Conquering Grimm: Optimal Charm Builds for Hollow Knight's Toughest Fights
Grimm, a captivating character in Hollow Knight, presents two formidable boss battles: Troupe Master Grimm and Nightmare King Grimm. These encounters demand precision, reflexes, and strategic charm selection. All builds require the two-notch Grimmchild charm.
Troupe Master Grimm: Charm Builds
This fight, while challenging, allows for learning Grimm's attack patterns. Elegance and timing are key.
Nail Build:

- Unbreakable/Fragile Strength (mandatory for increased Nail damage)
- Quick Slash (for increased attack speed)
- Longnail (extends Nail range)
- Grimmchild (mandatory)
This build maximizes Nail damage between Grimm's attacks. Quick Slash enhances hit frequency, while Longnail compensates for the lack of Mark of Pride (due to Grimmchild's two-notch cost). Aim for at least a Coiled Nail or Pure Nail for optimal damage.
Spell Build:

- Shaman Stone (mandatory for Spell damage boost)
- Grubsong (for consistent Soul replenishment)
- Spell Twister (for faster spell casting)
- Unbreakable/Fragile Heart (for increased health)
- Grimmchild (mandatory)
This build prioritizes spell damage, leveraging Shaman Stone and Spell Twister for powerful attacks like Descending Dark and Abyss Shriek. Grubsong mitigates the risk of taking hits. Unbreakable/Fragile Heart provides extra health for survival.
Defeating Troupe Master Grimm unlocks the final charm notch, essential for Nightmare King Grimm builds.
Nightmare King Grimm: Charm Builds
Nightmare King Grimm is significantly more aggressive, dealing double damage and possessing enhanced attacks including a devastating flame pillar attack.
Optimal Build (Hybrid Nail/Spell):

- Unbreakable/Fragile Strength (for increased Nail damage)
- Shaman Stone (for Spell damage boost)
- Mark of Pride (extends Nail range)
- Grimmchild (mandatory)
This hybrid approach combines Nail attacks with powerful spells like Abyss Shriek and Descending Dark. Shaman Stone and Unbreakable/Fragile Strength maximize damage output, while Mark of Pride improves Nail range for opportunistic hits.
Alternative Build (Defensive Spell/Nail Art Focus):

- Grubsong (for Soul replenishment)
- Sharp Shadow (for dodging attacks and dealing damage)
- Shaman Stone (for Spell damage boost)
- Spell Twister (for faster spell casting)
- Nailmaster's Glory (enhances Nail Arts)
- Grimmchild (mandatory)
This defensive build emphasizes spellcasting and Nail Arts, using Sharp Shadow to navigate Grimm's attacks and Nailmaster's Glory to leverage Nail Arts effectively. Shaman Stone and Spell Twister boost spell damage, while Grubsong ensures consistent Soul supply.