Lace Boss Guide & Strategy

Lace is a formidable, recurring boss in Hollow Knight: Silksong. A lithe fencer wielding a gilded pin, she serves as a major rival to Hornet, testing the player’s mastery of speed, parrying, and acrobatic combat.

Rival Boss

Lace

Location: Deep Docks (First Encounter)

Rewards: TBA

Where to Find Lace

Lace’s first confirmed encounter takes place in the Deep Docks, on a metal platform over a pool of lava. She is a recurring antagonist and is expected to be encountered multiple times in different locations throughout Pharloom.

Lace Drops & Rewards

(This section will be updated with confirmed drops upon the game’s release.)

• Rewards: TBA
• Drops: TBA

How to Beat Lace

This section provides a detailed breakdown of each of Lace’s attacks and the best strategy to counter them.

Fight Strategy

The battle with Lace is a fast-paced duel that rewards patience and precise timing. The key is to learn her telegraphs, strike only during her recovery poses (“flourishes”), and be prepared to defend. Do not get greedy; use the moments between her attacks to get a single hit in and then dodge away. Capitalizing on her staggered moments is crucial for victory. For safer damage, ranged Tools like the Straight Pin can be effective.

Veteran's Note: The Rival's Dance

The Lace fight is Silksong’s version of the Hornet encounters from the original game. It’s a “skill check.” This is not a boss you can brute-force with damage; it’s a duel you win by learning the rhythm of your opponent. Her “Flourish” poses after attacks are not just for style—they are your explicit invitation to strike. Respect the dance, and you will win.

Attacks & Counters

Lace has a complex moveset designed to test your reflexes and understanding of Hornet’s agility.

Lunge (Forward Slash)

Melee / Dash 1 Mask

Lace points her pin horizontally and dashes across the platform. This is her primary gap-closer.

Counter: Jump over the lunge or use a well-timed dash through her. Attack during her recovery pose.

Balestra (Aerial Slash)

Aerial / Dive 1 Mask

Leaps into the air, slashes, pauses, then kicks diagonally down towards Hornet.

Counter: Wait for the pause at the peak of her jump, then dash underneath her to punish the landing.

Double Cut

Melee / Combo 1 Mask per hit

Performs two large, arcing slashes while moving forward. An indicator is when she tips her weapon to the ground.

Counter: This punishes close-range aggression. As soon as you see the indicator, dash backwards out of range.

Parry & Riposte

Defensive / Counter 2 Masks

Crouches in a defensive stance. If hit, she retaliates with a devastating multi-slash flurry.

Counter: Do not attack when she crouches. This is a bait. Use this moment to heal or reposition. The riposte deals two masks of damage.

Whirlwind

Special / Area Denial 2 Masks

Used at low health. Charges and creates a white circle, then unleashes a flurry of 4 slashes inside it before slamming down.

Counter: Your only priority is to move outside the highlighted circle. Wait for the attack to finish, then dash in for a punish.

Lace Lore

• Lace is a mysterious fencer wielding a “Gilded Pin,” the traditional weapon of Pharloom.
• Her connection to the glowing butterflies that freed Hornet at the start of the game is a central part of the story’s mystery.
• Her voice actor is Mitsuki Hashimoto.