Hollow Knight Silksong Garmond and Zaza Fight Guide
Garmond and Zaza are one of the more unique encounters in Hollow Knight Silksong, appearing both as allies and as a boss-like duel. Many players miss the setup or trigger the wrong event order, locking themselves out of their fight. To keep things clear, this guide breaks down exactly how to find Garmond and Zaza, how to duel them, and why the battle matters for Act 2 progression.
How to Find Garmond and Zaza
You first meet the duo earlier in Greymoor, but the true duel happens during Act 2 inside the Whispering Vaults. To reach them, you’ll need the Clawline ability.
Start from the northern Whispering Vaults bench and move left. Drop down, then take the first right exit. Keep climbing upward until you find a Clawline ring in the ceiling. Use it, and continue left through traps and spike rooms. Activate the fan mechanism to create an air current, then ride it upward. From here, head left across platforms until you reach the spot where Garmond and Zaza appear fighting off enemies.
The Fight With Garmond and Zaza (Duel)
After helping them defeat a small wave of enemies, you can speak with Garmond to initiate the duel. It is framed as a test of worth, not a hostile boss kill.
Their moveset is simple compared to other Act 2 challenges:
Garmond swings his lance in wide arcs with heavy knockback.
He can ground slam, leaving himself briefly stunned.
Zaza charges forward, pushing you toward spike edges.
The best strategy is to punish the ground slam window, use Silk Skills for burst damage, and avoid lingering near his lance spin. With Clawline and tools, you can push them into spike traps for bonus damage.
Rewards and Importance
There is no direct loot reward for this duel, but completing it is critical. Defeating Garmond and Zaza in the friendly fight unlocks them as allies. Later, they can assist you during the Conductor’s Melody gauntlet in High Halls, one of the hardest arenas in Act 2. Without their help, the waves of enemies are much tougher.
If you miss the duel or upgrade your Citadel base too far before meeting them, you can lock yourself out of the fight. This doesn’t prevent Act 2 completion, but it changes who shows up as your ally in the gauntlet.
Final Blurb
The Garmond and Zaza fight in Hollow Knight Silksong isn’t the hardest battle, but it is one of the most important for Act 2 allies. Track them down in Whispering Vaults, prove your strength in the duel, and you’ll earn their support later when it matters most.
FAQ
Where do you fight Garmond and Zaza in Silksong?
The duel takes place in the Whispering Vaults, accessible with the Clawline ability.
Do they drop any rewards after the fight?
No items drop, but the reward is unlocking them as allies for the Conductor’s Melody battle.
Can you miss the Garmond and Zaza fight?
Yes. If you advance the Citadel base upgrades too far, they may move and you lose the duel opportunity.
Are they required for Act 2 completion?
No, but they make the Conductor’s Melody gauntlet easier. Without them, you face tougher waves alone.

