Is the Royal Retainer Friend or Foe in Hollow Knight?

Royal Drama in Hallownest Reigns Again

Hollow Knight players are sharing clutch tips. New speedruns and meme clips pushed this bug into the spotlight.

Is the Royal Retainer Friend or Foe in Hollow Knight? is/are a glitchy guard and a tricky ally. They ignore parts of your hitbox, chasing threats on pathing routes instead.

This NPC behaves like standard guards, yet offers safe distance from attacks. Research shows these quirks redirect AI toward risky player positioning. It creates openings for punishment and creative stage clears.

Studies indicate the bug boosts skilled mobility and route cutting. Players treat them as tools once patterns are read.

One line takeaway Use the Royal Retainer as mobile cover and damage bait when timing lines up.

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Can you rely on them in boss fights? Yes, if you test their pathing first and bait attacks safely.

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Do they break speedrun records? Sometimes, exploiting their shove helps skip sections or dodge unavoidable contact.