Best map pins to use Hollow Knight?

Finding the best map pins to use in Hollow Knight can dramatically improve your exploration efficiency and help you track important locations throughout Hallownest.

Essential Map Pins for Navigation

Shops and Key NPCs

Place blue pins at merchant locations like Sly's shop, Iselda's map store, and the Stag Station ticket booth. These vendors offer crucial upgrades and services you'll need to revisit frequently. Mark Cornifer's locations with yellow pins since he sells area maps that are essential for navigation.

Upgrade Locations

Use red pins to mark Charm Notch locations, Vessel Fragment spots, and Mask Shard areas. These permanent upgrades are easily forgotten without proper marking. Similarly, pin Pale Ore locations since you'll need multiple pieces to upgrade your nail.

Strategic Gameplay Pins

Blocked Passages

White pins work perfectly for marking areas requiring specific abilities like double jump, dash, or wall climb. This system prevents wasted backtracking and helps you efficiently return once you've gained the necessary skills.

Boss Locations and Dream Warriors

Mark boss arenas with black pins, especially Dream Warrior locations that reward Essence. These fights are optional but provide valuable rewards for the Dream Nail questline.

Advanced Pin Strategies

Reserve green pins for Grub locations – there are 46 total, and systematic marking ensures you don't miss any. Use purple pins for breakable walls and secret passages you discover but can't immediately access.

Consider creating a personal system where each color represents a specific category. Consistency in your pin usage will make navigation intuitive as you progress through the 15+ interconnected areas.

Mastering map pin usage transforms Hollow Knight from a confusing maze into a manageable adventure. Want to optimize your exploration further by learning about the most efficient upgrade paths?