In the realm of Hollow Knight: Silksong, a myriad of secrets await discovery. Among the most intriguing is the hidden boss known as The Phantom, lurking within the Exhaust Organ, a sinister and pulsating subarea located at the depths of Bilewater.
Faced with the opportunity to confront The Phantom, players can unlock Act 2 of the storyline without having to tackle Blasted Steps or defeat the Last Judge. Surprisingly, this alternate pathway proves to be a simpler option for those who know their way around.
Navigating to the Exhaust Organ presents its own set of challenges. The journey necessitates traversing the ethereal region of The Mist, a place where players must tread carefully to avoid being lost. This “phantom zone”in Pharloom requires keen observation and precise movements.
This guide will equip you with the quickest route to confront The Phantom, along with effective strategies for defeating this formidable foe.
Locating The Phantom in Hollow Knight: Silksong
The Phantom is nestled at the pinnacle of the Exhaust Organ, the sole building within this secret subarea, situated in the lower left section of Bilewater.
To gain entry, you must navigate the challenging mist in The Mist area, which can be accessed by moving left from the lowest Bench in the region. Alternatively, you can traverse Sinner’s Road but note that this path necessitates the Faydown Cloak ability, offering a considerably tougher challenge.
The Mist presents a perplexing environment where players can easily become disoriented. If you take a wrong turn or fall, prepare to restart from the beginning.
To successfully navigate this area, heed Ron’s advice and follow the fluttering white butterflies that appear sporadically. Keep an eye out for these elusive creatures as they guide the way. Beware of ghostly enemies that can drain your Silk!
When you spot the butterflies, activate the Needolin to coax them towards the correct exit. Follow this path until you enter a horizontal corridor adorned with the toxic waters characteristic of Bilewater, signaling that you are on the right track.
Continue moving left to reach the Exhaust Organ subarea, where the main building awaits you. Upon entering, rest at the Bench located in the upper left corner, then ascend through the pipes, always veering to the right.
As you progress through the Exhaust Organ, you’ll notice an unusual melody growing louder—an indication that The Phantom is performing. This is a delightful homage to the final battle with Ganondorf in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, where the villain plays the piano. Such details add an enriching layer to the experience!
Ascend through the ducts while avoiding hot air columns until you reach the main chamber, where you’ll confront The Phantom at the center of the arena.
Optimal Preparation for The Phantom Boss Encounter
The Phantom wields a sword and exhibits combat moves reminiscent of Hornet, effectively serving as a darker version of the protagonist. Expect a fight akin to Tessela’s encounter in the Deep Docks, albeit with more refined movements and a dramatic flair. Success relies on your ability to memorize her assaults and react promptly.
One indispensable skill for this fight is the Swift Step—unlocked in the Deep Docks—which is essential for dodging The Phantom’s rapid strikes. Ensure you have mastered this ability before facing her.
Regarding Crests, aim for the Wanderer Crest, which can be located in a chapel at Bonegrave (adjacent to Moss Grotto).This Crest enhances your speed and enables quicker attacks. Complement your strategy with tools that improve Hornet’s agility: the Weighted Belt (available from the Mort merchant in Far Fields), the Silkspeed Anklets (found in the Weavenest Cindril), or the Flea Brew (obtained via “The Lost Fleas” quest).
A balanced offensive Red Tool—such as the Cogfly (crafted in the High Halls) or the Curveclaw—alongside the Pollip Pouch (earned from the “Rite of the Pollip” quest) will assist in consistently inflicting damage while you maintain focus on avoiding her swift attacks.
For safety, equip the Fractured Mask (acquired from the Mottled Skarr merchant in Hunter’s March) during boss encounters; it provides an additional health mask which alleviates the stress of dwindling health during battle.
Strategies to Defeat The Phantom in Hollow Knight: Silksong
With your Crests and Tools ready, it’s time to engage The Phantom. Her agile, direct combat style evolves without distinct phases.
Maintain pace with her rapid movements; allowing the fight tempo to escalate uncontrollably can spell disaster. Remain patient, allowing her to strike initially so you can counterattack effectively. Avoid the impulse to engage recklessly.
Here’s a breakdown of her six distinct attacks:
- She may attempt to block your attacks; if successful, she retaliates by dashing three times, dealing damage.
- She can leap and dash horizontally across the arena.
- She has a jump charge attack where she hurls her Needle towards you.
- She might charge her Needle on the ground, aiming directly at you.
- She is capable of executing a long ground dash.
- She may suddenly vanish and then crash down onto the ground—observe air columns to predict her return.
Her moves are marked by precision and speed. Utilize a uniform strategy: evade her quick strikes by jumping or dashing, but always be cautious of your surroundings.
Staying grounded is crucial; this keeps her movements more predictable, minimizing her tendency to jump frequently—which can complicate matters with her Needle attacks. Only leap when she charges her Needle to create openings for counterattacks.
If she disappears from view, be prepared for her most powerful attack—a ground pound that inflicts area damage. Successfully dodge this attack and position yourself for a quick counterattack once she reappears. Remember, the opportunity is fleeting!
If your strategy feels more defensive, don’t hesitate to deploy your poisoned Red Tool as a contingency, but use this sparingly. Having too many elements on screen can detract from your focus on dodging The Phantom’s swift attacks.
Rewards for Defeating The Phantom in Hollow Knight: Silksong
Upon vanquishing The Phantom, you will earn an immediate reward in the form of the Cross Stitch, a technique that enables Hornet to deflect enemy attacks and counter with impressive precision—a move that can aptly be described as a “cool parry.”
Additionally, your victory grants access to the Choral Chambers, where you can find a valuable Memory Locket by taking the passage to the left of the boss arena.
Moreover, if you defeat The Phantom during Act 1, your access to the Choral Chambers represents a significant leap into Act 2 without following the conventional path, making for a uniquely rewarding experience.
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