The upcoming release of Hollow Knight: Silksong has sparked interest among fans, especially with the unsettling secrets waiting to be uncovered. Among these hidden elements lies a formidable boss known as the First Sinner, residing within the depths of The Slab, an underground prison that serves as a nod to the original Hollow Knight.
To unlock the cell of this hidden boss, players must navigate a series of intricate steps. This involves either being captured by eerie Wardenflies roaming Pharloom or locating a specific item to gain entry. Moreover, you’ll need to explore and complete objectives in various regions to collect prison keys necessary for access.
Embarking on this adventure feels akin to traversing a maze, but with a well-thought-out strategy, you’ll be ready to confront the First Sinner in no time. This guide will delineate the optimal path to finding this elusive boss and share effective strategies for defeating it.
Locating the First Sinner in Hollow Knight: Silksong
Your journey begins by locating The Slab, situated on the left side of the Choral Chambers. However, simply discovering this area won’t suffice; you’ll require the Key of Apostate to access its central corridors and cells. There are two methods for obtaining this crucial key: getting kidnapped by the Wardenflies or retrieving it from a deceased character within the Putrefied Ducts.
To keep things straightforward, we recommend the second option, particularly since the first can result in losing various items. Head to the Putrefied Ducts and search for a hole in the left wall (1) of the lower section that connects to Bilewater. Once you acquire the key, make your way back to The Slab, ascend, and proceed to the first corridor on your right, utilizing the key to unlock the prison’s initial corridor (2).
During your exploration of this prison, you’ll need to find two additional keys: the Key of Indolent and the Key of Heretic (refer to the above map for their locations).After securing the Key of Heretic, you’ll be set to find the lair of the First Sinner.
From the prison entrance, head down and locate the first entrance on your right where the Key of Heretic will grant you access to a cell (3). Here, you’ll discover a room with Rosaries and a chest; climb the chest to gain access to the Faydown Cloak ability (unlocked at Mount Fay) and follow the hidden path through the ceiling.
You will ultimately reach a chamber that contains a peculiar coffin secured by four chains. Shatter the chains, and you can interact with the living “mask” inside, initiating the boss encounter.
Optimal Preparation for the First Sinner Boss Fight
To secure a seamless victory against the First Sinner, you’ll need to equip Hornet with an agile and aggressive build. It is advisable to use the Wanderer Crest for delivering swift attacks. Additionally, ensure that you have unlocked and perfected three key skills: Swift Step (the dash, acquired in Deep Docks), Drifter’s Cloak (the glide, found in Far Fields), and Faydown Cloak (the double jump, available at Mount Fay).
In terms of tools, consider using the combination of Cogfly (craftable at the workbench in High Halls) and the Pollip Pouch (earned from the “Rite of the Pollip” quest).This tactical setup will summon flying minions that can inflict damage and poison on your opponent, allowing you to focus on dodging.
If you wish to enhance Hornet’s capabilities further, equipping the Fractured Mask (from the Mottled Skarr merchant in Hunter’s March), the Weighted Belt (from the Mort merchant at Far Fields), and the Flea Brew (from the “The Lost Fleas” quest) will reinforce her precision, agility, and health.
Note that upon defeat by the First Sinner, you won’t lose your Rosaries. Instead of respawning at a Bench, Hornet will return to the coffin’s entrance, though you’ll need to revisit the nearest Bench to recharge your tools before attempting the boss fight again.
Strategies for Defeating the First Sinner in Hollow Knight: Silksong
Phase One
The First Sinner engages players in two distinct combat phases, each featuring a blend of close and ranged attacks that will challenge your reflexes.
She utilizes three main attack patterns, which may seem more due to her unpredictable movements. The first attack involves a ground dash where she attempts to strike Hornet with her nails. To evade this, simply double jump and counterattack as the opportunity arises.
For her second attack, she will execute a series of slashes from the air. She vanishes momentarily before reappearing mid-air, launching an assault. Quickly dash or double jump to evade; while it’s tempting to strike back, it may be wiser to regroup at the arena’s center for the next assault.
Her third attack sees her summoning multiple nails that can inflict significant damage if you’re caught off guard. Employ your jumping and dodging abilities to navigate through these. Be mindful when she attempts to “recharge” her Silk; striking her at this moment can prevent her healing, giving you the upper hand.
Adopt an aggressive strategy from the onset. Utilize the arena’s length to your benefit by rushing towards her right after dodging. This tactic will maximize your attack efficiency and damage output while ensuring you dictate the fight’s tempo until she transitions to her second phase.
Phase Two
Phase Two escalates the challenge as she combines her original move set with a new, hazardous Silk Skill, increasing her attack speed and complexity.
Stay aggressive to finish the fight quickly. Initially, concentrate on dodging while using the Cogfly to inflict damage and poison her. Make use of the Flea Brewer during this phase to augment Hornet’s attacks and agility.
During her Silk Skill, she emits a series of white circles throughout the arena that can inflict immense damage. Stay clear of these areas to avoid damage while the attack is active.
Take the time to understand her movements and pacing to regain control of the fight. Keep a Cogfly active on the ground; once you’re confident in your rhythm, you’ll have your opponent right where you want her.
Rewards for Conquering the First Sinner
Upon successfully defeating the First Sinner, players will be handsomely rewarded with one of the most impressive Silk Skills available in the game: Rune Rage. This potent technique mirrors the circular, incendiary attack once performed by the First Sinner herself. Utilizing it feels incredibly satisfying and can elevate your gameplay to professional levels!
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