Sava did compliment the episode's designs, however, writing that "this episode puts the show’s off-kilter design sense on full display." Nicole Klein of Geekadelphia, however, applauded the episode's exploration of Finn's psyche, noting that she was pleased with this episode and the fifth season episode "The Vault" because she "love[s] any episode that involves going into Finn’s crazy subconsciousness". Screenrant writer Jack O'Keefe named the episode one of the best television dream sequences, writing: "Adventure Time dips into the surreal often and without hesitation, making it nearly impossible to pick a stand-out dream sequence. However, the dream sequence that makes up 'King Worm' is one of Adventure Time‘s highest artistic achievements among many."