Stuck on the relentless Cogwork Dancers in Hollow Knight: Silksong? This mandatory boss fight within The Citadel is a brutal test of rhythm and reaction. Many players find this duo to be a significant roadblock, but with the right preparation and strategy, you can dismantle their mechanical ballet.
This comprehensive guide will provide everything you need to know to emerge victorious, from the essential trinkets and tools to a complete breakdown of each attack phase.
Essential Preparation: Gearing Up for Success
Before you even attempt the fight, proper loadout customization is crucial. Your journey should include a visit to
Jubilana, a merchant unlocked by progressing the
Wandering Merchant side quest and building up
Songclave.
Two trinkets are non-negotiable for this encounter:
- Ascendant's Grip: This is the single most important item for this fight. It allows Hornet to cling to walls indefinitely without sliding. The boss arena is designed for verticality, making this trinket a game-changer for evasion.
- Spool Extender: The Cogwork Dancers are aggressive, leaving little room to heal. This trinket grants a larger Silk spool, giving you more opportunities for crucial healing during brief openings.
For your tools, the
Threefold Pins are highly recommended. Their wide spread can hit both dancers simultaneously. Pair them with the
Pollip Pouch trinket to inflict poison, dealing valuable passive damage over time.
Navigating to the Boss Arena
The path to the Cogwork Dancers, west of Songclave, is guarded by three
Grand Reeds—leaping enemies that can deplete your health before the fight even begins. The optimal strategy is to
avoid engagement entirely. Time your runs to pass underneath them as they jump. Conserving your health and resources for the main event is far wiser than a risky confrontation.
Phase 1 & 2 Strategy: Reading the Rhythm
The key to the entire fight is observation. The Cogwork Dancers telegraphtheir attacks with faint, shimmering outlines before they move. Yourgoal is to decipher these tells and reposition accordingly.
- Primary Attack: The most dangerous move is a web of wire-like lines that crisscross the entire arena floor. This is where Ascendant's Grip proves invaluable.
- The Cheesing Strategy: Immediately cling to the mid-to-upper section of either the left orright wall. This safe spot will usually avoid the wires entirely. If anattack does threaten your perch, a slight release lets you slide down to a safer zone before gripping again.
- Offensive Tactic: From your wall position, wait for a dancer to leap into your area.Punish them with aerial attacks or well-aimed Threefold Pins beforereturning to your safe haven. Patience is paramount; this method is safe but requires a longer, more disciplined fight.
Phase 3 & 4 Strategy: Adapting to the Chaos
After depleting their health, the battle dynamics shift dramatically.
- Phase 3: The duo begins to move in unison, with one often concealing the other.Their attacks become less simultaneous but more unpredictable. While the wall-cling strategy remains effective, you must be even more vigilantin tracking their new movement patterns and attack telegraphs.
- Phase 4 (Final Stand): Once you defeat one dancer, the survivor enters a enraged state. Itmoves faster and its attacks become more erratic. However, it is alsoseverely weakened. Stay calm, focus on evasion, and seize anyopportunity to land a few final blows. The fight ends quickly if youkeep a cool head.
Final Tips for Victory
- Patience is a Virtue: This is a battle of attrition. Greedy attacks will get you punished.
- Master the Walls: Ascendant's Grip turns Hornet into a true spider, letting you control the high ground and dictate the pace of the fight.
- Manage Your Silk: Use your extended spool wisely. Heal only when you are completely safe on the walls.
With the right tools and this strategic approach, you will overcome themechanical might of the Cogwork Dancers and continue your journeythrough Pharloom.
Platform(s): Microsoft Windows PC, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4 PS4, PlayStation 5 PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Developer(s): Team Cherry
Publisher(s): Team Cherry
Release date: 4 September 2025
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