Do You Have to Beat Soul Master to Progress?
If you’re playing Hollow Knight, you’ve probably come across the enigmatic Soul Master, a notorious boss in the game. One pressing question that many players have is, do you have to beat Soul Master to progress? The answer to this question is not a straightforward one, but stick with me as we dive deeper into the world of Hallownest to find out.
A Few Facts About Soul Master
To understand the answer to our question, let’s take a closer look at what Soul Master is and what he offers.
- Soul Master is a main boss in Hollow Knight: He’s not some optional fight that you can avoid – he’s an integral part of the game.
- He guards a useful ability: Completing the fight against Soul Master rewards you with the Desolate Dive Spell, a valuable asset to upgrade your character.
Now, let’s move on to the main question at hand – Do you have to beat Soul Master to progress?
The Simple Truth
In short, no, you do not have to beat Soul Master to progress. You can finish the game without ever fighting the Soul Master. This means you can continue to explore Hallownest, defeat other bosses, and collect more spells without encountering the notoriously difficult Soul Master.
BUT
While it’s true you don’t need to beat him to finish the game, there are still several benefits to taking him on:
- Early access to the Desolate Dive Spell: By defeating the Soul Master, you’ll get access to the Desolate Dive Spell, a skill that can greatly enhance your chances in upcoming battles.
- Additional boss stats and upgrades: Beating Soul Master rewards you with some stat boosts and new upgrades for your Grimmchild, making the road ahead slightly easier.
- Cultural significance: As you explore the world of Hallownest, you’ll find that the Soul Master’s defeat is deeply connected to the mythology and lore of the game.
Alternatives to Defeating the Soul Master
If you’re not ready to take on Soul Master, don’t worry! There are alternatives to beating the battle:
- Choose Not to Engage: Simply not engaging with the Soul Master removes the need to fight him. This preserves your health and resources while ensuring you can still progress in other areas.
- Wait and Approach Later: If you do feel like tackling the Soul Master but aren’t prepared, consider shelving the battle for now. You can return to the spot later when you have upgraded or gained new skills to give him a better shot.
Final Tips and Conclusion
While defeat is not mandatory, it’s also not entirely unnecessary. Take it as a personal challenge – beat Soul Master. If not, there’s no shame in moving forward. With this newfound insight, you’re equipped to decide if you’ll take on Soul Master and claim the Desolate Dive Spell, or opt for more strategic progression.