Exploring the treacherous territory of Bilewater is no small feat, and the challenges extend beyond its notorious reputation. Players are often met with an exhausting environment filled with toxic lakes, platforming obstacles that punish mistakes, and fierce enemies capable of devastating attacks. The complexity of navigating this region is compounded by the formidable boss, Groal the Great, who lurks just beyond perilous paths that require a keen strategy for survival.
Let’s face it: the combination of a distant bench and an array of lethal foes creates a scenario where the exploration can feel like a nightmare. This isn’t just a test of skill; it’s a grueling endurance trial. However, success hinges not on sheer persistence, but on intelligent preparation that can transform an arduous boss battle into a surprisingly swift victory. Fear not—we have crafted a comprehensive guide designed to equip you with essential tools, abilities, optimal pathways, and winning strategies that will ensure you get the most out of your experience.
How To Find Groal the Great in Hollow Knight: Silksong
Groal the Great resides in the upper reaches of Bilewater, a shadowy and murky expanse that, for all intents and purposes, feels like it’s straight from the depths of despair. Accessed via Greymoor and the Whispering Vaults, this region should only be explored after acquiring several vital passive abilities: the Swift Step (from Deep Docks), Drifter’s Cloak (Far Fields), Clawline (The Cauldron), Cling Grip (Sheelwood), and the Faydown Cloak (Mount Fay).
Attempting to delve into Bilewater without these abilities can lead to frustration as exploration will be limited—especially if you can’t even purchase the map. With your skills sharpened and abilities acquired, you’re ready to locate Groal the Great on your ascent through this treacherous landscape.
The Best Preparation To Face Groal the Great
Beyond the essential abilities, having potent Tools is crucial for effectively taking down Groal the Great. Start by acquiring the Reaper Crest, allowing the equipping of two identical Tools of each color, empowering your combat strategy. For additional buffs, consider equipping either the Fractured Mask (obtained from the Mottled Skarr merchant in Hunter’s March) for extra life, or the Weavelight (earned by defeating the Double Moss Mother) which aids in quicker Silk regeneration—a must in the poisoning waters of Bilewater.
Your arsenal should include two long-range weapons: the Cogfly and either the Curveclaw or Conchcutter. Pair these with the Pollip Pouch from the “Rite of the Pollip” quest, which adds poison capabilities to your attacks. Choose your Yellow Tools based on preference; I’d recommend the Compass for easier navigation back to the boss area and the Weighted Belt for added stability during movement. While the latter is not required, it can aid your overall strategy.
To maximize your damage output in Hollow Knight: Silksong, ensure your Needle is upgraded by the Pinmaster at least twice. Collect the needed Pale Oils—one from the Whispering Vaults and the other as a reward from the “Great Taste of Pharloom” quest. Lastly, gather all four Crafting Kits to enhance your Tools’ damage and efficiency. Purchase three from various merchants across regions, and complete the “Crawbug Clearing” quest for the fourth.
Best Path From Bench To Groal the Great
Contrary to popular belief, Bilewater houses more than one bench; in fact, there’s a hidden bench located closer to Groal the Great’s arena. To reach it, navigate the area until you encounter a dark section filled with hanging pilgrims. Move right into narrow corridors filled with traps, continuing to the right even if the path seems to lead upward, until you drop into a pool of poisonous water.
Break through the concealed wall on your right to access a secret pathway devoid of enemies but full of poisonous water. Continue left to discover the Bench. While you’ll still face a minute-long trek to the boss arena, the journey is significantly more manageable compared to starting from the original Bench. After resting here, retrace your steps upwards, then to the right, and finally left (referencing the accompanying map image) while evading all enemies. Don’t forget—before stepping into Groal the Great’s arena fully, pause at the entrance to climb the wall overhead, revealing a hidden area with extra Silk to heal should you take damage along the way.
How To Beat Groal the Great
Phase 1
The opening phase of this battle involves facing various common enemies from Bilewater, including exploding flies and moss types. Your primary aim is to eliminate them swiftly while avoiding poison. Initially, two moss enemies will emerge, launching poisonous projectiles at Hornet. Anticipate their entry by observing the bubbles forming in the arena floor—use this cue to position yourself strategically.
As they materialize, leap onto one and deal a quick triple attack to defeat it, then repeat the process for the second. Following this, a new type of moss enemy will jump into the arena; these will float momentarily before launching a series of spears. Utilize the same attack strategy, remaining alert as these enemies jump slightly higher than the first. Make sure to dodge the impending enormous spike ambush that follows, and dispatch the trio of exploding flies with calm precision—maintaining composure is key here.
Post-fly battle, the moss enemies will reappear, but this time, the same methods will apply. Be cautious and keep vigilant to dodge the spikes. Prepare for the final round, which combines two flies and a moss enemy; employ the tactics from earlier to conquer them all and summon the true challenge awaiting you.
Phase 2
At this point, we’re prepared to swiftly conclude this boss fight and utterly defeat Groal the Great. Once he manifests, remain settled in one corner of the arena, promptly activating all of your Cogflies. Launch your Curveclaw (or Conchcutter) mercilessly at him. Monitor his actions carefully, as he may unleash poisonous bubbles, attempt to swallow you whole, or initiate his most potent form, launching formidable projectiles. Jumping to evade these attacks is essential.
Continue relentlessly attacking him with your arsenal of Cogflies and Curveclaws (or Conchcutters) until victory is yours.
Rewards For Defeating Groal the Great
Beyond the exhilarating triumph of conquering one of the toughest bosses in Hollow Knight: Silksong in a matter of seconds, you’ll earn the coveted Seeker’s Soul, essential for progressing in the “Silk And Soul” quest. Furthermore, your victory unlocks access to the Putrified Ducts, another challenging area in Pharloom—content well worth exploring in a future guide.
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