Jumping into Hollow Knight: Silksong can feel like stepping into a dream with Hornet’s needle in hand and the dangers that are all around Pharloom. The fast, fluid combat system rewards precision, agility, and aggression. If you’re new to this dazzling Metroidvania sequel, here are the top combat tips to help you survive and thrive.
Read More: Beginners Tips & Tricks
1. Embrace Aggressive and Mobile Combat
Hornet excels when you’re on the offensive. Silksong encourages bold, in-your-face play, not cautious retreat. So, get up close to enemies, and this builds your Silk gauge faster, enabling both healing and powerful attacks. Stay mobile! In short, dodge, dash, and weave to keep pressure on foes while avoiding damage.
2. Master the Bind Heal but Heal Smart
Hornet regenerates up to three masks instantaneously when you use Bind Heal, but only if your Silk bar is full. Fill Silk fast by doing damage. Only heal when you are not exposed; mid-air heals could help you avoid interruptions.
3. Don’t Underestimate the Needle and Upgrade It
Your needle, which is Hornet’s primary weapon, can be tuned to boost your combat abilities. Seek upgrades such as those at Bellhart in order to keep up with more difficult adversaries.
4. Use Silk Skills to Your Advantage
Silk skills, such as Silkspear and Straight Pin, are attainable at Weaver sites, which provide strategic depth:
- Silkspear: A powerful ranged option that helps when you want to chip away from safety.
- Straight Pin: A quick-throw tool for fast damage or interrupting enemy actions.
5. Learn Enemy Patterns and Combat “Telegraphs”
Most Silksong enemies telegraph their attacks. So, take advantage of it:
- Watch for tells like wind-ups or wind-downs.
- React with dodge or counter, especially dodge into invulnerable frames (like into summoned minions).
- Reddit players also emphasize mobility and reading these patterns: “Combat is all about evading…”
6. Adapt to Hornet’s Dive Attack
Hornet’s diagonal dive is both powerful and nuanced, since it packs a punch and allows you to avoid mid-strike, yet it can overshoot if not timed correctly. Use it to get closer to foes or to reposition yourself after an attack.
7. Approach Bosses with Patience and Pattern Reading
Bell Beast (The Marrow):
- The fight starts after freeing it with Silk Spear.
- Dodge its charge and bell barrage; use openings to strike.
- Save Silk for healing rather than ranged damage.
Fourth Chorus (Far Fields):
- Use the Drifter’s Cloak to float and activate explosive rocks during its stagger.
- Stun the boss to make platforms reappear and take your shot.
8. Use Benches and Shortcuts Strategically
Be cautious in stressful areas like Hunter’s March: the bench is trapped. Before resting, break a neighboring wall to disarm it. Positioning yourself close to bosses and using a safe bench makes multiple tries much more convenient.
9. Choose Crests That Match Your Combat Style
Crests change your tools and skills. The tiered selections of red (offensive), blue (utility), and yellow (passive) allow you to customize your build. Equip crests to increase damage, improve Bind healing, or match your preferred style.
Combat in Hollow Knight: Silksong is a high-wire act involving aggression, agility, and strategic resource management. As a beginner, concentrate on attacking with confidence, learning the Bind heal, improving your needle, and understanding enemy patterns. Combine lightweight tools and crest methods, and you’ll be gracefully navigating Pharloom’s pitfalls in no time.
