The Last Judge is one of the toughest challenges you’ll face in Hollow Knight: Silksong. Acting as the gatekeeper to the Citadel, this boss tests everything you’ve learned up to this point. With brutal flail attacks, fiery second-phase upgrades, and a long runback through the Blasted Steps, it’s a fight that demands patience, precision, and smart resource management.
This guide will walk you through how to reach the Last Judge, break down its attack patterns, and share winning strategies to secure victory.
Where to Find the Last Judge
The Last Judge awaits at the top-right of the Blasted Steps, guarding the Citadel’s entrance. To get there, start from the Bellway Station in the zone’s center and climb upward while dodging leech pits and drill-faced flyers. You’ll need to use sprinting, wall jumps, bell hops, and floating to cross the windy wastes.
Shortcut Tip: Look for a breakable wall on the left side of the wide room leading to the Citadel gate. Breaking it opens a shortcut that bypasses several enemies, making the runback after each defeat much easier.
Recommended Loadout
Going into this fight prepared can make a huge difference:
- Abilities: Threadstorm (great for punishing close-range movement).
- Tools:
- Fractured Mask (extra life).
- Magma Bell (reduces fire damage in phase two).
- Magnetite Dice (occasional damage nullification).
- Longpin (extra damage against armored foes).
- Crest: Reaper Crest for wide-arc slashes that help land consistent hits.
If available, also unlock the Wanderer Crest from Greymoor, as it grants fast combos and downward pogo strikes ideal for this fight.
See also: Silksong: How to Reach Act 2 and Defeat The Last Judge
Attack Patterns and Counters
The Last Judge has three phases. Phase one is manageable, but phase two adds fiery enhancements, and phase three intensifies the same attacks.
Phase One (Standard Attacks)
- Throw Flail – Swings a flail forward, then retracts it.
Counter: Dodge toward the boss to sneak in hits, then jump over the retract. - Downward Slam – Leaps above Hornet and crashes down.
Counter: Move sideways to avoid impact; attack when it recovers. - Flail Spin – Spins the weapon in a circle around its body.
Counter: Dash away; there’s no safe chance to attack here.
Phase Two (Ignited Attacks)
Triggered when the boss roars and ignites its flail.
- Exploding Flail – Works like Throw Flail but explodes on landing.
Counter: Stay far until it detonates; wall jump if trapped. - Exploding Slam – Slam now spawns a wave of fire across the floor.
Counter: Jump and float until flames fade, then punish. - Flaming Flail Spin – Spinning attack now sends out fire rings.
Counter: Watch smoke markers, then stand in safe gaps. Later, it chains up to four spins in a row. - Charge with Fire Pillars – Dashes across the arena, leaving fiery pillars.
Counter: Jump over and hover between gaps to avoid fire.
Phase Three (Intensified)
No new moves, but attacks become faster and longer-lasting. For example, Flaming Flail Spin spawns four fire rings in sequence, forcing precise repositioning.
Healing Opportunities
Finding time to heal is rare, but you can squeeze it in:
- During Flail Spin: The boss stays still for a couple of seconds.
- During Charge: Jump over and bind in mid-air if no pillars spawn nearby.
Always prioritize survival over greed—getting locked in a corner can be fatal.
Silksong Last Judge Battle Tips
- Stay Mid-Arena: Avoid getting trapped at the edges, especially during spins.
- Conserve Silk: Phase one is easier, so save resources for phase two’s fiery chaos.
- Be Patient: The fight rewards measured play. Don’t overextend after dodging.
- Watch the Explosion: After the final hit, the Last Judge explodes in a massive AoE. Back away immediately to avoid dying just as you win.
What Happens After the Fight?
Defeating the Last Judge opens the way into the Citadel of Song, officially marking the start of Act 2. Inside, you’ll explore new zones, unlock more benches, and gain access to the Grand Bellway, which lets you revisit earlier areas without backtracking through Act 1.
See also: Hollow Knight Silksong Cogwork Dancers Boss Guide – Location, Phases & Strategy
The Last Judge isn’t just another boss—it’s a rite of passage. Its layered attack patterns, fiery phase transitions, and punishing runback make it one of Silksong’s defining encounters. By learning its cues, staying disciplined, and making the most of healing windows, you’ll overcome this guardian and earn your place in the Citadel. Play Now!
