Uncover the Ultimate Mask Shard Locations in Hollow Knight

The combat system in Hollow Knight may initially pose a challenge for players. To make the game easier and overcome its difficulty, one effective strategy is to increase the player's HP or 'Masks'. By doing so, the Knight will be able to withstand more enemy attacks, particularly in the early stages where enemies are resilient.

As the Knight acquires more Masks, they will be able to endure a greater number of hits before being defeated, sent back to the bench, and needing to defeat their Shade to recover their Geo. Obtaining Mask Shards is essential to increasing the player's Mask count. These shards can be thought of as similar to Heart Containers in the Zelda series - once enough are collected, they combine to form a new 'heart'. Starting with a base of 5 Masks in Hollow Knight, players can enhance their HP to a maximum of 9 after collecting all the Mask Shards.

Updated July 3rd, 2023 by Jacob Buchalter: Fans of Hollow Knight eagerly await news about the sequel, Silksong, feeling trapped in a state of anticipation. Meanwhile, new players are venturing into this charming yet dark Metroidvania game and similar titles for the first time. When these players begin their journey in Hollow Knight and engage in combat, they may be taken aback by the amount of damage enemies can withstand. The Knight, the player character, starts off with relatively weak stats, including low Health. However, by actively searching for specific items like Charms or Mask Shards, players can gradually improve their chances of survival and success.

What Are Mask Shards & How Many Are There?

In comparison to Zelda, collecting 4 Heart Pieces grants you one Heart Container. Similarly, in Hollow Knight, acquiring four Mask Shards rewards you with a Mask Container, also known as the 'Ancient Mask'. With a total of 16 Mask Shards hidden throughout the game, players can unlock four additional Mask Slots, giving them a total of 9. And let's not forget about the extra health boost provided by Charms and Lifeblood Cocoons.

All Mask Shard Locations

Players will earn two achievements or trophies by collecting every Mask Shard. The first achievement, 'Protected', is obtained when the Knight completes their first Ancient Mask. The second achievement, ironically named 'Masked', is unlocked after obtaining every single Mask Shard.

Acquiring Mask Shards in Hollow Knight can be quite an undertaking, as their locations and acquisition methods vary. Some can be conveniently purchased from Merchants, while others are bestowed upon defeating formidable bosses. Additionally, there are some Mask Shards that are serendipitously discovered within the depths of Hollow Knight's enigmatic secret locations. Consequently, the following entries outlining the locations of these Mask Shards exhibit notable disparities.

Purchased From Sly's Shop

Sly, an NPC merchant in Hollow Knight, offers various goods to the player after being rescued in the Forgotten Crossroads. Interestingly, he is also featured in the Godmaster content pack released in 2018, although not in the role of a merchant.

Upon unlocking his shop, the Knight can immediately purchase two Mask Shards from Sly. Additionally, if the player acquires the Shopkeeper's Key (located in Crystal Peak) and gives it to Sly, two more Mask Shards become available for purchase.

Granted By The Grubfather

Hallownest is adorned with these endearing jars containing grubs, delightful little creatures. One can detect their presence by the faint, squeaky sounds they emit whenever they share a space with the Knight. While exploring, it is effortless to overlook these subtle noises, but for those with attentive ears, locating Grubs is a relatively simple task.

Once the player frees five of them, they must return to the Grubfather, their patriarch of sorts. The Grubfather, who is deeply concerned for his Grubs' safety in the Forgotten Crossroads, is extremely distressed and anxious for their well-being. As a token of gratitude for bringing his beloved children back, he generously bestows upon the Knight a variety of rewards, such as Geo, Mask Shards, or other valuable items. Moreover, rescuing five Grubs warrants a special reward in the form of a Mask Shard.

Defeat The Brooding Mawlek

The Brooding Mawlek, a secret boss, can be found west of the Forgotten Crossroads. It is located at the lower left of the Ancestral Mound bench, which can be easily accessed with the Mantis Claw. The area surrounding the Brooding Mawlek is adorned with the petrified remnants of its own species.

This adversary may not be as challenging as some of Hollow Knight's other boss battles, but players still need to exercise caution to avoid being defeated. Upon successfully defeating this boss, the Knight will receive a Mask Shard.

Forgotten Crossroads

A Mask Shard can be found in the Forgotten Crossroads, specifically in a room located beneath the sole hot spring on this level. The route to obtain this Mask Shard is a narrow one, necessitating the Knight to skillfully navigate past the bustling Goams.

Navigate through this area, following the tunnel of Goams, and at the end of it a Mask Shard awaits them.

Bretta's House

Inside Dirtmouth, Bretta's house hides a Mask Shard, along with a collection of diaries, drawings, and dolls depicting the Knight and later Zote. However, players must first venture to the depths of the Fungal Wastes, located slightly to the right of the Mantis Village, to rescue Bretta.

Once the Knight approaches and rescues her from her confinement, she will make her way back to Dirtmouth. Subsequently, her abode will become accessible, and upon entering, the Knight will immediately notice the presence of the Mask Shard floating directly in front of them.

Queen's Station

To begin, make your way to the Stag Station in this location, as indicated on the map above. From there, exit the Station and proceed into the following room, continuing towards the right until the Knight encounters a wall covered in spikes that stretches upwards. Navigate this twisting pathway with caution, as you ascend towards a sizable lever, taking care to avoid the scattered spikes along the way.

To proceed through this tunnel, the Knight must obtain the Mantis Claw, which is located in the Mantis Village within the Fungal Wastes.

Upon reaching the top, players can activate the lever to open the exit door, eliminating the need to backtrack through the dangerous tunnel. Additionally, a Mask Shard will be positioned in front of the lever.

Stone Sanctuary

To start, players should Fast Travel to Greenpath using the Stag Station. From here, they should proceed downwards through a series of winding tunnels until they reach the last 'room' of this level. This will position them above a large rectangular room that leads to Fog Canyon. By dropping down into this room and heading right, they can access the Stone Sanctuary, where they can acquire the Mask Shard. Before attempting this, players will likely need to obtain the Lumafly Lantern, which can be purchased from Sly in Dirtmouth for a reasonable price of 1800 Geo.

Players should pass by a Bench in this room, sit here to make a checkpoint, and then proceed back into the previous room. Progress further down this room and locate the next exit to the right. Follow this path to the right until it leads directly to the entrance of the Stone Sanctuary. Inside the sanctuary awaits the boss fight with No Eye, one of the many Warrior Dreams battles in this extensive game, therefore the Knight must defeat it as the first challenge. After emerging victorious, explore the top-right corner of the arena to discover a newly opened path. Follow this path and players will encounter the next Mask Shard.

Royal Waterways

The Royal Waterways region is also shrouded in darkness, necessitating the use of the Lumafly Lantern, similar to the previous Mask Shard. To traverse this area, players will discover the Mask Shard slightly below the location where Cornifer is encountered.

To quickly locate this item, proceed to the area where Cornifer was initially encountered (specifically the room to the right of the place where Bretta was saved). Directly beneath the passage leading to Cornifer's location, by choosing the lower route, turning left, and carefully avoiding the water, players will be able to discover the Mask Shard.

Deepnest

They'll find the path leading to this next Mask Shard on the eastern part of the map, just above the passage left of the Mantis Lords' boss room.

In order to obtain this Mask Shard in Deepnest, players must possess both the Monarch Wings and the Mantis Claw.

Specifically, the Mask Shard can be found within Deepnest territory, but the path to reach it involves descending from the Fungal Core, a sub-area located within the Fungal Wastes biome. To begin, head towards the left tunnel above the Mantis Village. Follow this tunnel and keep an eye out for a downward drop. Proceed downwards and towards the left, be prepared to face various enemies like the Shrumal Ogres. Players should look out for a wider drop at the bottom of this area, where beams of light can be seen. Descending through this path will provide a clear view of the Mask Shard.

The Hive

The Mask Shard can be found in the center area of the Hive's map. It is located in a room that can only be accessed by the Knight once it is broken by a Hive Guardian. More specifically, it is situated on the far left side of the large chamber, between the Grimmkin Nightmare room and the room where the Knight can communicate with Hive Queen Vespa's spirit.

Once players are inside the room, they will easily spot the Mask Shard, as it is the only thing visible behind a honeycomb wall. To obtain it, players must lure a Hive Guardian into bouncing against this wall until it breaks. Once the wall is broken, they can quickly grab the Mask Shard.

Defeat The Enraged Guardian

In Crystal Peak, the Enraged Guardian protects a Mask Shard. The location of this room is conveniently near Cornifer, in the topmost Bench Room of the area. Upon entering, players will notice the slumbering Crystal Guardian on the bench, prompting them to awaken it. Once awakened, the guardian becomes enraged and initiates the battle.

Attaining this Mask Shard necessitates the use of the Monarch Wings.

During the battle and subsequent to the initial 'phase', once the boss springs up to the next level, players have the option to pursue it and engage in combat with its second form there. Upon conquering this form, a chamber located left of the arena will unlock, revealing an additional Mask Shard.

Collect 1,500 Essence

Once the player acquires the Dream Nail in Hollow Knight, they unlock the ability to gather Essence. This valuable resource can be obtained in several ways: by activating Whispering Roots, conquering Warrior Dreams to defeat Warrior Spirits, and emerging triumphant against powerful Dream Bosses.

Once the player collects 1,500 Essence, head back to the Seer NPC and she will reward the player for their Essence-hoarding achievement with one Mask Shard.

Deliver The Delicate Flower To The Traitor's Child

Undoubtedly, the Delicate Flower side quest is one of the most monotonous tasks in the game. In order to complete it, players must transport a precious Delicate Flower from the Grey Mourner, one of the five esteemed Great Knights residing near the depths of the Resting Grounds, all the way to the final resting place of the Traitor's Child located within the majestic Queen's Garden. This daring undertaking essentially entails traversing the entire breadth of the game's vast map.

, players can safely deliver the Flower to the Grey Mourner without the risk of it being destroyed.

Hollow Knight is available on PC, Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4, and Xbox One.