Sorting logic

This index does not only follow map order. A boss is “ready” when the player has the movement, nail damage, masks, and healing windows needed to make practice useful instead of punishing.

TierBossSuggested timingMain value
StarterFalse KnightEarly Forgotten CrossroadsJump timing, shockwaves, basic punish windows
StarterGruz MotherCrossroads explorationSmall arena movement and airborne target control
StarterMassive Moss ChargerGreenpath explorationPatience and safe punish timing
KeyHornet ProtectorGreenpath main routeUnlocks Mothwing Cloak and dash routing
Step upMantis LordsAfter Mantis Claw, can be delayedRhythm, dual pressure, clean reactions
Step upSoul MasterCity of Tears midgameDash discipline and spell pressure
Step upDung DefenderRoyal WaterwaysGround rhythm and jump response
Mid-lateBroken VesselAncient BasinFast movement and add management
Mid-lateWatcher KnightsLater main-route pushMulti-target space control
Mid-lateHornet SentinelKingdom’s EdgeLate-route gate and higher pressure
LateTraitor LordQueen’s GardensHigh-damage punishment and shade dash timing
EndingHollow Knight / RadianceBlack Egg and true-ending routeStandard ending and true-ending challenge

What a boss page should include

ModuleContent
Recommended stateMasks, nail level, charms, spells
RunbackClosest bench and route back to the arena
Move breakdownSafe position and punish window for each move
Failure diagnosisUndergeared, greedy hits, bad healing, long runback
RewardAbility, route, achievement, or unlock after victory

Live focus guides

GuideSearch intent
Hornet Protector guideHow to beat Greenpath Hornet, when to heal, and where to go next
Boss order recommendationsHornet, Mantis Lords, Soul Master, and Watcher Knights order
Charm buildsWhat to change when a boss feels impossible
Dream Essence routeWhen to handle dream bosses and Dream Warriors
112% completion checklistWhich bosses and Godhome content affect completion

Writing rule

Boss pages should not read like enemy lore. They should tell the player whether to fight now, what to upgrade first, where the closest bench is, which move kills most runs, and when it is safe to heal. Future single-boss pages will follow that template.