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Ancient Basin Part 2
Hollow Knight

Ancient Basin Part 2

Complete guide to Ancient Basin Part 2 in Hollow Knight, detailing the Flukemarm boss fight, finding the Flukenest Charm, Lifeblood Core, Abyss Shriek, and Shade Cloak.

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Complete guide to Ancient Basin Part 2 in Hollow Knight, detailing the Flukemarm boss fight, finding the Flukenest Charm, Lifeblood Core, Abyss Shriek, and Shade Cloak.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    From the Ancient Basin, take the first exit to the left towards the Royal Waterways.
  2. 2
    Pass through the Dung Defender's room. You can talk to him and find a Bench.
  3. 3
    Prepare for a boss fight. Go below the Bench and dive into the fake floor.
  4. 4
    Travel to the bottom right, then left, until you find a fake wall leading to a large river.
  5. 5
    Continue left until you encounter a giant bug. Hit it to start the Flukemarm boss fight.
  6. 6
    After defeating Flukemarm, collect the Flukenest Charm from the top left platform.
  7. 7
    Backtrack to the bottom of the Ancient Basin. You can find an Essence tree in a hidden path on the bottom right of the large vertical screen.
  8. 8
    Go left from the large vertical screen. Pick up the Wanderer's Journal from the bottom right of the next screen.
  9. 9
    Leave this screen from the bottom left to return to the Ancient Basin.
  10. 10
    Use the Bench at the Tram. Equip Fragile Heart, Joni's Blessing, and Lifeblood Heart. You need 15 blue masks (Lifeblood) to proceed, meaning you must not have lost any health.
  11. 11
    Go down from the lit hole and leave the screen from the bottom.
  12. 12
    Inspect the element and continue left. Fall down towards the middle left side of the screen to find the Lifeblood door. It will open if you have 15 Lifeblood masks.
  13. 13
    Inside, navigate the spike-filled area to the bottom right to find the Lifeblood Core Charm.
  14. 14
    Before picking up the Charm, go below it to collect an Arcane Egg. This item can be missed permanently but does not affect game completion.
  15. 15
    After picking up the Charm, you will return to the entrance. Drop to the bottom of the Abyss and go left.
  16. 16
    Step on the platform and use Howling Wraiths (Focus/Quick Cast while holding up) to obtain the Abyss Shriek.
  17. 17
    Leave the screen and go right from the bottom of the Abyss.
  18. 18
    Go right again and climb the platforms to the top of a building. Enter the building.
  19. 19
    Hit the lever to turn on the lights, drop to the bottom, and proceed right using the Super Dash.
  20. 20
    Reach the end on the far right to obtain the Shade Cloak.
  21. 21
    Backtrack and pick up the second Arcane Egg.
  22. 22
    Continue left and follow an opening leading upwards to a hidden path.
  23. 23
    Use the Shade Cloak to pass through the black gate. Inspect the structure to the left to add a new entry to your journal.
  24. 24
    Climb to the top of the Abyss and talk to Hornet.
  25. 25
    Return to the Tram. You can now remove the previously equipped Charms.
  26. 26
    Take the Tram to Deepnest.
Tips
  • During the Flukemarm fight, prioritize killing the Flukefeys as they are spat out in pairs and can quickly overwhelm the screen. An upgraded Nail or Fragile Strength charm can help kill them in one hit.
  • Maintain a position on the ground, occasionally jumping to the first platform on the right, but avoid staying on the platform too long as it limits dodging opportunities.
  • To acquire the Lifeblood Core, ensure you have 15 Lifeblood masks by not taking any damage before reaching the Lifeblood door.
  • The Arcane Egg found before the Lifeblood Core is missable but not required for 100% completion.
  • Flukenest Charm
  • Wanderer's Journal
  • Lifeblood Core Charm
  • Arcane Egg x2
  • Abyss Shriek (Spell)
  • Shade Cloak (Ability)

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