Widow Boss Guide (How to Beat)

Widow is one of the first major boss encounters in Hollow Knight: Silksong, found deep within the tunnels of Bellhart. This agile and aggressive foe utilizes an arsenal of bell-based attacks that grow faster and more frantic as the fight progresses. Defeating her requires quick reflexes, careful resource management, and understanding her attack telegraphs, especially during her relentless second phase.

Major Boss

Widow

Location: Bellhart Tunnels

Rewards: Needolin Skill, 'Fanatic' Achievement

Where to Find Widow

Widow is located at the bottom of Bellhart’s northern tunnels. To reach this area, you must first travel through northeast Shellwood, defeat Sister Splinter, and acquire the Cling Grip (wall cling) ability. With this ability, you can re-enter Bellhart and navigate the tunnels downward.

Quick Runback to Widow

The safest and most convenient runback route starts from the first bench in Shellwood. You must first create the shortcut.

1. Create the Shortcut From the bottom of the Bellhart tunnels where you fight Widow, find a destructible bell wall on the left. Breaking it reveals a path back into Shellwood.

2. Reach the Bench Follow the short platforming segment past a single stick bug enemy. This will lead you directly to the first bench in Shellwood. Rest here before every attempt.

3. The Runback From the bench, head right back into the Bellhart tunnels. Open the trap door and follow the path down to drop directly into Widow’s chamber for the fight.

Loadouts & Preparation

Widow’s speed makes loadout choice critical. Different strategies work well, so we recommend two primary builds based on your preferred playstyle.

1. Aggressive AoE Build (High Risk)

This build focuses on dealing massive area-of-effect (AoE) damage during specific openings, aiming to end the fight quickly.

• Ability: Threadstorm - Use this powerful AoE attack when Widow is stationary while pulling silk for her Bell Drop or Bell Roar attacks.
• Tool: Warding Bell - Creates a shield while you heal, countering any incoming hits with a shockwave. Essential for creating safe healing windows.
• Crest: Reaper Crest - The slow but powerful slashes are effective during the long openings Widow provides, and generating silk on heal fuels more Threadstorm casts.

2. Patient Ranged Build (High Safety)

This build avoids risky close-range encounters, focusing on dodging and punishing Widow from a distance with tools.

• Ability: Silkspear (or save Silk for healing).
• Tools: Straight Pin, Pimpillo, or Sting Shards. These long-range tools allow you to deal consistent damage while focusing primarily on evasion.
• Strategy: Save your tool uses for the frantic second phase. This lets you keep your distance and focus on dodging her faster attacks while still chipping away at her health.

How to Beat Widow

The fight against Widow is a battle of attrition. The key is to conserve your resources during the more predictable first phase to survive the high-speed assault of the second. Before any bells fall, golden silk threads will appear on screen, telegraphing their exact path. Learning to read these threads is essential for survival.

Parry the Bells!

A critical mechanic for this fight: Widow’s bells are not unstoppable. A well-timed slash with your needle will deflect an incoming bell, negating the damage. If you’re cornered and can’t dodge, attacking is your best defense.

Your main opportunity to attack is when Widow stops to pull on golden silk threads to summon her bells. During this animation, she is completely vulnerable for a few seconds. Rush in for a few hits, then immediately reposition to dodge the incoming bells.

In Phase 1, prioritize healing. Use your silk to stay at full health. Enter Phase 2 with a full silk spool and as many masks as possible, as you’ll have far fewer safe moments to recover. Once Phase 2 begins, Widow becomes much faster, chaining attacks together with quick dashes and leaving very small windows to counter-attack.

Attack Patterns & Counters

Phase 1 Attacks

Bell Drop

Ranged / Summon 1 Mask

Widow pulls on silk threads, telegraphing where one or two bells will fall. They can drop vertically or at a diagonal angle, and they will bounce once upon hitting the ground. Counter: This is your primary damage window. As she pulls the silk, rush in and attack her. As soon as the threads appear, dash to a safe spot. Be mindful of the bounce after the initial impact.

Dive & Slash Combo

Melee / Combo 1-2 Masks

A two-part attack. First, Widow leaps into the air and dives diagonally at Hornet with her blade. Immediately after landing, she scuttles across the floor, slashing wildly. The slash deals double damage if you’re caught. Counter: Dash under her dive in the opposite direction. As she lands, immediately jump and dash over her scuttling slash. You can attempt a pogo on her as you pass over, but the timing is tight.

Bell Wave

Area Denial 1 Mask

Widow scuttles across the floor, leaving a trail of four silk nets on the ground. After a short delay, large spiked bells erupt from the nets in the order they were placed. Counter: Stand in the spot where the second bell will appear. As soon as the first bell erupts, jump and pogo on the bells as they rise. If you jump too early, use the Drifter’s Cloak to slow your descent and adjust your timing.

Phase 2 Attacks

Phase 2 begins after a fake death animation. Widow gets back up, moves much faster, and adds new attacks while enhancing old ones.

Bell Roar

Ranged / AoE 1 Mask

Widow roars, causing 3-4 bells (or sometimes a dense “curtain” of bells) to fall from the ceiling simultaneously, covering a large portion of the arena. Counter: The silk threads still appear, but you have much less time to react. Find the largest gap between the threads and dash to it. This is a good opportunity to use Threadstorm if you have a safe opening.

Charge Slash

Melee / Dash 1 Mask

Widow flashes her claws and performs a lightning-fast dash across the screen. She often uses this immediately after a Bell Roar or Bell Drop, leaving you very little room to maneuver. Counter: This attack requires a quick reaction. As soon as you see the flash, jump and dash over her or try to parry with a well-timed slash.

Widow Rewards

Upon defeating Widow, you will be rewarded with a new skill, an achievement, and quest progression.

• Skill: Needolin - After absorbing Widow’s power, Hornet learns this skill. The Needolin allows you to open circle-shaped locked doors and encourage NPCs to share their inner thoughts.
• Achievement: You will earn the Fanatic achievement.
• Quest Completion: You will complete the Threadspun Town quest, which revitalizes Bellhart.