After you defeat the Bell Beast in Hollow Knight: Silksong, the world of Pharloom begins to branch out. At this point, Hornet has multiple routes forward, but progression eventually funnels into two major boss encounters: the Ant Guardian and Lace. Both serve as roadblocks to entirely new regions, and choosing which one to tackle first shapes your early-game journey.
This guide explains where to find each boss, what to expect in their fights, and what zones they unlock.
The Ant Guardian (Hunter Guardian)
The Ant Guardian, sometimes referred to as the Hunter Guardian, is a massive armored ant stationed in The Marrow.
How to Reach the Ant Guardian
- After freeing Grindle in the Marrow prison, return to this area.
- Rest on the bench inside the prison to set your spawn point.
- From here, head upward into the room to the left.
- Continue climbing until you find the entrance to the Ant Guardian’s arena.
Why Fight the Ant Guardian?
Defeating the Ant Guardian opens the path to Hunter’s March, a sprawling ant-filled region. This area expands combat variety with new enemies, fresh lore about the Ant Tribe, and more opportunities to test your newly acquired abilities.
Lace
Lace is one of Silksong’s most anticipated bosses — a sadistic fencer with deadly precision and a flair for cruelty. She’s known to taunt Hornet and promises one of the most intense early encounters.
How to Reach Lace
- Travel through the Deep Docks and locate Shakra’s new shop near the Pharloom Bellway station.
- From Shakra’s location, simply head to the right.
- Use the Swift Step skill to jump up to a lever on the second level.
- Pull the lever, continue past the barrier, and prepare for Lace’s arena.
Why Fight Lace?
Beating Lace unlocks access to the Far Fields, a more open and vertical region. With its fiery hazards and ant enemies, it challenges you to make full use of Swift Step and your ranged options like the Straight Pin Tool.
Ant Guardian vs Lace: Which First?
Both bosses are mandatory for progression, but the order you choose can affect your experience.
- Ant Guardian First
- Pros: Straightforward fight, leads to Hunter’s March, adds more lore about the ants.
- Cons: Keeps you in the Marrow for longer, delaying new zones.
- Lace First
- Pros: Unlocks the Far Fields quickly, gives you a major narrative rival early.
- Cons: Lace is tougher mechanically, demanding tight dodges and use of Swift Step.
Recommended Route
For most players, the Ant Guardian is the safer first choice. The fight is tough but manageable with early-game tools, and it prepares you for Lace’s speed and precision. However, veterans looking for a challenge may prefer to go straight for Lace to unlock the Far Fields earlier.
See also: Silksong Prisoner Choice Explained: Should You Free Grindle?
The Bell Beast marks the end of Silksong’s linear opening. From here, boss progression is about choice. Whether you take on the hulking Ant Guardian or the elegant but deadly Lace, each victory pushes Hornet deeper into Pharloom’s mysteries.
Both paths are worth experiencing — and eventually, you’ll need to conquer them both. The only real question is: which one do you face first? Play Now!
