How to Reach the Howling Cliffs In Hollow Knight

The Howling Cliffs is a relatively small area in Team Cherry’s Hollow Knight, tucked away at the top of the map. Though technically optional, this area does contain some interesting story tidbits and a few important finds, including the Cyclone Slash Nail Art and the fight with Dream Warrior Gorb.

Players can access the Howling Cliffs after obtaining the Mothwing Cloak from defeating Hornet and the Mantis Claw in Mantis Village. Once both of these abilities are under your possession, you can enter the Howling Cliffs either from Greenpath or via the King’s Pass outside Dirtmouth. 

How to Get to the Howling Cliffs From Dirtmouth

[Original image courtesy of Hollow Knight Wiki]

After obtaining the Mantis Claw and Monarch Wings, player’s can return to the King’s Pass (the game’s starting area) to the west of Dirtmouth. With these two items, you should now be able to scale the wall on the west side of the area. Doing so will put you in the northeast corner of the Howling Cliffs. 

How to Get to the Howling Cliffs From Greenpath

[Original image courtesy of Hollow Knight Wiki]

The second entrance to Howling Cliffs is located at the northernmost point of Greenpath (circled above). If you are making your way from the Stag Station (next to where you fought Hornet), then it’s a quick trek east/northeast from there, but shouldn’t be too much of a hassle even if you are starting from elsewhere. 

What to Do When You Reach the Howling Cliffs

As is usually the case in Hollow Knight, the first thing you’ll want to do in the new area is grab yourself a map from Cornifer — but the choice is ultimately up to you. Though relatively small, the Howling Cliffs still contains a few key points of interest that we’ve labeled for you in map below. 

 [Original image courtesy of Hollow Knight Wiki]

1. Cornifer
2. Nailmaster Mato: When talked to, Nailmaster Mato will teach you the powerful Cyclone Slash
3. Gorm: Gorm is one of the optional Dream Warrior bosses. Per usual, you will need the Dream Nail to trigger this fight. 
4. Joni’s Repose: This is a sub-area where players can obtain the charm Joni’s Blessing and meet the ghost of Blue Child Joni herself (Dream Needle required). 
5. Stag Nest: This sub-area/Stagway Station is available after unlocking all other Stagway Stations in the game. 

Now that you’ve found your way, feel free to explore the Howling Cliffs to your heart’s content, and don’t forget to check back with GameSkinny for more Hollow Knight guides.