Cyclone Slash

From Hollow Knight Wiki

Cyclone Slash is the Nail Art taught to the Knight by Nailmaster Mato. By holding ATTACK until fully charged, then releasing it while holding UP or DOWN, the Knight spins around like a cyclone while continuously attacking in their vicinity.

That Nail Art you've learnt, the Cyclone Slash. That was always Mato's favourite.

It must have made him ecstatic to have a pupil like you. He always wanted to pass down what he'd learnt to a new generation. He was not the most skilled pupil himself, but his enthusiasm and his kindness set him apart. I'm glad he achieved what he desired for so long. To be a teacher...

The attack lasts about 0.45 seconds, during which the Knight performs a total of 3 hits. ATTACK can be repeatedly pressed to lengthen Cyclone Slash’s duration, lasting at most 1.2 seconds and adding up to three more hits for a total of six. Each hit deals 1.25x Nail damage, pushing foes back in the process. While mashing ATTACK, the Knight's horizontal movement speed is greatly reduced. Similarly, if used in the air, the Knight falls much slower. However, if used in the air without pressing ATTACK, the Knight's fall speed is uncapped for the duration of the Nail Art. While performing this attack, the Knight cannot perform any actions, aside from moving left and right, until the Nail Art is finished. Taking damage cancels the Nail Art immediately.

The multi-hit spinning attack effectively covers both sides of the Knight. Because of this, Cyclone Slash can be effective against large swarms of foes, constantly dealing damage and pushing them back to prevent the Knight from being overwhelmed. Because of the attack’s ability to drastically reduce the Knight’s falling speed, it can be used against flying foes. However, in most cases, Great Slash is preferable.

The long duration of Cyclone Slash, coupled with the drastic movement speed reduction, results in a long duration of time in which the Knight is vulnerable to attack. Foes that are unable to be pushed back, or those whose projectiles cannot be deflected, can take advantage of the window of opportunity to inflict damage on the Knight. Furthermore, agile or light enemies can easily move out of Cyclone Slash’s range, resulting in sub-optimal damage.

How To Perform

Hold ATTACK until fully charged, then release ATTACK while holding UP/DOWN without dashing. Repeatedly pressing ATTACK extends the duration. Deals 1.25 x Nail damage/hit.

If this is the only Nail Art that has been learned, the ability executes regardless of direction or whether the Knight is dashing.

Damage Values

 

Cyclone Slash damage is not affected by Fragile Strength/  Unbreakable Strength. Its range is also not affected by Mark of Pride or Longnail.

Nail Damage Per Hit Total Damage (3-6 hits) Fury of the Fallen Damage per hit Fury of the Fallen Total Damage (3-6 hits)
Old Nail 6 18-36 11 33-66
Sharpened Nail 11 33-66 20 60-120
Channelled Nail 16 48-96 28 84-168
Coiled Nail 21 63-126 37 111-222
Pure Nail 26 78-156 46 138-276

How To Acquire

Cyclone Slash is taught by Nailmaster Mato who resides in the Howling Cliffs.

 
Mato's location in the Howling Cliffs

Trivia

  • It is possible to reach 7 hits with Cyclone Slash in certain non-combat situations, for instance, while being in a Hot Spring. However, when hitting enemies, it is only possible to reach 6 hits.
  • A six-hit Cyclone Slash with the Channelled, Coiled, or Pure Nail is the most damaging unmodified attack available to the Knight.