How to unlock Radiance fight?

How to unlock Radiance fight? The Radiance represents Hollow Knight's ultimate boss challenge, but accessing this climactic battle requires completing several crucial steps and making a pivotal decision during the final confrontation.

Prerequisites for the Radiance Fight

Before you can face the Radiance, you must obtain the Void Heart charm. This essential item is acquired by completing the following sequence:

Step 1: Obtain the King's Brand

Defeat the Broken Vessel in the Ancient Basin to earn the King's Brand, which grants access to previously sealed areas throughout Hallownest.

Step 2: Navigate the Abyss

Use the King's Brand to enter the deepest part of the Abyss. Here, you'll discover the Birthplace and learn crucial lore about the Knight's origins.

Step 3: Acquire Void Heart

In the Birthplace, interact with the egg to automatically receive the Void Heart charm. This charm replaces both Kingsoul pieces and cannot be unequipped.

Accessing the Radiance Battle

With Void Heart equipped, proceed to the Black Egg Temple and initiate the final boss fight against the Hollow Knight. This is where the critical choice occurs.

During the battle, when the Hollow Knight begins staggering and stabbing itself, you'll see Hornet arrive and pin the boss down. At this moment, a new option appears: Dream Nail the Hollow Knight instead of delivering the final blow.

Using Dream Nail on the Hollow Knight transports you directly into the dream realm to face the Radiance—the true source of the infection plaguing Hallownest.

Important Notes

The Radiance fight is significantly more challenging than the standard Hollow Knight encounter, featuring multiple phases and unique attack patterns. Make sure you're well-prepared with upgraded nail damage and plenty of healing items.

Mastering this encounter opens the door to Hollow Knight's true ending and provides access to even more challenging content like the Pantheons.