How to master the Skull Ant Boss in Hollow Knight: Silksong

In Hollow Knight Silksong, one of the first challenges players encounter is the Hunter’s March Guardian aka the Skull Ant. It is a rather daunting encounter, designed to test players’ dash timing, positioning and tools. Players that are unprepared may find themselves having to frustratingly repeat the gauntlet of battling the Hunter’s March Guardian; considering that the outcome is centered around the fundamentals, precise evasion, and timing attacks essentially earns victory. 

Location and Context

Image via: Team Cherry, IGN

• The Hunter’s March Guardian, aka the Skull Ant, is found in The Marrow, in a room just above the prison section where Grindle is located. 
• As with many of the challenges the players face, the Hunter’s March Guardian is one of the early gatekeeper encounters and examines player movement, as well as combat fundamentals.

Primary Combat Strategy

Image via: Team Cherry, IGN

• The best strategy is to dash in, strike, and then dash away again. You have to use the Sprint mech. You’re allowed to use it for dashing in, hitting, and then running away before the boss can hit you back. 
• A more particular strategy is to jump and downward stab just as or right after the Guardian swings, allowing you to get your down stab and ensure you’ll never be hit or hurt. 

Recommended Tools

You can and should use Straight Pins in this fight. These can be thrown when the Guardian is going to do their roar, just as they’re ready to jump in to get a free 20 damage before the fight even begins.

Image via: Team Cherry, GameTyrant

Confirmed Defeat Strategy

• Prepare and use Sprint before the start of the encounter.
• Wait out the Guardian’s big roar, take that opportunity to throw some Straight Pins for some free damage.
• Then just dash in, attack, and immediately dash out to avoid any retaliation.
• You could alternatively jump, and stab downward either during, or just after, its swing animation.
• Just repeat until the Guardian dies, no phases, no randomness.

Final Thoughts 

The fight with the Skull Ant in Silksong requires timing, discipline, and patience. If you can establish a hit and dash rhythm that is complemented by the Sprint ability, and utilize your arsenal by throwing Straight Pins while it is roaring before the attack, you can easily disassemble the Guardian. The fight isn’t about wrestling combos, but about learning the timing and fundamental movement of the fight.

James Steward

James Steward is an experienced writer with a deep passion for the gaming and esports space. With years of experience in the industry, he has a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics, trends, and evolution of competitive gaming. His writing offers precise insights and reflects his expertise.

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