Complete Guide to Defeating Widow in Hollow Knight: Silksong

This fight demands mastery of positioning, attack opportunity management, and instinct to read the aggressive bell rain patterns. Here is a complete guide (location, route to the boss room, phase-by-phase strategy, and rewards) that I have reorganized from the original source.

Where to Find Widow

Widow is located in the Bellhart area, precisely in a room above the Bellway path on the map. Access to this room is only available after you obtain the Cling Grip ability.

Quick route to the boss room (summary):

1. From Shellwood: climb a series of stairs/slopes on the left side of the locked bench.
2. Move right, then continue by jumping across platforms to reach the secret bell path (on the right).
3. Descend through the tunnel, avoiding spikes and enemies.
4. When you find an open path on the left, go down, turn right, then find a gap in the floor leading to Widow’s room.

Fight Overview

The Widow fight focuses on two main things:

• Reading the bell rain (AoE) patterns that come from above using silk threads as indicators.
• Dodging Widow’s diagonal dash as she slides towards your position.

The key to victory is: don’t be greedy with attacks — look for safe windows to strike, then retreat and reposition.

Patterns & Strategy — Phase 1

• Diagonal dash attack: Widow often jumps then performs a diagonal dash towards you. Usually, she does one dash directly to Hornet’s position — avoid it by moving sideways or using Cling Grip.
• Pogo opportunity: If you use the Wanderer or Reaper charm, you can pogo on the follow-up dash to deal extra damage. For players without those charms, don’t risk pogoing as Hornet’s standard moveset is less safe.
• Bell rain (AoE): When Widow pulls silk from the air, it signals bells will soon fall. The appearing silk threads show where bells will come from — but bells can bounce so stay cautious.
• Diagonal bells are harder to dodge than vertical ones.
• Towards the end of phase one, she can summon a rain of 3–7 bells at once.
• Positioning trick: When Widow runs from one side of the room to the other, run in the opposite direction and use Cling Grip to avoid bells exploding from the floor. The Drifter Cloak (to slow descent) also helps avoid attacks from above.

Patterns & Strategy — Phase 2

• The second phase increases aggression: ranged attack patterns (bells) remain, but close-range attacks happen continuously alongside the bell rain.
• Don’t jump recklessly. Jumping in this phase often leads you into dash or bell paths.
• Stay at mid-range: leave room to dodge but stay close enough to pounce when there’s an opening. Use the small window after the silk-pulling animation to enter and strike a few times.

Recommended Equipment & Charms

• Offense: Sting Shard is recommended as the main attack.
• Backup: Straight Pins or Tacks can be used if needed.
• Charms: Wanderer or Reaper to open pogo opportunities (if you are comfortable executing it).
• Mobility/defense: Cling Grip is mandatory for area access and useful during the fight; Drifter Cloak helps control descent.

Rewards & After the Fight

• Defeating Widow grants you the Needolin ability.
• After the fight, return to Bellhart to pick up the Silksong Needle upgrade.
• If you need a shortcut for this area, there is also a Silksong Simple Key location you can use.

Quick Tips (Checklist)

• Read the silk threads in the room’s sky to predict incoming bells.
• Avoid excessive jumping in phase 2.
• Use Cling Grip to avoid bells exploding from the floor.
• Take advantage of the silk-pulling animation window to attack — it is usually safe.
• If you want to pogo, make sure you have the right charm and are comfortable with the timing.

Closing

The Widow fight demands patience and precise positioning: retreat more often and choose safe attacks rather than greedily striking. Learn the signs before the bell rain and attack capsules, adjust your charms and playstyle, and you will unlock Needolin and save Bellhart’s inhabitants. Happy practicing — Hornet can definitely conquer her!