Mastering Bilewater in Hollow Knight: Silksong

Conquer the Corrosive Depths: A Guide to Dominating Bilewater!

Navigating the Treacherous Terrain of Bilewater

For those venturing through the perilous world of Hollow Knight: Silksong, the Bilewater zone is infamous for its relentless hazards. This area is teeming with explosive adversaries, projectile dangers, and bounce orbs, all of which detonate upon impact. Adding to the misery are the pools of worms that strip away your healing capabilities, making survival a constant struggle. Furthermore, the path to the boss, Groal the Great, is known for its extended and frustrating sequences following any defeat.

Unlocking a Hidden Respite: The Secret Bench Location

Amidst Bilewater's oppressive environment, a more accessible resting spot exists than commonly known. Located at the base of a shaft, beside a pool of creatures, this hidden bench can be reached by breaking through a wall to your right instead of proceeding to the left. While this alternative bench offers some relief, the journey back to Groal remains a formidable challenge.

The Unconventional Path to Victory: Befriending the Worms

Despite the slightly improved rest point, the journey to Groal remains a test of endurance, involving multiple waves of combat before facing the boss itself. However, an unexpected and highly effective tactic has emerged: embracing the very creatures that hinder you. By intentionally immersing yourself in the pools of worms, you can exploit a peculiar vulnerability in Groal's attack patterns.

Essential Preparations: Gear and Tactics for Survival

To successfully employ this unusual strategy, certain preparations are advised. It's crucial to enter the encounter with a maximum health reserve. Recommended armaments include the Architect's Crest, or alternatively, reliable ranged tools like Curveclaw and Threefold Pin, complemented by the Silk Spear. For trinkets, the Pollip Pouch, which imbues your attacks with venom, is highly beneficial and can be acquired through the Rite of the Pollip quest. Prepare for multiple attempts, as even with this method, success is not guaranteed on the first try.

The Battle Plan: Strategic Immersion and Evasion

During the preliminary arena gauntlet, maintain a cautious approach, focusing on minimizing damage rather than expending your special abilities. The primary goal is to reach Groal with as much health as possible. Once the boss fight begins, deliberately submerge yourself in the bottom-left or bottom-right corners of the arena. This strategic positioning renders a significant portion of Groal's attacks ineffective, as they simply pass over your diminutive character. Your main concerns will be his direct lunges and firebomb attacks. If firebombs hit the water, they dissipate harmlessly, but if they detonate close to the surface, a slight repositioning may be necessary. Proof of this method's efficacy can be observed in video demonstrations where even post-mistake recoveries lead to victory.

Considering a Different Approach: The Wreath of Purity

For those who prefer a more conventional, or 'sensible,' approach, an alternative exists: exploring the Purified Ducts via The Memorium before returning to Bilewater. Within the Ducts, you can acquire the Wreath of Purity, a charm that offers temporary protection against the detrimental effects of the maggots. While this wreath provides a valuable buffer, it has limited durability against excessive contact with the creatures. Nevertheless, combining the wreath with the unconventional 'maggot' strategy could provide the additional health advantage needed to finally overcome Groal. Regardless of the chosen path, persistence and adaptability are key to conquering this formidable challenge.