Moss Knight Boss Guide

The Moss Knight is one of the first major bosses you'll encounter in Hollow Knight: Silksong. This ancient guardian of the Moss Grotto serves as an excellent introduction to Silksong's combat mechanics.

Boss Overview

Basic Information

• Location: Moss Grotto
• Difficulty: Easy
• Health: 3 hits
• Recommended Level: Early game
• Rewards: Moss Charm + 500 Geo

Lore

The Moss Knight was once a proud defender of Pharloom, but years of isolation in the Moss Grotto have left him twisted by the kingdom's corruption. Despite his aggressive nature, traces of his former nobility remain in his fighting style.

Attack Patterns

Phase 1: Defensive Stance

The Moss Knight begins in a defensive position:

Moss Shield

• Creates a protective barrier that blocks attacks
• Duration: 3 seconds
• Counter: Wait for shield to drop or use Silk Dash to attack from behind

Moss Spikes

• Launches sharp moss projectiles in a spread pattern
• Range: Medium
• Counter: Jump over or Silk Dash through gaps

Phase 2: Aggressive Assault

At 2/3 health, the Moss Knight becomes more aggressive:

Moss Slam

• Leaps high and slams down with devastating force
• Area of effect: Large circle around impact
• Counter: Move away from the impact zone

Moss Whirlwind

• Spins rapidly while moving across the arena
• Duration: 4 seconds
• Counter: Silk Dash away or use Silk Climb to avoid

Phase 3: Desperate Fury

In his final phase, the Moss Knight uses all abilities:

Moss Storm

• Massive area-of-effect attack covering most of the arena
• Duration: 6 seconds
• Counter: Use Silk Dash to reach safe zones

Strategy Guide

Recommended Loadout

• Needle: Basic Needle (sufficient for this fight)
• Charms: Silk Master, Quick Slash, Moss Charm (if available)
• Items: Healing Salve, Silk Bombs

Combat Tips

1. Patience is Key

   • Don't rush attacks during Moss Shield phase
   • Wait for openings after each attack pattern

2. Use Silk Abilities

   • Silk Dash is essential for avoiding attacks
   • Silk Climb can help reach higher ground

3. Target Weak Points

   • Attack when the Moss Shield is down
   • Focus on the knight's exposed areas

4. Manage Resources

   • Conserve silk for defensive maneuvers
   • Use healing items between phases

Step-by-Step Strategy

Phase 1 Approach:

1. Wait for Moss Shield to drop
2. Attack 1-2 times quickly
3. Retreat before next shield activation
4. Repeat until Phase 2

Phase 2 Approach:

1. Stay mobile to avoid Moss Slam
2. Use Silk Dash to escape Moss Whirlwind
3. Attack during cooldown periods
4. Continue until Phase 3

Phase 3 Approach:

1. Focus on survival during Moss Storm
2. Use Silk Dash to reach safe zones
3. Attack during brief calm periods
4. Finish with decisive strikes

Rewards and Progression

Immediate Rewards

• Moss Charm: Increases silk regeneration rate
• 500 Geo: Currency for upgrades
• Access: Unlocks deeper areas of Moss Grotto

Unlocked Content

• Path to Silk Sanctum
• Additional Moss Grotto areas
• New NPC interactions

Common Mistakes

1. Rushing Attacks: Trying to attack through Moss Shield
2. Poor Positioning: Getting caught in Moss Storm
3. Resource Mismanagement: Using all silk early in the fight
4. Ignoring Patterns: Not learning attack tells

Advanced Tips

• The Moss Knight's attacks create temporary platforms
• Use these platforms for aerial attacks
• The fight becomes easier with upgraded silk abilities
• Consider returning later with better equipment

Master the Moss Knight to prove your worth and unlock the deeper mysteries of Pharloom!