What should I buy first in Hollow Knight?

When starting your journey in Hollow Knight, knowing what to buy first can significantly impact your early game experience and progression through Hallownest.

Essential First Purchases

The Lantern (1,800 Geo)

Your absolute first priority should be the Lantern from Sly in Dirtmouth. This crucial item illuminates dark areas throughout the game, making exploration far more manageable. Without it, you'll struggle to navigate many areas effectively, missing important secrets and upgrades.

Gathering Swarm Charm (300 Geo)

Once you have the Lantern, purchase the Gathering Swarm charm from Sly. This charm automatically attracts Geo (the game's currency) to you when enemies drop it, making farming much more efficient. It's particularly valuable early on when you need every piece of Geo for upgrades.

Secondary Priorities

Stalwart Shell Charm (200 Geo)

This affordable charm increases your invincibility time after taking damage, giving you more opportunities to escape dangerous situations. It's especially helpful for new players still learning enemy patterns.

Maps and Compass

Always buy maps from Cornifer (varies by area, typically 60-75 Geo) and the Compass charm from Iselda in Dirtmouth (220 Geo). These items are essential for navigation and preventing you from getting hopelessly lost in Hallownest's interconnected world.

Geo Farming Tips

To afford these purchases quickly, focus on thoroughly exploring each area, breaking geo deposits, and defeating all enemies you encounter. The Forgotten Crossroads offers excellent early-game farming opportunities.

Smart Shopping Strategy

Avoid expensive items like nail upgrades initially—focus on utility items that enhance exploration and geo collection first. This approach sets you up for long-term success.

Mastering these early purchases will give you a solid foundation for tackling Hallownest's greater challenges. Ready to discover what other secrets and upgrades await deeper in the kingdom?