumal NPC
Resembling a Shrumal Warrior holding a staff with an impaled Lightseed, only shown in the A Weird and Wonderful World trailer.
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Fly NPC
Making no appearance outside of two images that were never made public, this character is a fly-like NPC very loosely resembling a Gruzzer. Both images that showcase this NPC use Dirtmouth as a backdrop; which may point to where the NPC may have been planned to reside in.
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Giant Spider
It is unknown whether this creature was a Boss or NPC. Its design and location do not indicate that it was affiliated with Deepnest. It also predates the reveal of Deepnest.
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Dream Diving
It appears that originally the Dream Nail was able to open up the minds of NPCs and allow the player to enter their dreams:

"During your quest through Hallownest, you'll find an ancient, bizarre artefact called the Dream Nail. Using the Dream Nail, you can slice through the conscious layer of a being's mind and access the "Dream Well," a deep space containing a bug's hopes, fears and secrets. Terrible nightmares and unique challenges will test you as you search for the core of the dream, but persevere and you'll uncover startling revelations and claim precious treasures that can't be found anywhere else.

''Dreams will fit the personality of each character and may even reveal some surprising secrets they have hidden away.These dreams will often involve unique twists on the Hollow Knight gameplay, such as challenging you to escape a horde of invincible flying nightmares or defeat a group of creatures without your nail. The Dream Nail is a mysterious weapon with hidden uses, and inquisitive players will find dreams hidden in the strangest of places."''


 * colspan="2" |Hollow Knight Dream Nail trailer
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Higher Beings Statues
In an early gameplay showcase video, a statue of the White Lady, the Pale King, and a broken third statue can be seen in the room where the Gruz Mother is fought.
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White Crystal Ring
In an early trailer, a white ring of particles can be seen around the Knight before using Vengeful Spirit. Sly also appeared to sell the item or ability for.
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 * colspan="2" | Sly's Shop Early Screenshot.jpg
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The Forest of Bones
The Forest of Bones was originally located in the northeast corner of Hallownest. In the early stages of the game's development, it was planned that three separate areas would each have a Dreamer boss, with the Forgotten Crossroads connecting them together, as well as being the location for the final boss fight.

The Forest of Bones was later moved to the bottom of the world, apparently because Ari did not like the idea of a lava area being at the top of the map. Deepnest was then added to connect to the Forest of Bones in its new location. Later on, this area was scrapped and replaced by the Ancient Basin, while Crystal Peak took its former location.

"The Bone Forest is further into the game than other areas we've shown so we don't want to spoil too much! But we will say it's a gigantic area of the game, with plenty of routes you can take through it and hidden secrets you can find if you brave the heat and the strange creatures who clad themselves in the bones of dead giants."

"Avoid the scorching waterfalls of burning tar in the Forest of Bones"

The Bone Forest was ultimately removed due to the constraints its size would have on other areas of Hallownest.

"Cutting it was tough at the time. It seemed so cool! But it was totally the right thing to do. William and I were already slammed with all the other enormous areas to build, and they all would have suffered for Boneforest’s inclusion."

An area very similar to the Forest of Bones is shown on the Hollow Knight: Silksong trailer. Whether this is the actual Forest of Bones is unknown.

Charms
In the reveal of the charms system, an image showing various charms was shown in a Kickstarter update. Some of these charms made it into the game, although others did not, and some have so far been left unnamed. {| class="article-table"
 * Unending Greed Glass.png

Unending Greed (Glass)
"Causes much more Geo to drop from enemies, but will break if you’re defeated while it’s equipped! Be careful and don’t let your greed blind you to the dangers ahead."

Possibly an early version of Fragile Greed.

Appears to be a blue tinted version of Unbreakable Greed.


 * Vengeful Swarm.png
 * Vengeful Swarm.png

Vengeful Swarm
"When taking damage, spawn angry hatchlings that attack nearby enemies."

Possibly a very early version of Thorns of Agony or Glowing Womb. Appears to be a dull version of Unbreakable Heart.
 * Cut Charm 02.png
 * Possibly an early version of one of Lifeblood Heart/Core, or possibly Joni's Blessing.
 * Cut Charm 03.png
 * Possibly an early version of Fragile Heart.
 * Cut Charm 03.png
 * Possibly an early version of Fragile Heart.
 * Cut Charm 06.png
 * An early, duller version of the Dashmaster Charm.
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Unknown Charms
Some of these charms appear in the Hollow Knight Press Kit, but only the second on the bottom row, Charm_Wall_Reveal, has a meaningful name. The others are simply named Generic_Charm.
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Unused Rooms
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City of Tears Tablet 2
"Missing monarch, we need you now. The madness spreads. The Vessel fails. You must return to us."

Soul Sanctum Tablet 2
"Record Bela

To manipulate a soul, reformation of the mind must first occur.

Few can bear such change.

The path to true progress is littered with mistakes."

Elderbug
"If you do meet my fellows down there you might remind them of their poor Elder, up here, back aching, abandoned to his lonesome vigil. Poor poor me!...

Oh I'm fine, really, but a bit of guilt might go some way in persuading their return. Assuming they're still alive that is."

"There's something strange about you. I've seen all types pass below, but you... You're almost familiar, though I'm sure we've never met before."

"There's something about you little traveller. The winds are changing."

"It's a sprawling land beneath us. If you're ever feeling lost or would care for some direction, come speak with me. I may be able to suggest a new sight or a new path you'd never before considered.

Suprised? Despite my lack of experience, I'm actually quite knowledgeable about the lay of the kingdom below. I've listened to countless stories from travellers and explorers just like yourself.

I'm sure you'll have your own grand tale to tell once you're finished down there. Either that or you'll be dead! I'll admit, in Hallownest, the latter is far more common."

Relic Seeker Lemm
"Not carrying any relics with you? Go find some for me. I'll pay good Geo for nice items."

Moss Prophet Dialogue
"To change ones form is a blasphemy against the light! To steal the soul of weaker creatures is a blasphemy against the light! And most of all... most of all! To DIE is a blasphemy against the light! Live forever, brother and sisters, or be cursed for all eternity!"

"(someone else says this)For a God, there is only one crime: To die. (OR) For a God, there is only one crime: To die. Emptiness is a hateful thing! A vile thing! Kill the empty ones! Tear them to pieces! Suffer them not to bask in the light of this world!"

The Hollow Knight Dream Nail Dialogue
"...Kill..."

"...Shall blaze free..."

"...This Vessel, broken...fails..."

"...Dawn...Shall break..."

"...No mind, the usurper...Only strength..."

"...Kill the usurper...Our light it would suffocate..."

"...Father?..."

Pure Vessel Dream Nail Dialogue
"Do not think…"

"Do not speak…"

"Do not hope…"

"Do not…"

"..."

The Godseeker
"Tuning... An art, difficult. Never perfect. We, the ones below, We bond Our strength to the world. Follow what We give... listen for the Gods. Resonate. Attune!"

"That instrument you hold. It is an aid built for seekers, one bound to our mind. It's a grand boon to receive so fine a device, and dangerous even, for us to allow it part. That instrument lays much of our mind bare. Accept it then as our faith in you. Scour this land. Gain mastery over beings of great power and its beacon shall respond."

"Crawler. Grand, strange Crawler. Favoured plaything of the Gods! Our mind is filled with the strengths of this kingdom. Rich. Bright. Clear. Thou have attuned thyself to the many Gods of this land. Much power. Perfection? Thine? Perhaps even a match for our glorious shell..."

Hall of Gods Zote statue text
"Intruder amongst the gods of Hallownest"

Hornet
"Do it! Make your choice. My thread will only hold so long.

Prolong our world's stasis or face the heart of its infection."

Possible inspect text for the Greenpath Vessel
"The remains of a wanderer, long deceased."

Cut version of Elegy for Hallownest
"In wilds beyond they speak your name with reverence and regret,

For none could tame our savage souls yet you the challenge met,

Under palest watch, you taught, you changed. Base instincts were redeemed,

A world you gave to bug and beast as they had never dreamed.

- Excerpt from Ode to Hallownest by Monomon the Teacher

Our cherished dreams you granted and delivered more,

But in dismay you found too late our desires had no end,

What cost to tame our savagery? You gave your all and then gave more.

Yet still desires lay unquenched, more dreams remained, your energies spent.

Amongst it sprang a dreadful scourge,

that forced return our aggressive urge,

and turned us back to beasts or husks,

Our souls consumed by light above.

Within your corpse can still be heard the plaintiff cries of one,

Who took our pain, and loss, and dreams inside itself to...

Through it's pain we found a truth that must now be confessed,

For nothing can contain such things but perfect emptiness."

The Dreamers
"Would it break the Seals?

They cannot be undone.

They must be undone.

Let us sleep little shadow. Allow us our peace."

"Fade away, little shadow. Fade away, and allow us sleep in peace."

"Go no further, little shadow."

"How long has passed? How long have we slept?"

"What compels you to claw your way out of the darkness? What compels your return to this sacred kingdom?"

"What calls it from beyond the Seal? The Vessel, or that captive light?"

"It would break the Seals.

They cannot be undone.

They must be undone.

An empty vessel to bring hope.

A strong vessel to bring stagnation.

An enlightened vessel to bring an end. What then is this? Only a weak thing. It would harm the Vessel, harm the seals. It shall be cast away."

"It matters not. Our Seals remain. This shadow seeks to defy us... It must be cast away."

"This little shadow… Must return to its darkness."

"As you say... we made a promise. Let it be done."

Monomon the Teacher
"For diversity. For variance. For evolution. I become bond upon the Vessel."

"We sealed that plague, and thought we’d found an answer, but we were wrong. Our sacrifices... what did they win us? A world sealed in stasis."

"Only one path I see. The Seals must break. Will it bring destruction? Of course. It will bring change, too. Let it. To live forever in an unchanging world... Death, I would fear less."

"Will it bring destruction? Of course. It will bring change, too. Let it. To live forever in an unchanging world... that is the only death I fear."

"To sleep eternal, what difference from death?"

“Open your minds, brother and sister. Our vow was to protect...but do we? The Vessel weakens."

"My mind is seal upon that tragic being. But who shall teach them now? Who shall open their minds, where I cannot?"

"So... we found each other after all. Can you see me, here in this forgotten dream? I can see only light."

"Our sacred Hallownest... It was so old. An eternal, undying kingdom... unchanging. They called me 'Teacher', but what did I have left to teach? What did I have left to learn?"

"When the light came, we feared it. Of course we did! So we fought to keep things as they were. Our sacrifices... what did they win us? Simply another kind of stasis."

"We fought against you, too. Struggling against our fate. The light we caged away... it is alive, and we are not. Is that what draws you to it?"

Lurien the Watcher
"For this city and for King beloved, I become bond upon the Vessel."

"That black choice made, but not by me. Our King claimed that burden. My lot is easier, only to sleep and to serve."

"My city. Do you sustain without me? Do you thrive? I would see your streets again..."

"Our King appears as bug, and I shall take him as so. But his are traits that transcend our kind. His is a mind beyond ours. Deity given form. In sleep, I shall not look upon his like again."

"Remember our promise, sister! We three vowed to protect the seal with all of our devotion."

"Remember our bond... our sacrifice. For the kingdom’s sake... for the one we must protect."

"More detached than the other dreamers? Maybe ponders how the Hollow Knight (vessel) feels after all this time. Would he make the same choice again? First few dialogues are very taciturn."

Herrah the Beast
"For my daughter and my kind, I become bond upon the Vessel."

"Wyrm, your attempt may prove futile, but your offer I could not refuse."

"My child...For you, I would give it all."

"For her, I would give it all."

"Talks about her history: As part of the agreement for her alliance and her role as a dreamer, King gave her a child (Hornet). Was she allowed to keep this child or was she taken away?"

White Lady
"Two halves of a whole. You found your way... back to me? We were so unfair, weren’t we? To cast you out. Please, you must not hate him. He did what he thought was right. The Kingdom had to live..."

Pale King
"False one… you can not… reach me… here"

Gorb
"Greetings pale thing. Do you seek my knowledge? That I cannot give. Only an end."

"Would you accept the end I offer?"

"Alas. It destroys..."

Myla
"Bury the knight with a broken sword,

Bury the lady beneath her lord

Bury the priest in her tattered gown

Then bury the beggar and his golden crown"

Mister Mushroom Shroomish Dream Nail dialogue
"...Mishi umo sanga. Dogo!.."

Shrumal Warrior Shroomish Dream Nail dialogue
"Nyush oola mumu? Shruba dungo ola, ola mu... gungi?"

"...Mushi mungi ooalala..."

"...Nyanmul....Gassa ola..."

Shrumal Ogre Shroomish Dream Nail dialogue
"Melemag....Mu ola..."

"...Undaya...Moga moga nala..."

"Gagan oola"

Menderbug Hunter's Journal entry
"Though not often caught at their task, the results of their work can be seen in the deft, timely repair of damaged"

Menderbug's house unlock prompt
"The door is locked. Use the Odd Key?"

Ancient Basin Vessel Fragment fountain
"Geo is a burden to the ignoble bug. Let Hallownest's Pale King relieve you of it."

Ancient Basin lore tablet at entrance to The Abyss
"Higher beings, these words are for you alone.

From below, our pure Vessel has ascended. Only a realm of regret remains. We shall enter that place no longer."

Uknown ancient spider corpse inspect text
"Remains of an ancient creature."

Miscellaneous
"That plague, it calls to something within. But that union it offers is a lie, the cost, a mind regressed."

"Do you truly wish to break it...? Do you have the strength, or the will...?"

"Sometimes, I like to find a spot somewhere you can lie down and look up, and not see the roof of any caverns. The darkness is beautiful, and it goes on forever."
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Trivia

 * Several of the cut charms seem to appear on each of the Charm Achievements.


 * The ability to "Glorify" charms was scheduled to appear in the Godmaster content pack, when it was still named Gods and Glory. 


 * White Palace was supposed to have two bosses, King's Golem and Dusk Knight.


 * "White Palace, I can't remember what happened to its second boss? I know Kingsmold/Golem was one." - Ari Gibson


 * "They kinda got combined into the Kingsmould I think." - William Pellen


 * The Hive was originally planned to be connected to Deepnest.


 * Hornet's original backstory involved Vespa, the Queen of the Hive:


 * "Vespa to Hornet was intentional. There was an old concept here that may still apply: Hornet was the 'Child of Three Queens,' one birthed, one raised, one trained. It is from the third queen that Hornet took her name. Whether that notion still applies however, I can't confirm, though it was definitely the basis for the names." - Ari Gibson


 * The Colosseum was a stretch goal that was funded later on through Paypal backers:


 * "Colosseum squeaked in there late in development. We were talking about potentially releasing it as a free DLC (this is before we had the idea of content packs) but after discussion we decided that having a place to really test your combat skills was important to have. Also, removing it would have left a weird empty gap at the top of Kingdom's Edge!" - William Pellen


 * "The Colosseum does hide a secret, and there's a chance we'll explore it in the future. I'm trying to remember how many extra bosses we did put in the colosseum. Zote was one. Those Fat bees were another... Two of the Colosseum warriors were originally bosses, but we liked them so much we transformed them into regular foes. It's all a bit of a blur!" -Ari Gibson


 * Colosseum of Fools was originally meant to be in Fungal Wastes.


 * The Abyss was meant to be a "massive expansion for only the hardiest of adventurers" with 4 bosses. While in the game, it has no bosses.


 * "The Abyss was a stretch goal we never did reach, though we'd really love to explore it! What you see in the game is actually just the Abyss Shore. The expansion would've taken players down into the lake of void, to explore the twisted space within." - Ari Gibson


 * In an early gameplay video, Sly can be seen selling Glow Bug Lamp for, White Crystal Ring for , Greed Charm for , Mysterious Key for and Grey Mask Shard for.


 * Herrah's name was Hegemol originally.


 * As seen in an early map sketch, Dryya and the White Lady were to be found near the White Palace and the White Knight would have guarded the entrance to the Queen's Glade.


 * Queen's Gardens was originally going to be named Royal Garden.


 * The Zote Charm was an idea thought up by William Pellen that did not make it into the final game. It would have made the Knight die in one hit.