Reaching the City of Tears is one of the most memorable turning points in Hollow Knight, marking a transition from early-game survival to mid-game exploration. Located deep beneath Hallownest, this grand, rain-drenched metropolis holds vital upgrades, essential NPCs, and key storyline progression. Finding the path to this location requires defeating specific bosses and acquiring key movement abilities beforehand.
Prerequisite Abilities and Key Items
Before attempting to enter the City of Tears, players must acquire a few fundamental items. First, you must defeat the False Knight in the Forgotten Crossroads to secure the City Crest, which acts as the key to the main gates. Additionally, obtaining the Mothwing Cloak from Hornet in Greenpath is necessary for dashing across wider gaps along the journey.
With those items secured, players should navigate toward the Fungal Wastes to retrieve the Mantis Claw. This wall-jumping ability is critical for navigating the vertical shafts that lead to the city's entryway. Staying informed via daily gaming news outlets often reminds newcomers that rushing ahead without these movement tools will only result in dead ends.
Navigating the Path Through Fungal Wastes
The primary route to the City of Tears runs straight through the bottom portion of the Fungal Wastes. Head east from the Mantis Village, utilizing your wall jump to ascend platforming challenges filled with aggressive fungal enemies. Follow the signs pointing toward the right until you encounter a massive carved stone doorway.
Insert the City Crest into the statue slot near the entrance to unlock the heavy gates. Once you cross the threshold, the gates behind you will seal permanently for a significant portion of the game. Proceed right down the long elevator shaft, where the atmospheric soundtrack shifts to signal your arrival in the rain-soaked capital.
Alternative Routes and Late-Game Access Points
While the City Crest route is the standard progression path, players can access other parts of the city later in the game. Purchasing the Lumafly Lantern allows access to the Crystal Peak, which eventually connects down to the Resting Grounds and the eastern half of the City of Tears. This bypasses the front gates completely, though it requires a significant amount of Geo early on.
Another secondary route opens via the Royal Waterways after unlocking a hatch with a Simple Key. Navigating these flooded tunnels connects to lower sections of the city, providing shortcuts back to earlier regions. Exploring these secondary passages ensures you uncover every hidden relic and upgrade hidden within the sprawling urban ruins.
