In the game Hollow Knight , Howling Wraiths is a powerful spell that many players seek out because it adds an extra magical attack to the Knight’s arsenal. This spell allows the Knight to unleash a burst of energy upwards and around them, helping defeat flying enemies or foes above the player’s position. Knowing where to get Howling Wraiths is key to progressing through parts of Hallownest more easily, especially against tougher bosses and challenging enemy encounters. The location and method of obtaining Howling Wraiths are tied closely to ingame exploration, and understanding where to look can make the difference between wandering blindly and progressing with purpose.
What Are Howling Wraiths?
Howling Wraiths is one of the spells in Hollow Knight , a 2D action adventure game. Spells in the game are powered by SOUL, which the Knight regenerates by attacking enemies and using the Focus ability. When cast, Howling Wraiths releases a blast of screaming souls in a cloud above and around the Knight, hitting enemies multiple times in quick succession. The spell is particularly useful against airborne foes or enemies positioned above the player. Once obtained, it also serves as a stepping stone toward unlocking an even stronger spell called Abyss Shriek.
Where to Find Howling Wraiths
The Howling Wraiths spell is hidden in a specific area of Hallownest, and players must explore carefully to reach it. This section explains the exact location and what to expect when searching for it.
Location Overgrown Mound in Fog Canyon
You can find Howling Wraiths in a subarea called the Overgrown Mound, which is part of Fog Canyon. Fog Canyon is an area reachable once you have unlocked certain movement abilities and explored enough of the game world to access deeper regions. Overgrown Mound itself sits near the entrance to Queen’s Gardens, which later connects to other areas of Hallownest.
Navigating Fog Canyon
Getting to the Overgrown Mound requires some platforming and enemy navigation. Fog Canyon is filled with acid pools, floating enemies, and environmental hazards that can make traversal tricky. Players often need abilities such as the Mantis Claw (for wall jumping) and Isma’s Tear (to safely traverse acidic pools) to make travel easier. While these abilities are not strictly required for all routes, they make reaching Overgrown Mound less frustrating and reduce damage from environmental hazards.
Entering the Overgrown Mound
Once in Fog Canyon, look for a mound area covered in overgrowth and plants. Players may encounter enemies known as Squits along the way, which must often be defeated to open certain paths or continue deeper into the mound area. The spell itself is found next to the corpse of a large Snail Shaman at the eastern side of this subarea. The spell floats near the body, ready to be collected.
Tips for Reaching Howling Wraiths
Finding Howling Wraiths can be straightforward if you know what to prepare for. This section offers practical advice and tips to help you reach the spell safely and efficiently.
Explore Thoroughly
Fog Canyon is a mazelike area that can confuse players who rush through it. Take your time to explore each branch and pathway, as shortcuts and hidden routes often lead to key areas or benches where you can save progress. Mapping Fog Canyon and using ingame tools will help you avoid unnecessary backtracking.
Prepare Your Abilities
Abilities like the Mantis Claw and Isma’s Tear make getting to the Overgrown Mound much easier. The Mantis Claw allows wall jumping, which helps navigate vertical sections, while Isma’s Tear lets you swim in acid without taking damage. Without these, reaching the spell may still be possible but requires more careful platforming and timing.
Defeat Squits to Progress
Along the route to Howling Wraiths, you will face Squits and other smaller enemies. Defeating them clears paths and opens doors within the Overgrown Mound. These encounters also help build up SOUL, which you need to cast the spell once you obtain it.
Using Howling Wraiths
After obtaining Howling Wraiths, it becomes a useful tool in many combat situations. The spell works both on the ground and midair, allowing players to hit enemies that may otherwise be difficult to reach with physical attacks alone. It consumes SOUL, so it’s best used when you have enough accumulated from recent combat or healing. Additionally, Howling Wraiths can help in certain platforming puzzles or special rooms that require the spell to activate hidden elements or upgrades.
Upgrading to Abyss Shriek
Once you have Howling Wraiths, it also unlocks a path toward an even stronger spell called Abyss Shriek. This upgrade is found in a different part of Hallownest called the Abyss. To reach it, players must first obtain the King’s Brand, which allows access to the sealed Ancient Basin and the deepest section of the Abyss. In the southwest part of The Abyss, there is a pedestal where you must use the Howling Wraiths spell to unlock Abyss Shriek. This powerful spell increases damage and expands your combat options, making it valuable for lategame challenges.
Benefits of Obtaining Howling Wraiths
Adding Howling Wraiths to your spell collection provides several advantages in Hollow Knight . Beyond increased combat flexibility, it helps with crowd control, aerial enemy encounters, and even certain boss fights where vertical attacks are more useful than horizontal strikes. It also broadens your magical toolkit, allowing for creative strategies that mix spells and nail attacks. This flexibility is especially useful in areas with unpredictable enemy patterns or high mobility foes.
Enhanced Combat Options
Spells like Howling Wraiths diversify your combat style, offering new ways to interrupt enemy attacks and deal damage from unexpected angles. This can make difficult battles easier, especially when coupled with charms that boost spell effectiveness.
Strategic Advantages
Unlike some melee attacks, Howling Wraiths can hit enemies above and around the Knight, making it ideal for flying opponents or enemies positioned on platforms. It also synergizes with other spells and movement abilities to create more dynamic combat combinations.
Knowing where to get Howling Wraiths in Hollow Knight is a key part of exploring Hallownest and expanding the Knight’s abilities. The spell is located in the Overgrown Mound within Fog Canyon, near a large Snail Shaman corpse. Navigating the hazardous environment, defeating enemies, and using platforming skills will lead you to this valuable magical ability. Once obtained, Howling Wraiths enhances combat by allowing upward and surrounding attacks, and it also opens the door to obtaining an even stronger spell, Abyss Shriek. Proper preparation, exploration, and understanding of the game’s mechanics will make acquiring Howling Wraiths both rewarding and beneficial for your journey through Hallownest.