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The boss you face at the east end of The Marrow, known as Skarrgard, is a formidable challenge in Hollow Knight Silksong. This large red ant with a skull on its head is tough because of its wide-sweeping melee strikes and quick movements. It also fights in a fairly confined space, making the fight more difficult. To succeed, it’s best to be familiar with Hornet’s basic movements and unlock some extra skills in a different part of the game. Having these skills ready will help you beat Skarrgard faster. Below, I’ve shared some helpful tips for defeating this boss so you can move ahead into the Hunter’s March.
How to beat the Silksong skull ant boss fight
The red ant boss with a skull on its head is a serious step up from the previous bosses and is quite brutal. I recommend getting really comfortable with your pogo jumps and unlocking the Swift Step ability in the Deep Docks before facing Skarrgard. While you can try fighting it right after discovering it, you’ll have a much harder time if you’re not prepared.
Here are some tips to help you win against Skarrgard:
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His double-swing attack hits hard but can be dodged in a couple of ways. Timing a block or parry is tough, so I suggest using Swift Step to quickly dodge out of the way.
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Pogo-jumps are useful for dealing damage, but be careful when Skarrgard jumps. If you stay above him too long, he might leap into the air and nearly land on you, causing lots of damage and messing up your positioning. Don’t push your luck with this attack.
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When Skarrgard comes out of the ground, try to hit him quickly. He often burrows and fixes himself underneath you, but the attack is telegraphed well in advance, giving you a chance to back off. Make the most of this pause to land a hit or two, then dodge out of range with Swift Step.
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Use the narrow tunnel at the start of the fight to your advantage. If you run back into it, Skarrgard will usually follow by burrowing underground. The low ceiling in that space prevents him from jumping, leaving only his double-swing move—which is easier to avoid.
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If you’re having a tough time, don’t hesitate to walk away. This fight isn’t rigged to end in a loss if you run instead of fight. The tunnel isn’t sealed, so you can leave and come back later. The fight resets, letting you try again without losing your progress or rosaries.
Patience is key here—as it is with nearly all battles in Silksong. Wait for the right moment to strike, then focus on evading with quick steps. Getting in a hit or two between safe moments makes a big difference.
What you gain from beating Skarrgard
Defeating Skarrgard doesn’t give you specific items, but it does open one important route into the Hunter’s March region of Pharloom. Alternatively, there’s a safer path through the Deep Docks if you explore more before fighting. Keep in mind, Hunter’s March is a tough area early on, especially the part guarded by Skarrgard. Mastering pogo-jumping is crucial to getting through safely and reaching the resting spot. After that, there’s another challenging boss to face, but successfully defeating it will earn you a Crest.
If you haven’t explored the Far Fields yet, look for Hollow Knight Silksong Hokers for their Spine Cores. And if your journey through The Marrow isn’t complete, seek out Mossberries for the Druid to help with your progress.
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