Prepare yourself, fellow tech explorer, for one of Hollow Knight: Silksong’s most formidable challenges: the notorious Forum fight. After meticulously exploring the High Halls in pursuit of the Conductor’s Melody, you’ll inevitably stumble into a spacious chamber, unwittingly initiating an relentless enemy gauntlet. What might initially seem like just another citadel skirmish quickly escalates into an endurance test, as wave after wave of formidable foes descends upon you. This intense High Halls gauntlet unfolds as follows:
- Wave 1: 1x Reed, 1x Chorister, 1x Envoy
- Wave 2: 2x Chorister
- Wave 3: 1x Reed, 1x Choir Bellbearer, 1x Clawmaiden
- Wave 4: 2x Minister, 1x Clawmaiden
- Wave 5: 2x Maestro
- Wave 6: 1x Choir Clapper (a significant mini-boss encounter)
And the challenge doesn’t conclude there. Just when you think you’ve seen the worst, more enemies emerge:
- Wave 7: 2x Reed, 1x Choir Bellbearer
- Wave 8: 2x Choir Bellbearer, 1x Chorister, 1x Clawmaiden
- Wave 9: 2x Minister, 1x Choir Bellbearer
- Wave 10: 1x Maestro, 1x Reed
- Wave 11: 2x Choir Clapper
Indeed, this gauntlet lives up to its notorious reputation. It stands as arguably the most demanding gauntlet in the game, a true test of endurance leading to a harrowing final wave where you must confront two mini-bosses simultaneously within a confined arena. While the initial Choir Clapper boasts predictable attack patterns, the sheer lack of space combined with enemies unleashing massive Area-of-Effect attacks can be overwhelming. Fortunately, you don’t have to face this trial alone. Strategic assistance from an NPC can significantly turn the tide.
Recruiting NPC Allies for the Forum Battle
To navigate this grueling battle successfully, recruiting allies to fight by your side is highly recommended. The most consistently confirmed partners are Garmond and Zaza. Additionally, it appears you can bring Shakra under specific conditions, likely after completing her dedicated questline. Potential allies often include those you encounter battling enemies in various locations around the Choral Chambers, suggesting that the Second Sentinel might also be a possible partner.
To enlist the aid of Garmond and Zaza, you’ll need to meticulously follow a series of steps:
- Locate Garmond and Zaza within Greymoor, specifically in an upper-right chamber of the building that houses the Chapel of the Reaper at its peak.
- Encounter them in two separate random locations throughout the Choral Chambers, actively engaged in combat with enemies. These encounters typically occur in areas with regular enemy patrols, such as the bottom level or in the top-left section near the entrance to the High Halls.
- Challenge Garmond and Zaza to a duel in the outdoor area situated to the right of the First Shrine. This location can be accessed via a hidden passage found on the right side of the Whispering Vaults.
Upon successfully completing these prerequisites, Garmond and Zaza will be waiting outside the Forum upon your return. You can then engage with them to request their assistance. A crucial tip for players: it doesn’t matter if you’ve already initiated the Forum fight—you can always withdraw, fulfill these steps, and return for much-needed support. Don’t be alarmed if they don’t immediately join; Garmond typically enters the fray from the second wave onwards, offering crucial reinforcement.
Recommended Strategies and Essential Tool Builds
While having an ally undoubtedly makes this challenge more manageable, the final phase remains exceptionally demanding. The optimal strategy involves conserving your most potent tools and abilities to swiftly eliminate one of the Choir Clappers as quickly as possible. This can be achieved with powerful offensive tools such as Sting Shards and Cogwork Wheels, both of which can be acquired from the Twelfth Architect in the Underworks. Additionally, equipping the Reaper crest is immensely beneficial, as its ability to generate extra silk and facilitate consistent pogo attacks proves invaluable during such a prolonged and intense battle.
An optimized tool setup for healing is equally critical for sustained survival. The Injector Band, discoverable in Whiteward, significantly accelerates the binding process. Combine this with the Multibinder, available for purchase from Bellhart, to achieve a double bind. This powerful combination allows you to restore four faces of health per bind at an impressive speed, granting a substantial advantage in mitigating damage and staying in the fight.
Mastering the Forum fight in Silksong demands patience, preparation, and the right strategy. By leveraging NPC allies and optimizing your tool builds, you can transform this formidable gauntlet into a conquerable challenge. Stay tuned to Digital Tech Explorer for more insightful guides and the latest tech news to enhance your gaming experience and keep you ahead of the curve!