For many players, Hollow Knight v1.4.3.2 represents a "gold standard" version of the game. Released as part of the Voidheart Edition rollout, this specific patch is often cited as the pinnacle of stability and balance before the major engine shifts seen in later versions like 1.5. Whether you are a speedrunner looking for a competitive baseline or a casual player seeking the most stable experience, here is why v1.4.3.2 remains a top choice in the community. 1. The Definitive Speedrunning Baseline
In the speedrunning world, v1.4.3.2 is a major dividing line. It is the core patch for the No Major Glitches (NMG) 1.4.3.2+ category.
Board Splits: The community eventually split leaderboards because version 1.2.2.1 allowed for specific "unrestricted" glitches (like dreamer cutscene skipping) that are impossible in v1.4.3.2.
Fair Competition: Running on v1.4.3.2 or higher allows players on the latest console versions to compete without the disadvantage of needing to "downpatch" to ancient, bug-riddled versions.
Refined Bosses: Bosses like Uumuu and Watcher Knights received AI tweaks in this version that make them more consistent for competitive play compared to earlier iterations. 2. Peak Game Stability and Fixes
Version 1.4.3.2 was largely focused on polishing the massive Godmaster expansion. It fixed critical issues that hindered the endgame experience:
Godhome Improvements: Team Cherry reduced the health of the final boss in Godmaster and adjusted Markoth’s HP, making the infamous Pantheon of Hallownest slightly more manageable.
Performance Optimization: This patch addressed a notorious issue where the game would gradually slow down during long sessions.
Controller Support: It introduced broader native controller support, including better compatibility for Nintendo Switch Pro and DualShock controllers on PC. 3. Top Mods and Tools for v1.4.3.2
Because this version remained the "current" patch for several years, it has some of the most robust modding support. Updates (Hollow Knight)
Hollow Knight version 1.4.3.2 is a widely used legacy patch in the speedrunning community, preferred for its stability, optimal load times, and unique mechanics, such as specific lever skips, compared to later 1.5 versions. Top speedrun records, including Any% and Path of Pain, are frequently set on this build, which serves as the final, stable version before major engine overhauls. For the full, current leaderboard records, visit Speedrun.com
The Ultimate Guide to Hollow Knight Version 1.4.3.2: Why It’s Still a Top Choice for Fans While Hollow Knight
has seen newer updates like version 1.5, version 1.4.3.2 remains a legendary milestone in Hallownest’s history. For many in the community—especially speedrunners and modders—it is considered the definitive "top" version for a pure, stable, and highly customizable experience.
Whether you're looking to push your speedrunning limits or dive into the game's massive modding scene, here is why v1.4.3.2 continues to stand the test of time. 1. The Gold Standard for Modding
For a long time, v1.4.3.2 was the mandatory version for the original ModInstaller. While newer tools like Lumafly now support newer patches, many classic mods—including the famous Invulnerability mod and older randomizers—were built specifically for 1.4.3.2.
Stable API: The modding API for this version is incredibly mature, making it less prone to crashes when running multiple heavy mods.
Legacy Support: If you want to play older, niche mods that haven't been updated for v1.5, downpatching to 1.4.3.2 is often the only way. 2. The Competitive Speedrunning Edge
In the speedrunning community, v1.4.3.2 is a major category split. While "Unrestricted" runs often use even older patches (like 1.2.2.1) to exploit massive skips, the 1.4.3.2+ category is one of the most active.
Fair Play: It removes some of the most "broken" early-game glitches while still allowing for high-skill tech like Float Glitches and specific shade skips.
Boss Balancing: This version includes the Godmaster balance tweaks, such as nerfing Uumuu and adjusting Pure Vessel's stun frequency, making it a "top" choice for Pantheon runners who want a fair but brutal challenge. 3. Key Features of the 1.4.3.2 Patch
If you're playing on this version, you're experiencing the game at its most "complete" before the technical engine changes of v1.5. Highlights of this patch include:
In the Hollow Knight speedrunning community, version 1.4.3.2 (often referred to as v1432) is a significant patch for competitive play, particularly for the Any% No Major Glitches (NMG) category. While it is not as fast as legacy versions like 1.2.2.1, it remains a standard for many players who prefer modern mechanics alongside classic speedrunning routes.
Below is an overview of why this version matters and the "long paper" style analysis of its mechanics. 1. The Significance of v1.4.3.2
Version 1.4.3.2 is the final major update for the PC version of Hollow Knight before the "Lifeblood" and "Godmaster" content was fully integrated into the 1.5+ "Public Beta" and final releases. It represents a "middle ground" in speedrunning:
Stability: It lacks the extreme physics-breaking glitches found in early versions (like 1.0.2.8), making it the "purest" version for NMG runs.
Balance: Bosses like the Watcher Knights and Uumuu have the behavior sets that became standard for high-level competitive play before the 1.5 changes altered enemy RNG and health pools. 2. Core Mechanics in v1.4.3.2 NMG
A "long paper" on this topic must address the interplay between movement and combat that defines the 1.4.3.2 meta: hollow knight v1432 top
Movement Optimization: Speedrunners rely on dash-tucking and frame-perfect wall jumps to navigate Hallownest. Unlike newer versions where some minor physics interactions were smoothed out, 1.4.3.2 preserves the "snappy" feeling required for tight splits in the early game.
Boss Manipulation: In 1.4.3.2, certain boss behaviors (especially in the Pantheons or during Any% runs) are more predictable. This allows runners to execute "damage tanking" strategies where they intentionally take a hit to maintain a continuous attack cycle on bosses with high health.
Route Efficiency: The standard route in this version focuses on obtaining the Mantis Claw and Monarch Wings as quickly as possible, often bypassing the White Palace unless aiming for 112% completion, as it is not required for a standard Any% finish. 3. Comparison with Legacy Versions
While v1.4.3.2 is robust, it is technically slower than version 1.2.2.1. The 1.2.2.1 patch is considered the "fastest" because it retains powerful glitches that allow players to skip massive sections of the map, such as:
Storage Glitches: Exploiting state transitions to keep a specific movement ability active.
Exploration Skips: Using item-less jumps that were patched out in later versions like 1.4.3.2. Summary of Performance Metrics v1.2.2.1 (Legacy) v1.4.3.2 (Competitive) v1.5+ (Current) Speed Category Fastest (Glitched) Standard (NMG) Casual/Completionist Major Glitches Highly Present Mostly Patched Fully Patched Difficulty High (Technical) High (Precision) Moderate (Intended)
For a detailed look at how speedrunning versions and world records have evolved over time: The History of Hollow Knight World Records YouTube• Feb 24, 2025 The History of Hollow Knight World Records
. This specific patch is highly popular in the speedrunning community because it is the standard modern version that supports the No Major Glitches (NMG) category without requiring players to "downpatch" to older, less accessible versions. Current Top Rankings (Any% NMG - 1.4.3.2+)
The "1.4.3.2+" leaderboard is one of the most active subcategories on Speedrun.com. As of late April 2026, the competitive landscape for this version includes: Time (LRT) 1st 30m 53s March 24, 2025 2nd AstroFlash 36m 55s April 06, 2026 3rd 47m 32s April 06, 2026
Note: Times are measured in Load Removed Time (LRT) to ensure fairness across different hardware. Why Version 1.4.3.2?
While older versions like 1.2.2.1 are technically faster due to glitches like "Dreamer cutscene skips," 1.4.3.2 is preferred for several reasons:
Accessibility: It is the default version for many players, meaning they don't need technical knowledge to change game files.
Skill-Based: Many "easy" skips from older patches are patched out, making the 1.4.3.2 route a test of pure movement and combat efficiency.
Active Community: Because more people can play it, the competition is often fiercer than on legacy patches. Core Route for Top Runs
Top runners using this version typically follow the Shade Soul Route, which prioritizes high-damage spells to clear bosses quickly:
Vengeful Spirit: Obtain from the Ancestral Mound after defeating False Knight. Mothwing Cloak: Defeat Hornet in Greenpath for the dash. Mantis Claw: Navigate to Mantis Village for the wall jump.
Shade Soul & Elegant Key: Buy the key from Sly to upgrade Vengeful Spirit for massive damage.
The Dreamers: Systematically defeat Uumuu (Monomon), Watcher Knights (Lurien), and Herrah.
The Final Boss: Head to the Temple of the Black Egg to defeat The Hollow Knight. EASY Guide for First Ending/5HR Speedrun Achievement (v3)
Title: Echoes in the Code: The Significance of the v1.4.3.2 ‘Top’ Builds in Hollow Knight
In the sprawling, subterranean world of Hollow Knight, the relationship between the player and the game is defined by struggle, discovery, and eventually, mastery. While the game’s narrative themes revulate around the cyclical nature of kingdoms and the fading of memory, the community’s relationship with the game’s code is defined by version numbers. Among these, version 1.4.3.2 stands as a monumental pillar. It is the final update, the definitive edition of the game before the anticipated arrival of Silksong. Within this version, the concept of the "top"—referring to the peak of the leaderboards, the apex of difficulty, and the highest tier of charm builds—represents the maturation of the Hollow Knight community and the perfection of Team Cherry’s vision.
To understand the significance of the "v1.4.3.2 top," one must first understand the landscape of the game’s lifecycle. Hollow Knight was not a static release; it evolved. From the early days of version 1.0 to the massive content drops of the Grimm Troupe and Godmaster, the game shifted beneath the feet of its players. Mechanics were tweaked, bugs were patched (or left in intentionally), and difficulty spikes were calibrated. Version 1.4.3.2 arrived as the "Lifeblood" update, a final polish that fixed lingering issues, adjusted hitboxes, and refined the pacing of combat. For the speedrunning and high-level play community, this version was not merely an update; it was the crystallization of the rules of engagement.
The "top" in the context of v1.4.3.2 is best exemplified by the Godhome content. The Godmaster DLC transformed Hollow Knight from a Metroidvania into a pure boss-rush arena, culminating in the Pantheon of Hallownest. To reach the "top" here is to conquer the Absolute Radiance, a boss fight that demands frame-perfect precision and nerves of steel. In v1.4.3.2, the balancing of this content reached its apex. Strategies known as "damage Races" or "safe spots" were carefully curated by the developers. The "top" players—those occupying the highest echelons of the leaderboards—had to adapt to the specific frame data of this version. The subtle changes in this patch regarding nail arts, spell regeneration, and charm synergy created a specific meta that defines high-level play today. It established a standard; a run performed on an older version is respected, but the v1.4.3.2 run is the benchmark of current mastery.
Furthermore, the concept of the "top" extends to the optimization of gameplay mechanics, specifically in the realm of Charm builds. The "Lifeblood" update introduced significant changes to how the Knight could be customized. The "Fury of the Fallen" charm, for instance, saw its mechanics altered, shifting the meta for "low health" runs. The "top" builds—the most efficient ways to output damage or ensure survival—were recalibrated in this version. The community had to relearn the mathematical limits of the game. This fostered a period of intense collaboration among top players to map out the new damage curves and soul gain rates. Thus, the "v1.4.3.2 top" is not just a ranking; it is a testament to the community's dedication to solving the game’s intricate mathematical puzzle.
There is also a cultural layer to the v1.4.3.2 distinction. As the community waits for Silksong, this version has become the "eternal" version of the game. It represents a stasis where the rules are finally set. In speedrunning archives, such as Speedrun.com, distinctions are made between patches. However, v1.4.3.2 is the default, the "top" of the current hierarchy. It signifies the end of an era of discovery regarding the game's engine. Players operating at the top level in this version are engaging with a solved game in many respects, pushing the boundaries of human reaction time rather than exploring the unknown.
In conclusion, the phrase "Hollow Knight v1432 top" serves as a shorthand for the apex of the game's competitive lifecycle. It marks the point where Team Cherry stepped back, leaving behind a perfectly balanced machine. The "top" represents the players who have conquered the Pantheon, optimized their charm builds, and mastered the specific mechanics of this final patch. As the community looks toward the horizon of Silksong, version 1.4.3.2 remains the definitive text, a dark and difficult masterpiece where the best of the best leave their marks in the stone of the scoreboard. For many players, Hollow Knight v1
. In the speedrunning community, specific game versions (or "patches") are chosen for competition because they contain unique glitches or mechanics that make certain routes possible. Why v1.4.3.2 is Competitive While many modern runs occur on the current version (1.5+),
remains a staple for players who prefer the specific balance of that era.
: It is the final major patch before the 1.5 update, which reworked parts of the engine and fixed several high-speed glitches. Category Split : Major leaderboards on Speedrun.com
often separate runs by patch version to ensure fair competition between "legacy" and "current" mechanics. Current Top Performers
The "top" of this version is defined by players who consistently hit sub-35-minute times in the Any% No Major Glitches (NMG) Best Time (LRT) Patch Version 1.4.3.2 / 1.5.78 33m 45s (est)
LRT (Load Removed Time) is the standard measurement for Hollow Knight to account for hardware differences. Essential Techniques for Top Runners
To reach the top of the v1.4.3.2 leaderboards, runners must master: Fireball Skips : Using the Vengeful Spirit 's knockback to clear gaps without the Monarch Wings. Shade Skips
: Purposefully dying so the Shade can be used as a "pogo" platform to reach higher ledges early. Acid Skips
: Precise dashes or strikes to bypass acid pools without Isma’s Tear. For players looking to join the top ranks, the Hollow Knight Speedrunning Wiki provides comprehensive routing guides for downpatching to routing guide for the Any% NMG category on this specific version?
How to Downpatch Hollow Knight (Updated) - Guides - Speedrun.com
Hollow Knight v1.4.3.2 update (often referred to as the update) is a significant technical and balance patch that serves as a major milestone for both casual players and the speedrunning community. It finalized many mechanics from the DLC and introduced the "Voidheart" menu style. Key Technical & Gameplay Fixes
This version addressed several long-standing issues to improve game stability and mechanical consistency: Performance Improvements
: Fixed an issue where the game could slow down over long sessions. Boss Consistency : Resolved bugs where Enraged Guardian
gates wouldn't open if the boss was defeated in Godhome, and kept Pantheon of the Master bosses from getting stuck in the ground. Visual & Audio
: Improved visibility for final boss attacks and ensured the Little Weaver corpse audio obeys volume controls. Balance Changes : Reduced HP for enemies spawned by the on Ascended and Radiant difficulties. Significance in Speedrunning Hollow Knight speedrunning community , v1.4.3.2 marks a "split point" for leaderboards: Category Split
: Due to significant "speed tech" differences, runs are often categorized as Current Patch (1.4.3.2+) Downpatched (1.2.2.1) Tech Differences
: Older patches (like 1.2.2.1) allow for major skips such as Dreamer cutscene skipping Spire lever skip , making them inherently faster for Any% runs. Accessibility
: v1.4.3.2 is considered the "modern" standard because older patches can be difficult to install and may run poorly on modern hardware. Essential Progression Items
Regardless of the patch, reaching the "top" of Hallownest or completing the late-game content usually requires these core abilities: Monarch Wings : Found in the Ancient Basin
; allows for a double jump to reach high-altitude areas like the Hall of Gods Crystal Heart : Located in Crystal Peak ; enables a horizontal "super dash" to cross large gaps. Mantis Claw
: Necessary for wall-jumping, a prerequisite for almost every vertical climb in the game.
your game to access older speedrunning glitches, or more details on boss strategies in the current version?
How To Get The Monarch Wings For Double Jump In Hollow Knight Apr 20, 2568 BE —
You're referring to the popular indie game Hollow Knight!
The version you mentioned, "v1432 top", likely refers to a specific build or patch of the game. Hollow Knight has received numerous updates and patches since its initial release, which have added new features, fixed bugs, and improved overall performance.
Some notable features of Hollow Knight include: Exploration : Players control a silent, hooded figure
"Hollow Knight v1.4.3.2 top" refers to the optimized routing for the Any% No Major Glitches (NMG) speedrun category on patch 1.4.3.2, which is defined by technical guides and specific community standards on Speedrun.com. Key resources for mastering this patch include the comprehensive PowerPoint guide and technical documentation for routing. For in-depth resources, view the guide at Speedrun.com Any% 1.4.3.2+ NMG Guide (Powerpoint) - Hollow Knight
Version 1.4.3.2 of Hollow Knight is recognized as the definitive "current patch" for speedrunning, following significant nerfs to game-breaking glitches and boss mechanics found in earlier versions. While technically superseded by version 1.5+, the speedrunning community maintains 1.4.3.2 as a primary baseline because it balances modern game stability with accessible movement tech. The Speedrunning Standard
Version 1.4.3.2 is the threshold for the 1.4.3.2+ NMG (No Major Glitches) category. This version split was necessary because older patches (like 1.2.2.1) allow for massive skips, such as Dreamer cutscene skipping and the Spire lever skip, which are physically impossible in 1.4.3.2.
Accessibility: Unlike earlier patches that require complex downpatching and can perform poorly on modern hardware, 1.4.3.2 is more stable and widely available.
Skill Ceiling: It emphasizes cleaner movement and boss mastery over exploiting game-breaking bugs. Key Mechanical Changes in v1.4.3.2
This update introduced several balance tweaks that fundamentally changed how high-level players approach the game:
Boss Nerfs: The Uumuu Godmaster incarnation was nerfed, and the final boss of the Godmaster DLC had its HP reduced.
Combat Adjustments: Flukenest was made less powerful, and the invincibility frames (i-frames) for Descending Dark were reduced to prevent spamming.
Enemy Logic: The Collector's spawned enemies in Ascended/Radiant modes had their HP reduced, making high-level pantheon runs more manageable.
Economy: The Massive Moss Charger now drops 300 Geo (up from 120), slightly altering early-game routing for certain categories. Top Records and Performance
On current leaderboards, 1.4.3.2+ remains one of the most active brackets.
Any% NMG (1.4.3.2+): High-level runs typically clock in around the 33 to 36-minute mark, with runners like AstroFlash and frying_whales holding top positions.
Language Optimization: To squeeze out every second, top runners often play in Chinese because the text scrolls faster, saving approximately 20 seconds in an Any% run.
Hollow Knight speedrunning community, 1.4.3.2+ NMG (No Major Glitches) is a standard sub-category for many of the game's competitive runs. This specific version and those following it are often grouped together because they share mechanics that differ significantly from earlier patches like 1.2.2.1, which remains the preferred patch for the fastest overall times due to its specific movement glitches. Key Speedrunning Statistics for 1.4.3.2+ NMG While the absolute world record for Hollow Knight Any% NMG (often held by runners like frying_whales
) is typically performed on earlier patches to achieve times around 32–33 minutes
, the 1.4.3.2+ leaderboard is highly active for modern runners. Guinness World Records Typical Top Times (1.4.3.2+) Notable Records ~33:40 – 34:30 frying_whales ~3h 15m – 3h 25m MonStahLer (03:15:33) True Ending (01:09:21) Myla% (Meme) ~19:43 – 33:54 Significance of Version 1.4.3.2
Review: Hollow Knight (Version 1.4.3.2) – The Crown Jewel of Metroidvanias
Verdict: A Timeless Masterpiece Hollow Knight is rarely discussed as just a "good game"; it is widely regarded as the gold standard of the modern Metroidvania genre. As of version 1.4.3.2, the game stands as the complete, polished vision that Team Cherry intended. It is a title that combines crushing difficulty with supreme fairness, wrapped in one of the most beautiful hand-drawn aesthetics in indie gaming history.
Here is a breakdown of why Hollow Knight sits at the top of its class.
The Failed Champion (False Knight dream variant) has a stagger mechanic. In v1432, hitting his armor during stagger with the Dream Wielder charm does not wake him up. You can farm infinite Soul by dream-nailing his falling maggots. This is considered the "top" farming method for Pantoon prep.
Before we discuss the top builds, we must understand the terrain. Why do top-tier players revert to or emulate v1432?
Warning: If you are playing on the current Steam version (v1.5.78), you cannot access v1432 natively without rolling back via Steam Betas. However, the "top" strats for v1432 are still studied religiously by the Hallownest Speedrun Council.
Hallownest is vast. The map is interconnected in complex ways, rewarding players who pay attention to environmental cues. Unlike many modern games, Hollow Knight does not hold your hand. You have to buy maps, find a bench to update them, and figure out where to go on your own.
For some, this lack of direction can be frustrating. For others, it is the game's greatest strength. The sense of discovery when you stumble upon the Crystal Peak or find a hidden tram station is exhilarating. The lore is told through the environment and cryptic NPC dialogue, encouraging players to piece together the tragic history of the Pale King and the Radiance.
These differences make v1432 ~30–45 seconds faster than any% in current patch for top runners.
Ask ten Hollow Knight veterans, and you will get ten answers. However, for the specific query of "top," v1432 holds a legendary status.
The Verdict: If you want the top damage output and the top speed, you play v1432. If you want stability and fairness, you update the game.