Having the classic high-difficulty boss fights requiring the utmost patience and precision is a continued tradition in Hollow Knight: Silksong. Early in the game, players will have to face the Hunter’s March Guardian, a foe that can quickly overpower you if you’re unprepared. This guide will inform you of where to find him; what moves to look for; and strategies that will give you the advantage in encountering him.
Where to Find the Hunter’s March Guardian
Starting from The Marrow, continue moving right. The path is dangerous: collapsing platforms and enemies, especially flying bugs, try to weaken you. Once you’ve cleared them, you will come upon a room filled with red springy objects. Use a downward strike to bounce across, and once past these, the way ahead goes straight to Hunter’s March, the Guardian’s home turf.
Note: There’s a bench just beneath the boss arena, making retries much less painful.
Guardian’s Attacks and Counters
- The Guardian’s Twin Blade Sweep sees him casting the weapon out and slashing twice in rapid succession. The safest approach here is to step back once you see him try to wind up; then, after the second slash finishes, you step back in to hit a counterattack.
- The Tunnel Shift sees the Guardian burrowing beneath the ground and re-emerging at a spot marked by smoke. While this cannot be reckoned as a direct offensive move, it will be damaging if anyone is standing at the place of the smoke arising. Walk, keep moving, and stay away from the smoke pointers until he emerges again to stay safe!
- With the Groundbreaker Leap, the boss will jump in the air very high and slam down into the ground. As soon as he jumps, ready yourself to dash through him when he slams down. This will proactively avoid damage and put you on the opposite side of him, so you can hit safely.
Rewards: Skarrgard doesn’t drop a unique item, but defeating him opens up the Hunter’s March area. This zone features benches to rest at and a vendor offering useful items. Deeper inside, you’ll eventually run into a far tougher boss—though you’ll need the Drifter’s Cloak from Far Fields before you can challenge it.
Tips
- Avoid greed, every strike deals two masks of damage.
- Stay alert during his dig, as he can resurface directly under you.
- Grab the Swift Step dash ability from the Deep Docks before attempting the fight.
- Use a hit-and-run strategy, landing one hit after each attack.
