Hollow Knight: Silksong continues to captivate players with its intricate world, and Part 7 of our comprehensive walkthrough zeroes in on the treacherous Hunter's March. This region is a gauntlet of new enemies and environmental hazards, but with the right strategy, you can emerge victorious. We've decoded the toughest encounters and hidden nooks to help you conquer this area with confidence.

Mastering Hunter's March: Key Enemies and Hazards

Hunter's March introduces a fresh roster of foes that demand new tactics. The Briar-Root Stalker, for instance, ambushes from below, so keeping your distance and using aerial attacks is crucial. Meanwhile, the Gilded Lancer charges in straight lines, making them easy to bait into walls for a counterattack.

Environmental dangers are just as lethal. Spiked brambles line several corridors, and collapsing platforms can drop you into pits. Patience is key: scout ahead, use your map, and avoid rushing into unexplored areas without a clear escape route.

Recommended Loadout for the March

  • Needle: Prioritize upgrades that increase attack speed over raw damage, as many enemies have small openings.
  • Silk Tools: The Straight Needle is versatile, but the Piercing Needle can hit multiple enemies in tight groups.
  • Charms: Equip Thorned Embrace for extra damage when you get hit, and Silken Shield to block projectiles.

Navigating the March: Optimal Path and Shortcuts

Start from the Hunter's Rest bench and head east. You'll soon encounter a fork: the upper path leads to a series of platforming challenges, while the lower path is more combat-heavy. For most players, the upper path is safer, but it requires precise jumps and timing.

Don't miss the hidden Grub located behind a breakable wall in the lower path's last room. Also, look for a Lore Tablet that hints at the region's history, which is essential for completionists.

If you're aiming for 100% completion, be sure to explore every dead end. Some contain Relics that sell for a high price, and others hide Lifeblood cocoons that boost your health temporarily.

Boss Battle: The Stag Knight

The region culminates in a duel with the Stag Knight, a fast, armored adversary. He uses a series of sweeping attacks and summons spectral stags that charge across the arena. The key is to stay mobile and punish his recovery frames.

When he glows, he's about to perform a devastating shockwave — jump over it or use your Silk Dash to avoid damage. After his combo, he'll stagger, giving you a few seconds to unleash your best attacks. With practice, this fight becomes a rhythm game of dodge and strike.

Secrets and Collectibles in Hunter's March

Beyond the main path, Hunter's March hides several secrets. One of the most valuable is a Mask Shard, which increases your maximum health. To find it, locate a hidden passage in the lower path's second room, marked by a subtle crack in the wall.

There's also a Charm Notch that requires solving a simple lantern puzzle in the upper path. Light all three lanterns in the correct order (indicated by a pattern on the floor) to reveal the chest.

Pro tip: Use the Spore Spitter Silk Tool to reveal hidden platforms that are otherwise invisible. This makes exploring the March significantly easier.

Key Takeaways

  • Hunter's March is a test of both combat and platforming skills.
  • Equip the right charms to mitigate damage and enhance your offense.
  • Explore every corner for valuable collectibles like Mask Shards and Charm Notches.
  • Master the Stag Knight's patterns to avoid unnecessary damage.

With this guide, you're well-equipped to conquer Hunter's March and continue your journey in Hollow Knight: Silksong. Stay tuned for Part 8, where we'll tackle the next major area.