Hollow Knight Silksong Ant Boss | Skull Ant Guide
The Skull Ant is one of the first tough gatekeepers you’ll face in Hollow Knight Silksong. Found in the far northeastern corner of the Marrow, this boss can be stumbled into early, often before you’re fully prepared. With his sweeping strikes and crushing leaps, he’s designed to punish slow reactions. This guide covers where to find him, how to dodge his attacks, and the best strategies to bring him down.
Where to Find the Skull Ant
The Skull Ant is located at the far northeast of the Marrow. A bench sits just below his chamber, so rest there to set a checkpoint before attempting the fight. If you discover him too early, you can always backtrack to this bench later.
Skull Ant Attack Patterns
Double Sweep
The Skull Ant swings his weapon in a two-hit combo. The range is wide, so back off when he winds up.
Leaping Smash
He jumps high before crashing down. The safest dodge is to run underneath him and reposition before he lands.
How to Beat the Skull Ant
Without Sprint Ability
If you fight him before gaining the sprint ability from Deep Docks, you’ll need to stay close and play carefully. Hug the boss so you can slip behind him when he leaps, then strike his back as he lands. Watch for the double sweep and jump away when he revs up for it. Repeating this hit-and-run tactic will slowly drain his health.
With Sprint Ability
If you unlock sprint first, you can use a different tactic. Lure the Skull Ant back into the narrow tunnel leading to his chamber. Here, he can’t use his leap effectively. Instead, he’ll rely on his sweeping combo. Move back and forth in the tunnel, bait his swings, and punish with quick attacks between combos. The tunnel gives you more control over the pace of the fight.
Extra Tips
Get in early hits while he’s waking up at the start of the fight.
If you’re brave, sneak in a few more as he emerges from the ground.
Always leave Silk for healing since his swings hit hard.
What Happens After the Fight
Defeating the Skull Ant opens the path east into Hunter’s March. This zone introduces red crystal pogo puzzles and tougher ant enemies. Be ready to adjust your crests for downward strikes if you want smoother platforming.
See the list of all bosses here.
Final Blurb
The Skull Ant is an early skill check in Hollow Knight Silksong, teaching you how to deal with combos and aerial smash attacks. Whether you fight him before or after gaining sprint, patience and positioning will secure the win. Defeat him, and you’ll unlock access to Hunter’s March, one of the most challenging zones in early Pharloom.
FAQ
Where is the Skull Ant located?
He is found in the far northeastern corner of the Marrow.
What attacks does the Skull Ant use?
He uses a two-hit sweeping combo and a leaping smash.
Can you fight him without sprint?
Yes. Stay close, dodge under his leaps, and punish his back whenever possible.
What reward does beating the Skull Ant unlock?
Defeating him grants access to Hunter’s March, the red crystal ant zone east of the Marrow.
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