The Howling Cliffs stand as the desolate, wind-swept northwestern boundary of Hallownest. For many travelers, this is the first area encountered after leaving the King’s Pass, yet it remains one of the most enigmatic regions to fully map out. Navigating the sheer verticality of the cliffs and uncovering the secrets buried within the stone requires a reliable map and an understanding of the region's unique geography.

Finding Cornifer and the Howling Cliffs Map

Unlike other regions where Cornifer the map-maker can be found by following a trail of paper scraps and his iconic humming, his location in the Howling Cliffs is somewhat tucked away. To locate him and purchase the map for 75 Geo, you must descend from the upper ridges.

Starting from the peak near the entrance to the Stag Nest, head to the left and drop down the first major cliffside. You will encounter a series of platforms inhabited by Crawlids and Tiktiks. Keep a close eye on the right-hand wall as you descend. There is a small, unassuming cavern entrance marked by a singular paper scrap on the ground. Inside this cave, Cornifer is resting. If you miss him here and move on to defeat a major boss or progress significantly, the map will instead become available at Iselda’s shop in Dirtmouth for a slightly higher price.

Accessing the Howling Cliffs

There are three primary methods to reach the Howling Cliffs, each requiring different levels of progression and abilities.

  1. King’s Pass Ascent: This is the most common route for returning players. From the very start of the game where the Knight drops into the King's Pass, there is a high ledge to the left. Initially, this is inaccessible. However, once you acquire the Mantis Claw (Wall Jump) and the Monarch Wings (Double Jump), you can scale the wall to the far left of the tutorial area. This leads directly into the lower sections of the Howling Cliffs.
  2. Greenpath Connection: In the northern reaches of Greenpath, near where the Hunter is found, there is a transition zone that leads upward. This route requires the Mantis Claw to navigate the thorny climbs. It deposits you in the southwestern portion of the cliffs.
  3. The Stag Nest: This is a specialized entry point. Once you have unlocked every Stag Station in Hallownest, the Last Stag will reveal a new destination: the Stag Nest. This location is situated in the high north of the Howling Cliffs. It is the only way to reach the highest peaks without advanced platforming skips.

Essential Points of Interest on the Map

The Howling Cliffs map is not just a layout of tunnels; it is a collection of high-value lore sites and ability upgrades.

Nailmaster Mato’s Hut

In the eastern part of the cliffs, near the chasm that overlooks the King’s Pass, resides Nailmaster Mato. He is one of the three brothers who mastered the arts of the Nail. Interacting with him allows the Knight to learn the Cyclone Slash Nail Art. This move is essential for crowd control, allowing for a spinning attack that can be extended by repeatedly pressing the attack button. Learning this art is free, but it requires reaching his remote hut through a series of narrow platforms.

Joni’s Repose

Deep within a blue-hued cavern located to the right of Cornifer’s spot lies Joni’s Repose. This is a sanctuary dedicated to Blue Child Joni. At the end of this peaceful, sub-area, you will find the Joni’s Blessing charm. This charm is a "Lifeblood" focused item that converts all your standard health masks into Lifeblood masks and increases your total health by 50%. It is a high-risk, high-reward charm since Lifeblood cannot be healed with Soul; it can only be replenished at Benches or Lifeblood Cocoons.

The Nightmare Lantern and the Grimm Troupe

Perhaps the most cryptic secret in the Howling Cliffs is the trigger for the Grimm Troupe DLC. Behind two consecutive breakable walls in the lower-central part of the map, there is a hidden path. The first wall reveals a Wanderer’s Journal. Continuing past this to the second breakable wall leads to a large, mummified bug corpse. Using the Dream Nail on this corpse and then striking the large iron lantern in the adjacent room with your nail will ignite a scarlet flame. This summons the Grimm Troupe to Dirtmouth, initiating one of the game's most challenging and content-rich questlines.

The Stag Nest and the Vessel Fragment

Accessible via the Stagways or a difficult "Vengefly skip" (nail-bouncing off a flying enemy to reach the ledge), the Stag Nest is a melancholic area filled with empty stag eggs. In the center of this room, you will find a Vessel Fragment. Collecting three of these increases your maximum Soul capacity, allowing for more spells or heals before needing to strike enemies.

Combat and Bosses in the Cliffs

While the Howling Cliffs are largely atmospheric and quiet, there are specific combat encounters that are vital for completionists.

Gorb, the Dream Warrior

Gorb is an "Almighty Mind" found on a flat plateau in the center of the region. As a Dream Warrior, Gorb requires the Dream Nail to initiate the fight. The battle involves dodging circular bursts of spectral spears. Gorb rises higher as the fight progresses, making it harder to land hits. Defeating Gorb grants 100 Essence, which is necessary for awakening the Dream Nail.

The Elder Baldur and the Baldur Shell

In the southwest, there is a treasure chest that appears to be a trap. Jumping into the chest causes the Knight to fall into a sub-chamber guarded by two Elder Baldurs. These enemies are armored and only vulnerable when they unfurl to spit venom or lunge. Defeating the one on the right opens a path to the Baldur Shell charm. This charm provides a protective shell while focusing Soul, absorbing up to four hits before breaking (it regenerates at a Bench).

Detailed Navigation and Hidden Paths

The map of the Howling Cliffs is deceptive because of the constant wind. In the far western edge, the wind becomes so strong that it pushes the Knight back. This is the edge of the world, where those who leave Hallownest are said to lose their memories and sapience.

Hidden Geo Deposits and King’s Idol:

  • There is a King’s Idol hidden on a ledge near the western wind-barrier. It requires careful platforming and the use of the Crystal Heart (Super Dash) to reach.
  • Throughout the cliffside, several large Geo clusters are hidden behind tufts of grass and breakable rock faces. Most of these are located in the vertical shafts between Mato’s hut and the central plateau.

The Lore Tablet: Near the Nightmare Lantern area, there is a Lore Tablet that provides context for the kingdom's borders. It reads: "Those who leave this world shall suffer a heavy toll. To step beyond this kingdom's edge is to lose that which makes you wise." This reinforces the theme of the Howling Cliffs as a place of transition and loss.

Strategy for Map Completion

To fully fill out the Howling Cliffs map, it is suggested to follow this sequence:

  1. Entry: Ascend via the King's Pass or Greenpath once you have the Mantis Claw.
  2. The Map: Head directly to Cornifer to get the basic layout.
  3. Nail Art: Move east to Mato’s hut to secure the Cyclone Slash.
  4. Charms: Descend to the southwest for the Baldur Shell, then move to the eastern sub-caves for Joni’s Blessing.
  5. Boss: Challenge Gorb once you have at least one Nail upgrade to make the fight swift.
  6. DLC: If you are ready for the Grimm Troupe, find the hidden room in the lower levels.
  7. Final Sweep: Use the Stag Nest to exit and collect the Vessel Fragment on your way out.

Enemies of the Howling Cliffs

Understanding the local fauna is key to surviving the climb.

  • Crawlids and Tiktiks: Low-level fodder that provides easy Soul.
  • Vengeflies: Aerial pests that can be used for "pogo-jumping" (striking downward with the nail) to reach high ledges before getting the Monarch Wings.
  • Great Hoppers: These are the most dangerous standard enemies in the area. They have high health and jump rhythmically toward the Knight. The best strategy is to stay under them or dash through them as they peak in their jump, striking from behind.
  • Baldurs: The smaller cousins of the Elder Baldurs. They roll into a ball and are invulnerable to standard nail strikes in that state; use spells like Vengeful Spirit to dispatch them quickly.

Environmental Hazards

The primary hazard in the Howling Cliffs isn't spikes or acid, but gravity and the wind. Falling from the top of the cliffs doesn't result in damage, but it can cost significant time as you navigate the long way back up. The wind in certain corridors can also mess with the timing of your jumps, especially when attempting to reach the King's Idol.

Summary of Map Collectibles

For those tracking 112% completion, the Howling Cliffs map holds the following:

  • 1 Map (Cornifer)
  • 1 Nail Art (Cyclone Slash)
  • 2 Charms (Joni’s Blessing, Baldur Shell)
  • 1 Vessel Fragment (Stag Nest)
  • 1 Dream Warrior (Gorb)
  • 1 Grub (Located in the central-western vertical shaft)
  • 1 King's Idol (Relic for selling to Lemm)
  • 1 Wanderer's Journal (Relic for selling to Lemm)

The Howling Cliffs remain one of the most atmospheric locations in Hallownest. Its map, while seemingly simple, hides the keys to some of the most profound lore and powerful abilities in the game. Whether you are seeking the origins of the Grimm Troupe or simply trying to master the Cyclone Slash, a thorough exploration of these peaks is a mandatory rite of passage for any adventurer.