Proto:Hollow Knight

This page details one or more prototype versions of Hollow Knight.

To do: Add audio files. Find replacements for some videos which could not be watched due to their takedown, and add the information they contain back on the page.

A prototype version of Hollow Knight was sent to Kickstarter backers of the game in September of 2015. It was rereleased for the Humble Monthly Bundle subscription service on February 3rd, 2017, and was later released to the public on the game’s official discord server on September 21st, 2020.

Area Differences

The demo version of Hollow Knight only contains Dirtmouth, King’s Pass, and the Forgotten Crossroads. As it is a demo, many rooms are not entirely finished.

Dirtmouth/King’s Pass

Early	Final	Changes
		The entrance to Crystal Peaks exists, but cannot be entered as the level leads nowhere. The crystals are entirely missing, the elevator mechanism is wider, and there is an extra lantern on the wood beams.
		Iselda’s shop has a different sign compared to the release version, and the sign has moved slightly.
		Confessor Jiji/Steel Soul Jinn’s cave is missing entirely, and some rocks are in its place.
		The stag station’s door automatically opens once using the stag to travel to Dirtmouth, and there is no lever. The light is also less vibrant.
		The chest containing Fury of the Fallen in the release version contains 50 Geo in the beta, and the area’s backdrop loses the statue and red glow. The entrance to the area is also quite different, and the lore sign appears to not be there.

Forgotten Crossroads

Early	Final	Changes
	N/A	The Ancestral Mound is referred to as the Shrine of Souls.
		The bench at the Hot Spring is missing, and the room is more purple.
		The Black Egg is leaking infection. This only happens in the final game once the Crossroads has become infected.
	N/A	The lift near Myla leading to Crystal Peak is missing. The crystals are white, compared to their pink color in the final game.
		There is no bench outside of Salubra’s shop, and it can not be entered. Additionally, the entrance does not glow purple.
		The passage to Crystal Peak exists near Myla, but the room can not be exited as the exit leads nowhere. The crystals are also a dull white compared to their pink color in the final game.
		The passage to Fog Canyon exists, but can only be entered using mods. Fog Canyon can not be entered as the level leads nowhere. The acid bubbles are white instead of their pinkish yellow color in the final game. Interestingly, the passage appears to be a swimming section, and is entered through the acid lake. In the final game, the acid lake is not entered, and the entrance is to the right.
		The passage to the Fungal Wastes exists, but can only be entered by using noclip with mods. The Fungal Wastes can not be entered as the level leads nowhere. Oddly, the room resembles the passage to Fog Canyon, as it has bubbles and not the shrooms that appear here in the final game. There is a strange area in the room that can be walked through, as it has no hitbox.
		The secret room in the well leading to Dirtmouth is missing, and the well appears to be shorter.
		The spike challenge near Brooding Mawlek does not exist, and a grub was replaced by a Soul Totem in the final game.
		The Vengefly King fight takes place in the Forgotten Crossroads in the beta. The final game redesigns the room he was in and moves the Vengefly King to Greenpath.

(Source: Hollow Knight Wiki)

Unused Rooms

There is one room in the beta that goes completely unused.

Myla’s Room

An unused room that resembles the Crystal Peaks can be found in the files of the beta. This room contains a Geo rock, and attempting to leave spawns the Knight in the entrance to Crystal Peaks. This room can be seen in the Weird and Wonderful World trailer, where Myla could originally be found there.

(Source: Hollow Knight Wiki)

Audio Differences

Several sounds were changed from the beta to the final release of the game.

Brooding Mawlek Death Sound

The Brooding Mawlek has a different explosion sound upon death, and roars when defeated.

Gruz Mother Death Sound

The Gruz Mother has a different explosion sound upon death.

Sly Voice Actor

Sly has a different voice actor in the beta.

Intro Music and Length

The intro has no music, and does not have the Elegy for Hallownest poem or the Hollow Knight cutscene.

Boss Music

Brooding Mawlek and Gruzmother use False Knight's boss theme in the beta, while in the final game the two fights use the "Decisive Battle" track.

Vengefly King Death Sound

Vengefly King has a different explosion sound upon death.

Damage Sound

When the Knight takes damage, a glass-breaking sound can be heard.

Main Menu Theme

The main menu theme has a different stringed instrument, and the main motif is played differently.

(Source: Hollow Knight Wiki)

Unused Audio

There is one unused song that can be found in the beta’s files.

Early Crossroads Track

An unused song which was completely cut from the final game can be found in the files of the beta. Its file name indicates that it was an early version of the Crossroads theme, though it bears little to no resemblance to the final track. The track uses the Greenpath and False Knight motifs. The beta does not use this track in game, and the normal track is used instead.

(Source: Hollow Knight Wiki)

Dialogue Changes

Cornifer

Cornifer’s dialogue has several changes compared to the release version of the game.

Early	Final
Hmm? Oh, hello there. Come down to explore these beautiful old highways? Don't mind me. I've a fondness for exploring myself. Getting lost and finding your way again is a pleasure like no other. Actually, I'm embarassed to bring this up, but I also make maps as a sort of side business. This one I'm working on isn't quite finished yet, but I'd like you to have a copy anyway. Oh, don't thank me. It's a work in progress so it's terribly rough. Rest assured the final product will be of a much higher calibre.	Hmm? Ah, hello there. Come down to explore these beautiful old ruins? Don't mind me... I've a fondness for exploring myself. Getting lost and finding your way again is a pleasure like no other. We're exquisitely lucky, you and I... I'm a cartographer by trade, and I'm working on mapping this area right now. Would you like to buy a copy of my work so far?
How are you finding my map? Personally I prefer to explore without one. You see so much more of the world when you're not looking at a map.	How are you finding my map? I've tried to fill out as much as I can, but every map is a work in progress... If you'd like to fill out some of the map yourself you can purchase some mapping supplies from my wife up in Dirtmouth. We've set up a little store to help make ends meet.

Elderbug

Elderbug has more dialogue in the beta, and his existing dialogue was changed.

Early	Final
The other residents, they've all disappeared. Headed down that well, one by one, into the caverns below. Used to be there was a great kingdom beneath our feet. It's long fell to ruin, yet it still draws folks down into its depths. Wealth, glory, enlightenment, that darkness seems to promise all things. I'm sure you too seek your dreams down there. Well watch out. These days, it's a sickly air down there. Creatures turn mad and travellers are robbed of their memories. Perhaps dreams aren't such great things after all, heh.	The other residents, they've all disappeared. Headed down that well, one by one, into the caverns below. Used to be there was a great kingdom beneath our town. It's long fell to ruin, yet it still draws folks into its depths. Wealth, glory, enlightenment, that darkness seems to promise all things. I'm sure you too seek your dreams down there. Well watch out. It's a sickly air that fills the place. Creatures turn mad and travellers are robbed of their memories. Perhaps dreams aren't such great things after all...
Many used to come, hoping the kingdom would fulfill their desires. Hallownest, it was once called. Supposedly the greatest kingdom there ever was, full of treasures and secrets. Hm. Now it's nothing more than a poisonous tomb full of monsters and madness. I suppose everything fades away eventually. Just the nature of things, heh heh.	Many used to come, hoping the kingdom would fulfill their desires. Hallownest, it was once called. Supposedly the greatest kingdom there ever was, full of treasures and secrets. Hm. Now it's nothing more than a poisonous tomb full of monsters and madness. Everything fades eventually, I suppose.
I hope you aren't too disappointed by our little town, traveller. Though it's now a solemn place, once we were much more welcoming. Entry to the kingdom was forbidden long ago, supposedly after some great calamity. Many gates were closed, but our old well remains as a way to creep back in. Over the years, all kinds used the well to wriggle their way into the ruins, wanderers, thieves, adventurers. Eventually there was enough activity to sustain a town, and so our predecessors built Dirtmouth.	I hope you aren't too disappointed by our little town, traveller. Though it's now a solemn place, once we were much more welcoming. Entry to the kingdom was forbidden long ago, supposedly after some great calamity. Many gates were closed, but our old well remains as a way to creep back in.
So many used to come through here and down into that well, droves and swarms, seeking power and wealth, seduced by endless possibilities in the dark. Funny how few ever return to the surface. Perhaps they find what they're looking for? Heh heh, I'm not so naive. No doubt, they've all been gobbled up! There're countless dangers in those depths.	Over the years, all kinds used the well to wriggle into the ruins, wanderers, thieves, adventurers. Funny how few ever come back up. Perhaps they find what they're looking for? … Bah, I'm not so naive. No doubt, they've all been gobbled up! There are countless dangers in those depths.
As bustling as this town used to be, eventually the flow of fools down the well slowed. I'd thought those times were done. But recently something's changed. There's activity in the caverns, unsettling sounds and rumblings underfoot. The creatures down there have become enraged. They say a poison drifts through the old roads and highways, sending folk mad. Travellers started to drift back here and down into the well, all talking about dreams they'd had of wealth and glory. And that allure to descend, it settled over the townsfolk as well! All of them eventually wandered down there. Except for me, of course. I'm a simple man, and I do not dream. Heh heh...	Not used in release version.
I remember asking one young bug why she'd climb down the well, after it had already claimed her mother and brother. Said she'd been dreaming of that stone egg in the temple. She'd heard something stirring within it, singing in a familiar voice.I told her she was a fool, but down she went anyway. Maybe I should have held her back? Heh, I doubt it. Once a mind's set on heading down, no bug can be stopped.	Not used in release version.
There's something strange about you. I've seen all types pass below, but you... You're almost familiar, though I'm sure we've never met before.	Not used in release version.
Feeling tired? That bench may be iron, but I assure you it’s quite comfortable. There's no better a place to collect your thoughts before heading below.	Not used in release version.
Feeling tired? That bench may be iron, but I assure you it’s quite comfortable. There's no better a place to collect your thoughts before heading below. Plus, I'd enjoy the company, even if you're not the most talkative sort.	Feeling tired? That bench may be iron, but I assure you it's quite comfortable. There's no better place to collect your thoughts before heading below. Plus I enjoy the company. Not that you seem the talkative sort.
If you do meet my fellows down there you might remind them of their poor Elder, up here, back aching, abandoned to his lonesome vigil. Poor poor me!... Oh I'm fine, really, but a bit of guilt might go some way in persuading their return. Assuming they're still alive that is.	Not used in release version.
I never thought I’d see the day. The Stag Station has opened! That building has lain silent since before even my time. Oh, I’ve heard all the tales of the glorious lines. A web of tunnels running all though the kingdom. Not that I’ll be travelling them, mind you! I'm quite content where I am, heh heh…	I never thought I'd see such a thing. The Stag Station has opened! That building lay silent since before even my time. Oh, I've heard the tales of the glorious lines. A web of tunnels running all through the kingdom. Not that I'll be travelling them, mind you! I'm quite content where I am.
There’s something about you little traveller. The winds are changing.	Not used in release version.

The Last Stag

The Last Stag’s dialogue is slightly different compared to his final dialogue.

Early	Final
Greetings, little one! It's been an age since I last heard the ringing of a station bell. It echoed down the stagways and called me to you. I've grown stiff and heavy over these many years and I've forgotten much, but the sound of the bell will always call me back. These stagways stretch the depths of Hallownest. If you want to travel them, hail me from the platform. I will take you where you need to go.	Greetings, little one! It's been an age since I last heard the ringing of a station bell. It echoed down the stagways and called me to you. I've grown stiff and tired over these many years and I've forgotten much, but the sound of the bell will always call me back. These stagways stretch the depths of Hallownest. If you want to travel them, hail me from the platform. I will take you where you need to go.
It was a long time ago, but I remember when these highways and crossroads pulsed with life. These are the paths I first carried passengers through when I was young. Those travellers are all gone now, moved on. Now it seems it's just you and I and the furtive creatures scratching and squirming all around us.	It was a long time ago, but I remember when these highways and crossroads pulsed with life. These are the paths I first carried passengers through when I was young. Those travellers are long gone, yet still I remain. Now it seems it's just you and I and the furtive creatures scratching and squirming all around us.
This place... we are near the surface, I believe? There is a town here, you should take the opportunity to rest. This place was once full of travellers coming and going. It seems much quieter now.	This place... we are near the surface, I believe? There is a town here. You should take the opportunity to rest. This place was once full of travellers coming and going. It seems much quieter now.

Myla

Myra’s dialogue has slight changes compared to her final dialogue.

Early	Final
Ohhh, bury the knight with a broken sword, bury the... p-priest... something about a crown...? I c-can't remember the rest of that one, ha ha ha! Maybe I'll just hum it.	Ohhh, bury the knight with her broken nail, bury the... p-priest... something about a crown...? I c-can't remember the rest of that one, ha ha ha! Maybe I'll just hum it.
Oh, hello again! Are you still running about? Why not join me d-down here? There's plenty of wealth in these rocks for anyone willing to put a bit of work in! Those crystals out there are worth a fair b-b-bit, but I have a feeling that there's something even more valuable hidden just a bit deeper in! If I close my eyes I can almost smell it! Ha ha ha!	Oh, hello again! Are you still running about? Why not join me d-down here? There's plenty of wealth in these rocks for anyone willing to put a bit of work in! Those crystals out there are worth a fair b-b-bit, but I have a feeling that there's something even more valuable hidden just a bit deeper in! I can almost smell it! Ha ha ha!
Ohhh, bury the knight with her velvet gloves, Bury the thief with the one she loved! Bury the priest in her tattered gown, Then bury the beggar and his golden crooooooown!	Ohh, bury the knight with her broken nail, bury the lady, lovely and pale! Bury the priest in his tattered gown, then bury the beggar with his shining croooown!

Quirrel

Quirrel’s dialogue has differences compared to his final dialogue. His second-to-last line of dialogue was moved to his appearance at the Lake of Unn in the final game.

Early	Final
I'm Quirrel. I have something of an obsession with forgotten and uncharted places. This ancient kingdom holds many fascinating mysteries, and one of the most intriguing of them is standing right before us.	I'm Quirrel. I have something of an obsession with uncharted places. This ancient kingdom holds many fascinating mysteries, and one of the most intriguing of them is standing right before us.
A great stone egg, lying in the corpse of an ancient kingdom. And who knows what other marvels lie even deeper below us…	A great stone egg, lying in the corpse of an ancient kingdom. And this egg...Is it warm? It certainly gives off a unique air. Can it be opened? There are strange marks all over it… I do so love a mystery...And who knows what other marvels lie even deeper below us...
For so long I'd heard the tales of this strange, ancient kingdom, tales full of wonders and horrors. No longer could I resist. I just had to see it for myself. And what a time I chose to arrive! This dead world has sprung to life. The creatures are riled up and the earth rumbles. The air is thick. I wonder what could have brought all this about?	For so long I've felt drawn here. So many tales full of wonders and horrors. No longer could I resist. I just had to see it for myself. And what a time I chose to arrive! This dead world has sprung to life. The creatures are riled up and the earth rumbles. The air is thick. I wonder what could have brought it all about?
Isn't this building a wonder? Do you think it was built around the egg, or was the egg laid within? And this egg... is it warm? I swear it seems alive somehow. It certainly gives off a unique air. What do you suppose is inside? A great beast? Fantastic treasures? Or something else entirely? Can it be opened? There are strange marks all over it… I do so love a mystery…	Not used in release version.
I can't help but notice that nail you wield. It looks a fine instrument, though it's showing signs of wear. I'd wager up there it would take you far. Down here however, I suspect you'll soon meet dangers the surface world can't match.	Your nail looks a fine instrument, but it's showing signs of wear. I'd wager up there it would take you far. Down here however, I suspect you'll soon meet dangers the surface world can't match.
Did you pass that town above? What a sad little place. And such majesty hidden right beneath! I suppose that's why they've all headed down here. Who could resist such possibilities?	Did you pass that town above? What a gloomy little place. And such majesty hidden right beneath! I suppose that's why they've all headed down here. Who could resist such possibilities?

Sly

Sky’s dialogue remains largely unchanged, though he has one extra line of dialogue and one of his existing lines of dialogue is changed as Sly does not sell items in the beta.

Early	Final
You're exploring these old ruins then? Very brave! Plenty of courageous explorers have been lost to the hunger of these old caverns. You have your nail though, and I can tell just by looking that you know how to wield it.	You're exploring then? Very brave! Plenty of courageous wanderers have been lost to the hunger of these old caverns. You have your nail though, and I can tell just by looking that you know how to wield it.
Ah, hello! I knew we'd meet again. How do you like my cosy little store? I've made myself pretty comfortable here, selling old trinkets to travellers like yourself. Except, ah, I'm not quite ready for business just yet. There's still a bit of preparation to do, I'm sure you understand. For now I'll just have to say thank you! And I look forward to doing business with you when the time comes.	Ah, hello! I knew we'd meet again. How do you like my cosy little store? I've made myself pretty comfortable here, selling old trinkets to travellers like yourself. If you're planning a trip below, I've several items that may improve your chance of survival.
There's still plenty of work for me to do before I can open the store. Very delicate, very precise work! You seem like the patient sort though. There's no need for unnecessary haste.	Not used in release version.

Snail Shaman

The Snail Shaman’s dialogue remains largely unchanged, though there are a few differences.

Early	Final
Oho! Who is that creeping out of the darkness? My, you're looking solemn, friend! A strange, empty face and a wicked looking weapon! Something important has drawn you down into Hallownest's corpse, but I won't ask what. Perhaps the reason you've found me is because you need my help? Say no more, friend. I'm going to give you a gift, a nasty little spell of my own creation. It's just perfect for a little fellow like you! Ohoho!	Oho! Who is that creeping out of the darkness? My, you're looking grim! A strange, empty face and a wicked looking weapon! Something important has drawn you down into Hallownest's corpse, but I won't ask what. Perhaps the reason you've found me is because you need my help? Say no more, friend. I'm going to give you a gift, a nasty little spell of my own creation. It's just perfect for a little one like you! Ohoho!
Oho! There you are! I was watching over you while you slept, and must have slipped away myself. I woke up and found you'd disappeared! You are a surprising fellow, ohoho! Actually, I wanted to ask a small favour of you. You see, there is a certain creature lurking just above us, in the heart of this temple......oho? Well, yet another surprise! You've slain that creature before I've even asked! I scarcely deserve such a friend as you! You're a marvel! Ohohoho!	Oho! There you are! I was watching over you while you slept, and must have slipped away myself. I woke up and found you'd disappeared! You are a surprising one, ohoho! Actually, I wanted to ask a small favour of you. You see, there is a certain creature lurking just above us, in the heart of this temple… ...Oho? Well, yet another surprise! You've slain that creature before I've even asked! I scarcely deserve such a friend as you! You're a marvel! Ohohoho!
And look! The gate between us has opened. Ohoho! I'm sure you're eager to move on. Farewell, and have faith, whatever you are seeking... Ohohoho!	And look! The gate between us has opened. Ohoho! I'm sure you're eager to move on. Farewell, and have faith! Whatever you are seeking... it will find you! Ohohoho!

Zote

Zote’s dialogue has some changes compared to the final release of the game.

Early	Final
Know this, urchin. I am Zote the Mighty, a knight of the people. Cross me again, and you'll find out why they call my weapon 'Life Ender'.	Know this, cur. I am Zote the Mighty, a knight of great renown. Cross me again, and you'll find out why they call my weapon 'Life Ender'.
Hmph. What a squalid little hamlet this is.The air is too thick and the townsfolk have beady eyes. I'll be heading back down below as soon as possible.	Hmph. What a squalid little hamlet this is.The air is foul and the townsfolk have beady eyes. I'll be heading back down below as soon as possible.

(Source: Hollow Knight Wiki)

Enemy and Boss Differences

Several enemies and bosses have had their locations, appearances, or behaviors changed between the beta and the final release of the game.

Enemy Respawn Change

All enemies respawn when leaving and reentering a room. In the final release, most enemies only are respawned after sitting on a bench or using a Stag Station.

Shade

The Shade is a dark blue instead of a solid black in the final release, has no knockback, and turns into Geo instead of void when killed.

Beta	Final

Hoppers

Hoppers are present in some rooms in the Forgotten Crossroads. In the final game, they are only present in the Colosseum of Fools and Kingdom’s Edge.

Baldurs

Elder Baldurs and Baldurs have white eyes instead of orange, and Elder Baldur does not deal contact damage.

Husk Guards

Husk Guards only deal one mask of damage, compared to two masks in the final release.

Crawlids

Crawlids are less spiky then in the final release.

Beta	Final

Gruz Mother

Gruz Mother’s corpse has a ribcage.

Beta	Final

(Source: Hollow Knight Wiki)

Gameplay Differences

Some abilities and functions present in the final game are different in the beta.

Backdashing

By pressing the Super Dash button, it is possible to backdash. If three backdashes are timed right, the third dash goes farther than the first two. This ability was cut completely from the final game. Please note that this GIF can only be loaded if clicked on due to its file size.

Forward Dash

Forward Dash exists and has a different animation, but can only be accessed using mods. Please note that this GIF can only be loaded if clicked on due to its file size.

Focus

It takes longer to focus in the beta than the release version.

Death

Upon death, Geo is lost but the SOUL meter is not broken before killing the Shade.

Invincibility Frames

Less invincibility frames are gained after getting hit compared to the release version.

Items

The inventory does not exist in the beta, and no charms or items exist except for Mask Shards.

Map

The map can be accessed by pressing M on keyboard or L1/LB on controller, and it is not possible to move while using the map. The beta map is more detailed than the final version and the map is automatically completely filled out.

Masks

The Knight starts out with 4 masks instead of 5.

Nail

The Knight’s nail has decreased range compared to the final release, but the nail can strike faster.

SOUL

Less SOUL is gained from hitting enemies.

Vengeful Spirit

Vengeful Spirit costs half the Knight’s SOUL vessel instead of 1/3rd.

(Source: Hollow Knight Wiki)

NPC Differences

Some NPCs are in different locations, have different behavior, or are completely missing in the beta.

Cornifer

Cornifer does not charge Geo for his map and it is already fully filled out.

Iselda

Iselda cannot be accessed without mods. She only uses one sprite and has no dialogue.

Jiji/Jinn

Jiji/Jinn’s cave is missing from Dirtmouth.

Menderbug

Menderbug exists in the beta. He can be killed with Vengeful Spirit, but does not drop anything upon death and his house is inaccessible.

Salubra

Salubra is missing entirely. Her shop exists but cannot be entered.

Sly

Sly does not sell items in his shop.

Zote

Zone is first encountered in the Forgotten Crossroads instead of Greenpath and cannot die. He does not face the Knight when talking to them and goes to Dirtmouth after he is rescued.

(Source: Hollow Knight Wiki)

Miscellaneous Differences

Acid

Acid looks more transparent compared to the final version and contains more bubbles.

Beta	Final

Entering Greenpath

The beta ends after entering Greenpath, showing this message:

 THIS IS THE END OF THE BETA
The depths of Hallownest lay before you, but exploring them will have to wait.
In the meantime you can continue exploring Crossroads.
Maybe you missed something? 

City of Tears

City of Tears background sprites can be found in the files. These sprites were made into a single image and used in some City of Tears backgrounds in the final release.

Dreamer Masks

The Dreamers all share Monomon’s mask. A sprite showing this is left over in the final game, and can also be found in an unused room. This design can also be seen on the City of Tears fountain.

(Source: Hollow Knight Wiki)