Hive Knight

Hive Knight
Sprite(s)
Attributes
Type(s)	Boss
Gender	Male
Affiliation(s)	Hexcavators
Occupation(s)	Knight Spelunker
Alignment	Evil
Enemy(s)	Shovel Knight
Weapon(s)	Net
Damage	1
Hit points	(24)
Game Information
Debut
Appears in
Stage(s)	The Grub Pit Surface

“	We don't take kindly to intruders here in the hive. Ain't that right, Fleck??	”
— Hive Knight, Shovel Knight Dig

Hive Knight is a knight who is a member of the Hexcavators, and, together with his partner, Fleck, serves as an antagonist and boss in Shovel Knight Dig, due to their role in digging The Well that threatens The Valley alongside their allies. He guards an insect-riddled area known as The Grub Pit.

Official Bio

“	Hive Knight may have some trouble connecting with his fellow humans, but this bug-loving spelunker certainly has a way with insects! He's never to be found without Fleck, his loyal Beeto partner, buzzing at his side. With the power of their teamwork, as well as some specially-modified armor, this potent duo works in tandem to explore, battle, and even fly! Hive Knight's unique skills have given the Hexcavators a foothold deep in the Entomological Enclave, but intruders beware- keep away, lest ye be bugged!	”

• Pros: Fastidious, Good Natured, Loyal Beeto Partner
• Cons: Sensitive to Light, Slightly Misanthropic

Appearance

Hive Knight wears bulky spelunking clothes, a utility belt, and a mining helmet made to resemble a bug's head. The helmet has a pair of antennae and two headlamps that look like bug eyes.

Personality

Hive Knight is fastidious, good-natured, yet slightly misanthropic. One of his main features (though not necessarily him himself) is his loyal partner called Fleck, whom he cares dearly for. Their bond extends to the point at which any attack upon Fleck will result in an immediate no-holds-barred response from the knight.

Strategy

Hive Knight will run back and forth along the stage while Fleck dashes around wildly. Both will damage Shovel Knight on contact. Occasionally, Hive Knight will leap into the air and hang on to Fleck's leg as he flies. Giant spiked balls will be flung up toward him, presumably by Beetos or other insectoid enemies, which he will then bat toward Shovel Knight with his net. Hive Knight will eventually stop flying and repeat the cycle, also taking swipes at Shovel Knight with his net.

Dialogue

Click to expand

Shovel Knight Dig Before entering his boss room "Hive Knight: Y'hear that, Fleck? That's the sound of paydirt. Okay, I did my part up here. You goin' to secure the magic landfill, Scrappy?" "Scrap Knight: You call me Scrap Knight, or you're going in my bag again. You got that? Second of all: no. I'm going to the vault! I found that map. Me, not you guys. I deserve to see that priceless treasure first." "Drill Knight: Hey, the only name that matters right now is the Hexcevators, yeah? The six of us. Equal share. The money, the fame. When we launched this job from the Tower, we made a plan, remember? We each hold our post, and then we open the vault... say it with me now... " "Scrap Knight: Together - fine, fine, I haven't forgotten. But I'd better not miss anything. And you'd better not hog all the glory." "Drill Knight: Trust me, Scraps. The loot is as good as ours. We're about to be so rich..." "Hive Knight: ...I'm sorry, Scrap Knight, didn't mean no offense. But, uh, you two should skedaddle. Fleck says we're bein' followed " Random lines before his fight "Hive Knight: We're gonna be rich! We can feed the whole hive off of this one heist. Think of all the little mandibles, clickin' and clackin'." "Shovel Knight: Is that the example you wish to set for your children?" "Hive Knight: Hah! Look, me and Fleck don't need your moralizin'. Besides, you're about to have bigger problems. For instance- how will you escape once you're captured in our net? Let's get 'im, Fleck!" "Hive Knight: Fleck! Y'see that? That's an intruder. We don't take kindly to intruders, do we?" "Fleck: Bzz bzzzz bzzzzz! " "Hive Knight: Whoa, whoa, that got dark. You don't need to be morbid. Let's just teach him a real good lesson, ok?" "Shovel Knight: ..." "Fleck: Bzzz, bzz bz bzzz! " "Hive Knight: Fleck says we're done talkin' to you!" Sitting alone by the campfire "Hive Knight: Hey, give us some space! Do you mind? Fleck don't like the air up here. And he don't trust your scent, neither." Sitting by the campfire with Spore Knight "Hive Knight: Fleck's gettin' a little peckish. Are your mushrooms, uh, safe to eat?" "Spore Knight: Not all of them! You'd want an experienced mushroom hunter to show you which ones to avoid... Trust me, hee hee! " Sitting by the campfire with Mole Knight "Mole Knight: Hive Knight, I just realized that digging is a lot like swimming, but through dirt!" "Hive Knight: Oh, yeah? I was just thinkin' how it's a shame mammals exist. Staring at a campfire sure brings out the deep truths." Sitting by the campfire with Tinker Knight "Hive Knight: So, Tinker, you reckon we could develop a double-sided net? You know, one stick, two nets. Fer twice the catchin'!" "Tinker Knight: I am sure that would be a... great use of my time. Just fill out this form, and I'll get back to you.. soon." Sitting by the campfire with Scrap Knight "Hive Knight: So, uh, what's the use in carryin' around that patchy old bag full of random garbage?" "Scrap Knight: Why, it's to keep little bugs in. Little bugs who can't mind their own business!" Sitting by the campfire with Spore Knight and Tinker Knight "Hive Knight: Heyyy , who's short? Not me! Is it 'cause I'm standin' next to Fleck?" Sitting by the campfire with Tinker Knight, Mole Knight, and Scrap Knight "Hive Knight: I kinda feel bad for Spore Knight. She has to bounce out so much riff-raff! Only the fiercest fools make it down to me 'n' Fleck."

Trivia

• Hive Knight was loosely based on Danny Devito. One of his nicknames during development was "Beeto Devito".
• When he was initially revealed, Hive Knight's official description was slightly different, reading as follows:

“	This bug-loving spelunker is never to be found without his loyal Beeto partner at his side. With the power of their teamwork, as well as some specially-modified armor, Hive Knight has the capability to fly and battle just like an insect! Hive Knight is sure to ‘bug’ Shovel Knight when the blue burrower dares set foot in their Entomological enclave.	”

Gallery

Key Art

Hive Knight with the rest of the Hexcavators.

Official bio.

Game cover art for Dig.

Halloween 2022 artwork, featuring the Hexcavators, Altius, and Shovel Knight.

Concept Art

Concept art for Hive Knight.

Concept art for Hive Knight.

Concept sprite animation of the Hexcavators riding the Rocket Drill.

Sprites

Hive Knight sitting at camp.