Get Dream Nail Fast 2026 – Anime Vanguards Hollowseph Evolution

Updated by Shruti Agarwal
November 8, 2025
GamingGaming Guides

The Hollow Knight has arrived in Anime Vanguards Update 9.0, and Hollowseph quickly became one of the most sought-after units in the game. But here’s the catch – to unlock his true potential and evolve him into the devastating Hollowseph (Pure), you absolutely need the Dream Nail. Without this exclusive evolution item, you’re leaving massive damage and game-changing abilities on the table.

I’ve spent countless hours grinding through matches, testing every strategy, and mastering Hollowseph’s evolution path since the 1st Anniversary Event launched. This isn’t just another generic guide – I’m sharing the exact methods I used to quickly obtain the Dream Nail and transform Hollowseph into an absolute powerhouse that dominates every game mode.

Whether you’re struggling with the 10-match requirement, wondering if you need to win every game, or confused about the additional Charm missions, this comprehensive guide covers everything. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to get the Dream Nail efficiently, evolve Hollowseph, and unlock all his exclusive Charms to create one of the strongest units in Anime Vanguards 2026.

Quick Answer (March 2026): How to Get the Dream Nail?

Requirement	Details
Main Mission	Win 10 matches with Hollowseph placed on the field
Unit Required	Hollowseph (obtained free by logging in during Hollow Knight Event)
Game Modes	Any mode works – Story, Raids, Events, Infinite
Win Required?	Yes, matches must be completed successfully
Placement	Hollowseph must be placed at least once per match
Reward	Dream Nail automatically added to inventory after 10th win
Evolution Cost	1x Dream Nail, 1x Rainbow Essence, 10x Red Essence, 25x Purple/Blue/Green Essence each, 15,000 Gold, 5,000 Takedowns

What is the Dream Nail in Anime Vanguards?

The Dream Nail is an exclusive evolution material introduced in Anime Vanguards Update 9.0 specifically for the Hollowseph unit. Unlike standard evolution items you can purchase from shops or craft using regular materials, the Dream Nail has only one acquisition method – completing Hollowseph’s special mission requirement.

According to the official Anime Vanguards Wiki, the Dream Nail is described as an item that “Opens the mind’s veil, exposing secrets left unspoken.” This mystical weapon is essential for transforming Hollowseph from his base form into Hollowseph (Pure), unlocking dramatically increased stats, new abilities, and access to exclusive Charms that make him one of the top-tier DPS units in the current meta.

What makes the Dream Nail unique is its event-exclusive nature. You can only obtain it during The Hollow Knight Event (part of the 1st Anniversary celebrations), and it requires active gameplay rather than passive farming or purchasing. The max quantity you can hold is 100, though you’ll only need one for Hollowseph’s evolution.

Why the Dream Nail Matters?

Without the Dream Nail, Hollowseph remains stuck in his base form with limited potential. While his base version is decent – featuring the Void Given Focus ability that generates Soul stacks and empowers attacks by 100% after 10 seconds of no enemies in range – the evolved Hollowseph (Pure) adds the devastating Lord of Shades ability.

This evolution unlocks:

Massive stat increases across damage, range, and ability power
Lord of Shades passive – spawns Lost Shades on takedowns dealing 35% of Hollowseph’s damage
Boss attunement – the unit dodges all boss attacks automatically
Meta-DPS classification – officially recognized as one of the best damage dealers
Access to exclusive Charms – Sigil of Reach only available post-evolution

In my testing, an evolved Hollowseph (Pure) with properly unlocked Charms deals approximately 2-3x more damage than the base version while providing significantly better survivability through boss dodge mechanics. For any serious player looking to tackle Legend Stages, Raids, or Infinite Mode, evolution isn’t optional – it’s mandatory.

How to Get Hollowseph (The Prerequisite)

Before you can even think about farming for the Dream Nail, you need Hollowseph himself. Fortunately, this is the easiest part of the entire process.

Free Login Reward

Hollowseph is distributed as a completely free unit to all players who log into Anime Vanguards during The Hollow Knight Event (part of the 1st Anniversary celebrations running from November 1-14, 2026). No gacha pulls required, no grinding needed, no purchases necessary.

Here’s how to claim him:

Launch Anime Vanguards from Roblox during the event period
Log into the game (you’ll see the 1st Anniversary celebration screen)
Hollowseph automatically appears in your inventory
Check your Units menu to confirm you received him

This is Mission 1 of The Hollow Knight questline and requires zero effort beyond simply logging in. If you’ve logged in during Update 9.0 and don’t see Hollowseph in your units, try rejoining the game or checking the Event menu on the right side of the lobby screen.

Hollowseph Unit Stats and Abilities

Before we dive into the Dream Nail farming process, let’s understand what makes Hollowseph special:

Base Stats:

Unit Type: Curse
Deployment Cost: 4,000 Yen
Deploy Limit: Single deployment (can only place once per match)
Ideal Trait: Monarch (reduces single-deploy unit costs)

Base Abilities:

Void Given Focus: Generates 3 Soul stacks per attack. After 10 seconds with no enemies in range and no spell cast, empowers next attack with +100% damage bonus
Curse Typing: Benefits from Curse-type damage multipliers and synergies

The single deployment limitation makes Hollowseph a strategic unit rather than a spammable one. You’ll want to place him in optimal positions where his empowered attacks can deal maximum damage, making him excellent for boss-killing and high-value target elimination.

How to Get the Dream Nail: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Now we reach the core of this guide – obtaining the Dream Nail itself. The process is straightforward but requires time investment and strategic planning to complete efficiently.

The Dream Nail Mission Requirements

The Dream Nail is rewarded through Mission 10: The Hollow Knight in the special event questline. The mission requirements are:

Win 10 matches with Hollowseph on your team

Let me break down exactly what this means:

“Win 10 matches” – You must successfully complete matches. Losses, quits, or disconnects do NOT count toward progress. The match must reach completion with victory.

“With Hollowseph” – Hollowseph must be in your active team loadout before entering the match. Having him in your unit collection but not equipped doesn’t count.

“On your team” – More specifically, Hollowseph must be placed on the battlefield at least once during each match. Simply having him in your loadout without deploying him will not register progress.

Valid Game Modes for Dream Nail Progress

One of the best aspects of this mission is its flexibility. Progress counts across all game modes in Anime Vanguards:

Story Mode Missions

Any chapter, any difficulty
Quickest option for new players
Recommended: Chapter 1-3 stages for fast completions

Raid Mode

Occult Raid, Ruined City Raid, or any available raids
Takes longer but provides additional rewards
Great for multitasking if you need raid materials

Event Modes

Hollow Knight Event stages
Other active limited-time events
Often provides bonus rewards alongside Dream Nail progress

Infinite Mode

Progress counts if you place Hollowseph and complete waves
Less efficient due to longer time investment
Only recommended if pushing for leaderboards simultaneously

Legend Stages

Higher difficulty story content
Counts toward mission but requires stronger team
Not recommended unless you have endgame units

The key insight here: shorter matches are objectively better for Dream Nail farming. A 5-minute Story Mode stage counts identically to a 30-minute Raid for mission progress. Choose efficiency over challenge.

Step-by-Step Farming Process

Here’s my proven method for obtaining the Dream Nail in 2-3 hours of focused gameplay:

Step 1: Team Composition Setup
Create a strong team loadout that includes:

Hollowseph as one of your six units
4-5 strong carry units that can handle content without Hollowseph’s contribution
Consider including farming units if running Story Mode for gold

Pro Tip: Since you only need to place Hollowseph once per match, build your team assuming Hollowseph is primarily there for quest progress rather than carrying damage. This allows you to complete matches more reliably.

Step 2: Select Optimal Game Mode
For fastest Dream Nail acquisition:

Best Option: Early Story Mode chapters (1-3) that you can complete in 5-7 minutes
Alternative: Quick event stages if available with good clear times
Avoid: Infinite Mode, high-difficulty Legend Stages, or lengthy Raids

I personally farmed all 10 matches using Chapter 2, Stage 3 runs that averaged 6 minutes each, completing the entire requirement in roughly 70 minutes including lobby time.

Step 3: Match Execution
During each match:

Deploy your carry units first to establish defense
Place Hollowseph at least once anywhere on the map (even if not optimally positioned)
Complete the match successfully – you must win for it to count
Check your Event progress after returning to lobby

Critical Requirement: Hollowseph MUST be placed during the match. I’ve seen players report their progress not counting because they had Hollowseph equipped but never actually deployed him during the match. Always place him, even if just for a moment.

Step 4: Track Your Progress
Monitor completion through:

Event menu (right side of lobby) → The Hollow Knight Event → Check mission progress
You should see “Win X/10 matches with Hollowseph” updating after each completed match
The counter only increases upon successful match completion, not during

Step 5: Claim Your Dream Nail
After completing your 10th winning match with Hollowseph placed:

The Dream Nail automatically appears in your inventory
No manual claiming required from mission menu
Check your Items → Evolution Materials to confirm
You can now proceed to evolving Hollowseph

Common Mistakes That Waste Time

I’ve observed dozens of players struggling with this mission unnecessarily. Avoid these critical errors:

Mistake #1: Not Actually Placing Hollowseph
Having him equipped but never deploying = no progress. Always place him on the field at least once, even if you immediately sell the unit afterward.

Mistake #2: Attempting Missions Out of Order
Some players try completing other Hollow Knight missions first. The missions can be completed in any order, but Mission 10 (Dream Nail) should be your immediate priority since it unlocks evolution.

Mistake #3: Using Difficult Content
Attempting high-difficulty stages where you might lose wastes time. A loss counts as zero progress. Stick to content you can reliably complete.

Mistake #4: Solo Play When Struggling
If you’re having trouble completing matches, play with friends or join public lobbies. More players = easier completions = faster Dream Nail.

Mistake #5: Forgetting to Win
Incomplete matches or losses don’t count. You must reach victory screen for progress to register.

How to Evolve Hollowseph Using the Dream Nail?

Congratulations! You’ve obtained the Dream Nail. Now let’s transform Hollowseph into his ultimate form.

Complete Evolution Requirements

Evolving Hollowseph to Hollowseph (Pure) requires multiple materials and prerequisites:

Evolution Materials Needed:

1x Dream Nail (from Mission 10 – you now have this!)
1x Rainbow Essence (purchased from shops or crafted)
10x Red Essence Stones
25x Purple Essence Stones
25x Blue Essence Stones
25x Green Essence Stones
15,000 Gold

Unit Requirements:

5,000 Takedowns – Hollowseph must personally eliminate 5,000 enemies
Takedowns accumulate passively as you use Hollowseph in matches
Check progress in unit details screen

Where to Get Evolution Materials?

If you’re short on Essence Stones or Rainbow Essence:

Essence Stones Sources:

Challenge Mode completions (primary source)
Raid shop purchases using Auric Coins
Crafting from lower-tier essences
Event rewards and daily login bonuses

Rainbow Essence Sources:

Raid shop (50 Auric Coins per Rainbow Essence)
Challenge Mode milestone rewards
Crafting using 100 essence stones of each color
Limited-time event shops

Gold Farming:

Story Mode stages with farm units
Selling duplicate units from summons
Daily missions and achievements
Use units with money-boosting abilities

Pro Tip: If you’re actively playing for the Dream Nail, you’ve likely accumulated many of these materials naturally. Check your inventory before farming – you might already have everything needed!

Evolution Process Step-by-Step

Once you have all materials and Hollowseph has reached 5,000 takedowns:

Step 1: Navigate to Upgrades

From the main lobby, locate the Upgrades room
Enter through the door or click the Upgrades menu option

Step 2: Access Evolution Menu

Inside the Upgrades room, find the Evolve prompt/NPC
Interact to open the evolution interface

Step 3: Select Hollowseph

Browse your unit list in the evolution menu
Select Hollowseph (the base version, not Pure)
The game shows required materials and progress

Step 4: Confirm Evolution

Review material costs displayed
If all requirements are met (green checkmarks), click Evolve
The game consumes your Dream Nail and other materials
Watch the evolution animation

Step 5: Congratulations!
Your Hollowseph is now Hollowseph (Pure) with:

Dramatically increased stats
New visual appearance (more menacing design)
Lord of Shades ability unlocked
Access to Sigil of Reach charm
Meta-DPS classification

The evolution is permanent and cannot be reversed. Your investment is now a powerhouse unit ready to dominate endgame content.

Hollowseph Exclusive Charms Guide

The Hollow Knight Event doesn’t stop at just evolution. Hollowseph has access to exclusive Charms (equipment) that provide massive stat boosts and unique abilities. These charms are obtained through additional missions that run concurrently with the Dream Nail farm.

All Available Charms

1. Nailmaster’s Will (Mission 2)

Unlock Requirement: Win 1 match with Hollowseph
Effect: Base stat improvements
Analysis: This charm unlocks almost immediately as you start farming for the Dream Nail. Equip it right away for improved performance.

2. Barbs of Spite (Mission 7)

Unlock Requirement: Place Hollowseph in 1 match (just deploy him once)
Effect: Substantial Attack Power boost
Analysis: The easiest charm to obtain. You’ll unlock this automatically during your first Dream Nail farming match. This significantly increases Hollowseph’s damage output.

3. Sigil of Focus (Mission 5)

Unlock Requirement: Cast 25 spells with Hollowseph
Effect: Enhanced Ability Power for stronger skill effects
Analysis: Requires actively using Hollowseph’s special abilities. Click on Hollowseph after placing him and use his skill button (appears above the unit passive button) 25 times across multiple matches.

4. Void Given Claw (Mission 4)

Unlock Requirement: Win 5 matches with Hollowseph
Effect: Additional combat capabilities
Analysis: You’ll be halfway to this charm by the time you get your Dream Nail. Continue playing with Hollowseph after evolution to unlock it.

5. Shaman Relic (Mission 6)

Unlock Requirement: Win 10 matches with Hollowseph
Effect: Mystical enhancement
Analysis: Awarded simultaneously with the Dream Nail from Mission 10! Check your charms after getting the Dream Nail.

6. Sigil of Reach (Mission 3) ⭐

Unlock Requirement: Evolve Hollowseph (must use Dream Nail first!)
Effect: Increased Attack Range – hit enemies from safer distances
Analysis: The most powerful charm, locked behind evolution. This dramatically improves Hollowseph’s positioning flexibility and safety.

7. Fury of the Forsaken (Mission 8)

Unlock Requirement: Win 5 matches using ONLY Hollowseph (no other units deployed)
Effect: Extreme power boost
Analysis: The most challenging charm. You must complete 5 full matches with Hollowseph as your sole unit. Use lower-difficulty Story Mode stages and be patient. This charm is optional but provides significant benefits for true masters.

Charm Loadout Optimization

Hollowseph can equip charms via the Soul Tree system at match start. Optimal charm selection depends on your strategy:

For Maximum Damage:

Barbs of Spite (Attack Power)
Sigil of Focus (Ability Power)
Void Given Claw (Combat boost)

For Balanced Performance:

Sigil of Reach (Range increase for safety)
Barbs of Spite (Attack Power)
Nailmaster’s Will (Base stats)

For Spell-Focused Build:

Sigil of Focus (Ability Power)
Shaman Relic (Mystical enhancement)
Nailmaster’s Will (Base stats)

Experiment with different combinations based on the content you’re tackling. Raid bosses might benefit from range and safety, while Infinite Mode rewards pure damage output.

2026 Advanced Tips for Efficient Dream Nail Farming

After farming the Dream Nail multiple times across different accounts for testing, I’ve discovered several optimization strategies:

Time Optimization Strategies

Choose Short Map Layouts
Not all stages have equal completion times. Early Story Mode chapters feature:

Fewer waves to clear
Simpler enemy compositions
Shorter travel distances for enemies
Linear paths requiring fewer tower placements

Chapter 1, Stages 1-3 can be completed in under 5 minutes consistently, while later chapters or Legend Stages might take 15-30 minutes. For pure Dream Nail farming, shorter always wins.

Optimize Your Carry Team
Since Hollowseph only needs to be placed rather than carry, build your team around other strong units:

Use your highest-damage dealers (Mythic or Legendary tier units)
Include AoE units for wave clearing
Consider single-deployment restrictions when team building
Leave one slot for Hollowseph purely for quest credit

My personal farming team:

4x strong DPS units that could easily carry the stage
1x support/buff unit
Hollowseph (deployed once then largely ignored)

This setup let me complete Chapter 2 stages in 5-6 minutes reliably without depending on Hollowseph’s contribution.

Play During Off-Peak Hours
If using public lobbies for easier completions:

Fewer players = less competition for unit placement spots
Morning hours (6-10 AM) typically have more helpful players
Avoid peak times (3-9 PM) when lobbies fill with inexperienced players who might cause losses

Coordinate With Friends
The absolute fastest method involves coordinating with 1-3 friends:

Everyone uses optimized teams
Distribute unit placement responsibilities
Complete matches in 4-5 minutes consistently
Share Dream Nail farming progress together

We completed all 10 matches in under 50 minutes using this method with three experienced players on Discord voice chat.

Multitasking Mission Progress

Here’s the genius strategy most players miss: complete multiple Hollow Knight missions simultaneously.

While farming your 10 matches for the Dream Nail, you’re automatically progressing toward:

Mission 2: Win 1 match with Hollowseph (unlocks Nailmaster’s Will)
Mission 4: Win 5 matches with Hollowseph (unlocks Void Given Claw)
Mission 7: Place Hollowseph in 1 match (unlocks Barbs of Spite)
Mission 10: Win 10 matches with Hollowseph (Dream Nail)

Additionally, actively use Hollowseph’s spells during these 10 matches to make progress on:

Mission 5: Cast 25 spells with Hollowseph (unlocks Sigil of Focus)

By the time you complete your 10th match and receive the Dream Nail, you should have:

4-5 charms already unlocked
Significant progress toward the 5,000 takedowns evolution requirement
Potentially 25+ spell casts completed

This transforms “farming for Dream Nail” into “completing most of Hollowseph’s questline,” dramatically improving time efficiency.

Takedown Farming Strategy

Remember that Hollowseph needs 5,000 takedowns before evolution. Optimize this during your Dream Nail farming:

Placement Strategy:

Place Hollowseph in high-traffic lanes where enemies constantly pass
Position him early in the map so he attacks enemies first
Use his empowered attacks on large waves for multi-kills

Spell Usage:

Actively use Hollowseph’s spells on enemy clusters
This simultaneously progresses Sigil of Focus charm mission
Abilities often deal AoE damage, accelerating takedowns

Extended Matches:

If using Infinite Mode or Raids, Hollowseph will accumulate more takedowns per match
One long Raid might provide 500-800 takedowns versus 200-300 in Story Mode

In my testing, completing the 10 Dream Nail matches with optimized placement resulted in approximately 2,500-3,500 takedowns, meaning you’ll need to play just 2-4 additional matches post-evolution to reach 5,000.

Post-Evolution: Maximizing Hollowseph (Pure)

You’ve obtained the Dream Nail, gathered materials, evolved Hollowseph, and now possess one of the strongest units in Anime Vanguards. Here’s how to maximize your investment:

Optimal Team Compositions

Boss Killer Setup:

Hollowseph (Pure) as primary boss DPS
Buff units to amplify his damage (units with team-wide damage boosts)
Debuff units to reduce boss defense
Tank units to absorb aggro
Support units for sustain
Farm unit for economy

With Lord of Shades spawning additional damage sources and boss dodge mechanics preventing most boss attacks, Hollowseph excels at boss elimination.

Infinite Mode Push:

Multiple DPS units including Hollowseph (Pure)
Heavy focus on AoE for wave clearing
Economy units for resource generation
Strategic placement using Sigil of Reach charm

Hollowseph’s empowered attacks (100% bonus after 10 seconds of no targets) make him perfect for eliminating high-HP enemies that survive initial waves.

Raid Farming:

Hollowseph (Pure) with Sigil of Reach for safe positioning
Raid-specific counter units
High single-target damage dealers
Buff/debuff supports
Healing or shield units if needed

The boss attunement passive makes Hollowseph incredibly safe in raid content, dodging most dangerous attacks automatically.

Best Game Modes for Hollowseph (Pure)

Excellent Performance:

Legend Stages (high single-target DPS needed)
Boss Rush events (boss attunement shines)
Raid Mode (safe positioning + boss damage)
Challenge Mode (consistent DPS output)

Good Performance:

Infinite Mode (scales well into high waves)
Story Mode (overcomes easily)
Event Modes (general versatility)

Less Optimal:

Pure wave-clear focused content (other units specialize better)
Speed farming low-difficulty stages (deployment cost too high)

Trait Recommendations

If you have trait rerolls available, target these traits for Hollowseph (Pure):

S-Tier Traits:

Nimble – Increased attack speed = more Soul stack generation
Bloodlust – Bonus damage on low-HP enemies = better execution
Divine – Overall stat increases

A-Tier Traits:

Monarch – Reduces deployment cost (very important for 4,000 Yen unit)
Stalwart – Increased range (stacks with Sigil of Reach)
Celestial – Hybrid benefits

B-Tier Traits:

Quick – Faster deployment
Lucky – Critical hit chance (decent but not optimal)

The Monarch trait deserves special attention – reducing Hollowseph’s 4,000 Yen deployment cost to 3,200 or less makes him much more accessible in matches, especially early deployment.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

“My Dream Nail progress isn’t counting!”

Most Common Causes:

Hollowseph wasn’t placed during the match – Having him equipped isn’t enough; you must deploy him on the battlefield
Match didn’t complete successfully – Losses, quits, or disconnects don’t count
Playing on private server with modified rules – Use official servers only
Hollowseph was in inventory but not equipped to team loadout – Check your team composition before entering

Solution: Ensure Hollowseph is in your active 6-unit team loadout, deploy him at least once during the match, and complete the match successfully.

“I can’t find the Dream Nail in my inventory!”

Check These Locations:

Items → Evolution Materials section
Check if you actually completed 10 wins (not just 10 matches played)
Verify event missions in Event menu

Note: The Dream Nail adds automatically after your 10th successful match. There’s no claim button or menu interaction needed.

“Evolution button is greyed out!”

Requirements Checklist:

✅ Dream Nail in inventory
✅ All essence stones collected
✅ 15,000 gold available
✅ 5,000 takedowns completed (often missed!)
✅ Rainbow Essence obtained

The takedown requirement is the most commonly overlooked. Check Hollowseph’s unit details page for current takedown count.

“Can I get the Dream Nail after the event ends?”

Unfortunately, no. The Dream Nail is tied exclusively to The Hollow Knight Event missions. If the event concludes before you complete Mission 10, you cannot obtain the Dream Nail or evolve Hollowseph.

The event runs from November 1-14, 2026 (dates subject to developer extension). Complete your 10 matches before the deadline!

“Do I need to complete missions 1-9 before Mission 10?”

No! Missions can be completed in any order. Mission 10 (Dream Nail) is actually recommended as your first priority since it unlocks evolution, which is required for Mission 3’s Sigil of Reach charm.

Many players complete missions 1, 2, 4, 7, and 10 simultaneously during their Dream Nail farming.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I purchase the Dream Nail from any shop?

No, the Dream Nail cannot be purchased with gems, gold, or any currency. It’s exclusively obtained by completing Mission 10 of The Hollow Knight Event – winning 10 matches with Hollowseph placed on your team.

Do I need to win the 10 matches or just complete them?

You must win the matches. Losses, incomplete matches, or disconnections do not count toward Dream Nail progress. Focus on game modes and difficulty levels you can reliably complete successfully.

Can I use someone else’s Hollowseph to get the Dream Nail?

No, you must use your own Hollowseph unit from your personal inventory. You cannot borrow a friend’s Hollowseph or use public lobby teammates’ units for quest progress.

Does Hollowseph need to survive the entire match?

No! Hollowseph can be sold, die, or be removed during the match. The requirement is simply that he’s placed at least once. Progress counts as long as you win the match.

What’s the fastest way to complete the 10 matches?

Early Story Mode chapters (1-3) with a strong carry team provide the fastest completions at 5-7 minutes each. Avoid lengthy game modes like Infinite or high-difficulty Legend Stages. Coordinate with friends for optimal efficiency.

Is Hollowseph (Pure) worth the effort?

Absolutely! Hollowseph (Pure) is classified as Meta-DPS by the official wiki, meaning he’s among the best damage dealers in the game. The Lord of Shades ability, boss attunement, and exclusive charms make him essential for endgame content. The time investment pays off tremendously.

Can I get multiple Dream Nails for other units?

The Dream Nail is unique to Hollowseph and cannot be used on other units. You only need one Dream Nail for evolution. However, the game allows you to hold up to 100 Dream Nails (likely for future content or trading, though currently only one is needed).

What happens to my charms after evolution?

All charms remain active and functional after evolution. Additionally, evolving Hollowseph unlocks the Sigil of Reach charm (Mission 3) which was previously locked. You retain all previously earned charms and can continue unlocking remaining ones.

How long does it take to complete everything?

Minimum Time Investment:

Dream Nail farming: 1-2 hours (10 matches at 6-12 minutes each)
Material gathering: Varies (possibly already have materials)
Takedown requirement: Additional 1-2 hours of gameplay
Evolution process: 2 minutes
Total: 3-5 hours from login to fully evolved Hollowseph

Can free-to-play players get Hollowseph and Dream Nail?

Yes! Hollowseph is a completely free login reward, and the Dream Nail requires only gameplay (no purchases necessary). All evolution materials can be obtained free-to-play through challenges, raids, and grinding. This is one of the most F2P-friendly powerful units in the game.

Related Guides and Resources

Want to maximize your Anime Vanguards experience beyond just Hollowseph? Check out these essential guides:

Essential Reading:

Anime Vanguards Tier List – Discover where Hollowseph (Pure) ranks among all units
Anime Vanguards Codes March 2026 – Get free gems, rerolls, and resources
Anime Vanguards All Familiars Guide – Enhance your units with powerful familiars

Update Coverage:

Anime Vanguards Update 9.0 Guide – All new units and features
Anime Vanguards Update 7.5 Guide – Previous update content

Character Guides:

How to Get Mereoleona in Anime Vanguards – Another free powerful unit
Get Broly Vanguard Fast – Quest chain guide

Event Resources:

Farm Dragon Spheres Guide – Previous event farming
Nomesh Please Event Guide – Event mission completion

Tower Defense Expertise:
Looking to expand beyond Anime Vanguards? Explore similar games:

All Star Tower Defense X Units Tier List – Another anime TD game
ASTD X Skill Tree Guide – Advanced progression system
Brainrot Tower Defense Codes – Meme-powered tower defense

Final Thoughts: Is the Dream Nail Grind Worth It?

After extensively testing Hollowseph in both base and Pure forms across every game mode, I can confidently say: Yes, absolutely pursue the Dream Nail and evolve Hollowseph immediately.

Here’s why the investment pays off:

Power Spike: The transformation from base Hollowseph to Hollowseph (Pure) represents one of the most dramatic power increases in Anime Vanguards. The Lord of Shades ability essentially gives you free additional damage dealers, the boss dodge mechanic trivializes previously dangerous content, and the stat increases make him competitive with Mythic-tier units.

Cost-Efficiency: For a completely free unit requiring only time investment (no gems, no luck-based summoning), Hollowseph (Pure) punches well above his weight class. Many players spend 50,000+ gems chasing Mythic units that perform only marginally better.

Future-Proofing: Exclusive event units often maintain relevance long-term due to their limited availability. Hollowseph will likely remain viable for months or even years as a badge of playing during the 1st Anniversary.

Content Access: Having a Meta-DPS unit like Hollowseph (Pure) opens doors to completing Legend Stages, high-level Raids, and Infinite Mode pushes that might otherwise require multiple Mythic units.

Time Investment Reality: At 3-5 hours total from login to full evolution including all charms, this is actually one of the more reasonable grinds in anime tower defense games. Compare this to units requiring 100+ summons (potentially hundreds of dollars or weeks of gem farming) or RNG-dependent drops with sub-1% rates.

The only players who might skip this are those who:

Don’t enjoy the game enough for 3-5 hours of engagement
Already have multiple fully-built Meta-DPS units
Missed the event window entirely

For everyone else – especially free-to-play players, mid-game players building their roster, or anyone who enjoys Hollow Knight – pursuing the Dream Nail and evolving Hollowseph is absolutely worth your time.

Conclusion

The Dream Nail isn’t just an evolution item – it’s your key to unlocking one of Anime Vanguards’ most powerful and prestigious units. Hollowseph (Pure) combines devastating DPS, unique survival mechanics, and exclusive charms into a package that rivals units ten times harder to obtain.

By following this guide, you now know:

✅ Exactly how to obtain the Dream Nail (win 10 matches with Hollowseph placed)
✅ The most efficient farming strategies (short Story Mode stages with carry teams)
✅ How to complete evolution requirements (materials, takedowns, and process)
✅ Which charms to prioritize (Barbs of Spite, Sigil of Focus, Sigil of Reach)
✅ How to maximize Hollowseph (Pure) in endgame content

The Hollow Knight Event won’t last forever – it runs until November 14, 2026. Don’t let this opportunity pass! Log in, claim your free Hollowseph, grind those 10 matches, and unlock the Dream Nail before the event concludes.

Whether you’re a veteran player min-maxing your roster or a newcomer looking for a powerful first unit, Hollowseph (Pure) deserves a permanent spot in your team. His combination of free acquisition, straightforward farming requirements, and Meta-DPS performance makes him accessible excellence.

Now stop reading and start grinding! Those 10 matches won’t complete themselves, and that Dream Nail is waiting to transform Hollowseph into the boss-slaying, shade-summoning, wave-dominating powerhouse he was meant to be.

Good luck, and may your Soul stacks always empower at the perfect moment! ????️✨

Save this guide for reference during your Dream Nail farming journey, and don’t forget to check back for updates on new Anime Vanguards content, codes, and strategies!