A Judge’s Verdict: A Guide to Conquering the Last Judge in ‘Hollow Knight: Silksong’

The journey through the intricate world of Pharloom in Hollow Knight: Silksong is a challenging one, filled with new allies, formidable foes, and secrets to uncover. However, few encounters will test your skills and patience quite like the battle against the Last Judge. Serving as the climactic boss of the game’s first act, this powerful adversary guards the gates to the Citadel, and her relentless, fiery attacks can easily overwhelm even the most seasoned players. This guide will provide a comprehensive breakdown of the Last Judge’s attack patterns and the strategies you need to master to emerge victorious.

The Last Judge is located in the Blasted Steps, and the run back from the nearest bench can be a frustrating gauntlet of platforming and enemies. As such, preparation is key. Before you face her, it’s highly recommended to equip the right tools and crests to give Hornet every possible advantage. The Magma Bell badge is an excellent choice as it reduces fire damage, which is a major factor in the second phase of the fight. For offensive tools, the Silkspear is a great option for dealing chip damage from a safe distance, while the Flea Brew can provide a crucial speed boost for both evasion and offense. Ensure your Needle is fully upgraded with Pale Oil and you have a solid understanding of your chosen Crest’s unique moveset.

Phase One: Learning the Rhythms of the Bell

The Last Judge’s first phase is a critical learning opportunity. Her moves are simpler here, and understanding their tells is the key to victory in the more chaotic second phase. She primarily utilizes her chained bell in a series of punishing attacks. Your main goal here is to be patient and only attack when you have a clear opening.

• Bell Spin: The Last Judge will rapidly spin her bell around her. Do not try to get close. This is a defensive move on her part. Use this time to get some distance and prepare for her next attack.
• Bell Throw: She will wind up and throw the bell straight ahead before pulling it back. Dash under or jump over the bell as it goes out, but be ready for it to return. The best window for a counter-attack is after it has returned to her.
• Bell Slam: The Last Judge leaps into the air and slams her bell down on your position. This is your best chance to deal damage. Dash beneath her as she jumps and you can get in a few quick hits from behind or a downward pogo-slash as she lands.

Phase Two: The Fire Rises

The second phase of the fight begins when the Last Judge’s bell becomes imbued with fire, making her attacks faster and more dangerous. Her moves from the first phase are enhanced with fire-based hazards, and she gains a new, fast-paced attack. This is where your ability to stay calm and mobile will be truly tested.

• Fire Bell Spin: Similar to the first phase, but now the spinning bell sends out concentric rings of fire. You must carefully position yourself in the gaps between the rings to avoid damage. This is a “stay calm and find the safe spot” moment.
• Fire Bell Throw: The throw is the same, but the bell will now leave a burning trail on the ground where it lands. You must not only avoid the bell’s trajectory but also give the landing zone a wide berth to avoid the subsequent fiery explosion.
• Fire Bell Slam: The slam now sends out two waves of fire along the ground. You must jump and/or drift over these waves to avoid them. You can still get in a quick pogo-slash on her head as she lands, but be cautious of the ground flames.
• Fire Charge: This is a new, fast attack. The Judge will charge across the arena, leaving a trail of fire in her wake. The best way to deal with this is to jump and pogo off her head as she passes beneath you. This not only avoids the attack but also deals some much-needed damage.

Final Tips for a Victorious Verdict

Beyond memorizing her attacks, several key strategies will increase your chances of success against the Last Judge. The most crucial is to avoid getting greedy with your hits. Her attacks have very short recovery times, and attempting too many slashes will often leave you open to a punishing counter. A single well-timed hit followed by an immediate retreat is often the safest and most effective strategy.

Additionally, prioritize staying in the center of the arena. The Last Judge’s powerful attacks can easily corner you, leaving no room to dodge. Keep moving and use Hornet’s mobility, including the new sprint and dash abilities, to stay out of the corners. Your Silk is a precious resource. While it’s tempting to use tools, the most important use for Silk is for healing. Use your Bind to heal in the few moments of peace you get, such as after she throws her bell or when you are in a safe spot during her spin attack. The fight is a marathon, not a sprint. With practice and patience, you will learn her rhythms and eventually pass her final test.

If you’re still struggling, remember that an optional boss, The Phantom, can be fought in the Exhaust Organ area of Bilewater, and defeating her will allow you to access an elevator that completely skips the Last Judge fight. While this may be a tempting route, mastering the Last Judge will undoubtedly make you a better player, preparing you for the even more difficult challenges that await in the latter half of Pharloom. Now go forth, and show the Last Judge what a true warrior of silk and song can do. Good luck!