As the gaming community continues to praise the excellence of Hollow Knight: Silksong, there remains a significant point of contention for some players: the challenging runbacks to bosses can feel excessive. This aspect has sparked diverse opinions among the fanbase, and the absence of a universally accepted approach to handling these arduous journeys is evident.
Some players thrive under the pressure of these rigorous runbacks, welcoming the opportunity to refine their skills and adapt to the game’s mechanics. Others prefer a more seamless transition to boss battles, minimizing distractions and honing their focus entirely on the fight. Personally, I contend that no single method stands out as the definitive best way to navigate these encounters.
Nonetheless, it’s undeniable that Pharloom presents some particularly harsh routes that can lead to frustration, especially for those still mastering the bosses involved. To highlight this issue, I’ve compiled a list of the seven least favorable runbacks in Hollow Knight: Silksong, ranked for your consideration.
7 Father of the Flame
Invincible Annoyances
The Father of the Flame is certainly an engaging boss that capitalizes on Hornet’s fluid movement mechanics. However, I find myself at odds with Wisp Thicket as a whole. Even though the area is relatively compact and the runback isn’t exceptionally lengthy, the relentless enemies—specifically the chasing flames—make the journey irritating.
While I often arrive at the boss with full health, achieving this requires meticulous movements to avoid the relentless damage from these enemy projectiles, which are alarmingly precise. Although it’s not the worst runback in the game, my negative experiences here stick out, dragging it down below others that blend seamlessly into the overall gameplay experience.
6 Last Judge
Overhyped Yet Intense
My victory over the Last Judge has led me to question the popular perception surrounding this runback. In my view, it doesn’t merit the reputation for excessive difficulty that many assign it. The only significant challenge arises from the positioning of the Driznit enemy right in your path—a frequent source of interruptions during this run.
If not for the tricky placement of this adversary, I likely would have found the runback enjoyable, as it effectively trains players in mastering platforming mechanics. The experience gained through battling the Last Judge has proven invaluable, and while that Driznit makes the runback challenging, it’s hardly the nightmare it’s often portrayed to be.
5 Savage Beastfly
A Tedious Journey
My aversion to the runback before facing the Savage Beastfly is intensified by my personal distaste for the boss itself, making the trek feel all the more tedious. Even if you manage to activate the nearest bench, you remain separated from the boss arena by excessive screens—where nothing engaging transpires, merely filler content.
Had more interesting elements been part of this journey, my frustrations may have lessened. Unfortunately, it consists of monotonous running and falling until finally confronting a dreadfully underwhelming boss and an equally stale reward, leaving me determined to avoid this runback in future playthroughs.
4 Skarrsinger Karmelita
Unnecessary Detours
It’s frustrating when unavoidable sequences such as dialogues or animations merely waste precious time before a boss fight, and that’s exactly what I encounter with Skarrsinger Karmelita. Sure, it’s one of the finest battles in the game, but requiring the Needolin, running to the arena, and navigating extraneous detours adds unwarranted delays.
While I appreciate the narrative context, I can’t help but recall the grievances of Hollow Knight’s dream bosses, where players can’t easily re-engage without navigating the lengthy dream sequences. The unnecessary length of the runback, coupled with the distance to the nearest bench for potential build adjustments, makes tackling this potent challenge all the more frustrating.
3 Raging Conchfly
Platforming Overload
The Sands of Karak offers a captivating yet frustrating experience, punishing players who lack proficiency in platform navigation. This struggle becomes painfully apparent in the runback to the Raging Conchfly, where the lengthy parkour sequence prior to the boss can often feel more challenging than combat itself.
Though a shortcut allows players to bypass some earlier steps, it doesn’t fundamentally change the distance covered; it merely reroutes a path abundant with environmental hazards and notorious enemies. I wish I could enjoy the boss more, but an unsatisfactory runback overshadows its design and intrigue.
2 Clover Dancers
Beautiful Yet Lengthy
Similar to my experience with Skarrsinger Karmelita, the battle against the Clover Dancers is concealed behind a series of demanding obstacles. Players must utilize the Needolin to navigate their way into the mind of the Green Prince, leading to extended walks before the actual fight can begin.
This journey is exacerbated by the genuine platforming elements and enemy encounters en route to the boss, creating one of the most grueling (and lengthy) runbacks in the game. While I have no qualms about revisiting Verdania frequently, the balancing act between an area’s enjoyment and the perceived challenge fails to deliver a satisfying experience overall.
1 Groal The Great
Pilgrim’s Ultimate Challenge
Despite my odd affection for Bilewater, the runback to Groal the Great stands out as the only experience in Hollow Knight: Silksong that genuinely frustrates me. While other runbacks may present confusing pathways or excessive length, this one epitomizes the challenge of discouragement.
Representing the longest runback, it’s fraught with environmental dangers, annoying enemies, and punishing platforming challenges. Worse yet, the nearest bench is notably hidden away, prolonging the inevitable frustration. Encountering relentless adversaries and dealing with a boss that feels insufferable by comparison leads to an experience that is both exhausting and unpleasurable.
Hence, I assert that the path to Groal truly deserves its singularly negative reputation in my book. From it onward, I may express skepticism towards other runbacks, but this particular journey feels as though it was designed purely to incite despair.
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