Summoning Hollow Knight Characters with Command Blocks
Minecraft has always been a canvas for creativity, and with recent updates introducing block display entities, builders can now craft detailed animated figures that were once impossible. One fascinating project recreates two iconic characters from Hollow Knight — Hornet and The Knight — using nothing but command blocks and a clever arrangement of block displays. The result is a pair of interactive, summonable entities that move and react, though getting them to work requires a bit of technical finesse and the right tools.
How the Hollow Knight Entities Were Built
Unlike traditional mobs or armor stands, these creations rely entirely on block display entities. Introduced in version 1.19.4, block displays can render any block model with precise transformations, making them perfect for building custom characters without resource pack model changes. The builder used long chains of command blocks to assemble Hornet and The Vessel (The Knight) from multiple block display segments, each one positioned and rotated to form the character’s body, limbs, and iconic needle weapon.
Because block displays are purely visual, they have no built-in AI. All movement and animation must be scripted through commands. That’s where the AxiomTool mod comes in — it provides advanced world-editing and command block management features that make handling such complex setups far less painful. Without AxiomTool, navigating and editing the sprawling command block chains would be a nightmare. For those looking to streamline their modding experience, tools like the foxygame.net launcher offer a convenient way to install mods like AxiomTool directly from its menu, making setup a breeze.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
- Minecraft Java Edition 1.19.4 or later — block display entities are essential.
- AxiomTool mod — required to manage and trigger the command block arrays correctly.
- The world download containing the setup — you’ll need the pre-built command block chains and structure.
- Optional resource pack — the creator included a pack that gives Hornet custom sounds, though The Knight currently uses fox noises.
Step-by-Step: Summoning Hornet and The Vessel
The activation process is a multi-stage sequence that must be followed precisely. Missing a step can leave you with broken displays or leftover entities cluttering your world. Here’s exactly what to do:
1. Initialize the Longest Command Block Chain
Locate the longest chain of command blocks — this is the main setup routine. Press the button attached to it. This initializes all the block display segments and prepares the summoning system. You’ll see a flurry of particles and messages as the chain runs.
2. Clear the Helper Entities
After the chain finishes, two invisible marker entities remain in the world: a fox for The Vessel and a wolf for Hornet. These are used internally to track positions. Run these commands in chat to remove them:
- For The Vessel:
/kill @e[type=fox] - For Hornet:
/kill @e[type=wolf]
Make sure you type them exactly — the system won’t work correctly if these entities linger.
3. Pull the Lever on the Purple Command Block
Find the purple command block (it stands out from the usual orange impulse blocks). Pull its lever once. This triggers the final alignment and makes the characters appear in their proper positions. If you skip this, the block displays may be scattered or invisible.
4. Activate the Two-Block-Tall Command Block Chain
Finally, press the button on the chain that’s only two blocks tall. This chain handles the animation loop and makes the characters assume their idle stances. Hornet will brandish her needle, and The Vessel will stand ready.
Controlling and Removing the Entities
Once summoned, Hornet and The Vessel are purely decorative — they don’t fight or move on their own. To remove them when you’re done, you’ll need to kill all block display entities and the associated markers. Run these commands:
- Kill all block displays (both characters):
/kill @e[type=block_display] - Kill Hornet’s wolf marker if it reappeared:
/kill @e[type=wolf] - Kill The Vessel’s fox marker:
/kill @e[type=fox]
Be cautious — the /kill @e[type=block_display] command will wipe every block display in the loaded chunks, not just the Hollow Knight ones. Use it only when you’re certain no other creations rely on block displays.
Sound Design and Resource Pack Limitations
The creator put together a resource pack that replaces certain sounds to give Hornet her signature needle swipes and voice lines from the original game. However, The Knight remains silent except for the occasional fox noise, since the pack doesn’t cover fox sounds. It’s a quirky compromise — you’ll hear a fox yelp when The Vessel “attacks.” Several community members have expressed interest in creating a dedicated sound pack for The Knight, so keep an eye on Minecraft forums for updates.
Why This Build Matters for Command Block Enthusiasts
This project showcases the raw potential of block display entities when combined with command block logic. Before 1.19.4, creating a recognizable character like Hornet would have required hundreds of armor stands or complex model data. Now, with block displays and tools like Axiom, intricate static and animated figures are within reach for any dedicated map maker. It also highlights how mods can bridge the gap between vanilla limitations and ambitious builds — AxiomTool’s ability to visualize and edit command chains turns an otherwise tedious process into something manageable.
Final Thoughts
Summoning Hornet and The Vessel in your Minecraft world is a rewarding little tech demo that blends two beloved games. The setup is a bit fiddly, and the reliance on AxiomTool means you’ll need a modded instance, but the payoff is a stunning, in-game statue that feels alive. As block display entities continue to evolve, expect even more sophisticated Hollow Knight recreations — perhaps with full combat mechanics someday. For now, this command block marvel is a must-try for fans of both Minecraft engineering and Hallownest’s silent wanderers.