If you’re delving into Hollow Knight: Silksong, you have likely discovered the pains of the Bilewater region. This area is notoriously difficult, filled with enemies that detonate upon defeat, explosive darts, and predictably, explosive bounce orbs. Adding insult to injury, pools of maggots strip away your ability to heal, often leaving you vulnerable immediately after an explosive encounter.
Navigating Bilewater and Finding a Closer Bench
Bilewater is home to one of the most frustrating boss runbacks in the entire game. Fortunately, a closer bench can be found to ease the burden. To locate it, proceed to the bottom of a shaft that has a pool of maggots at its base. Instead of heading left, break the wall to your right to reveal the hidden resting spot. This will significantly cut down your travel time back to the area’s boss.
The Groal Fight: Embracing the Maggots Strategy
Even with the closer bench, the runback is challenging. The boss at the top of Bilewater, Groal the Great, only appears after you survive several waves of intense arena combat against the same obnoxious enemies you’ve been avoiding. However, there is a powerful cheese strategy that can turn the tide: embrace the maggots. While Groal can still land occasional hits, this method drastically increases your chances of survival. You will want to enter the fight with as many health masks as possible.
Recommended Loadout and Trinkets
For this strategy to be effective, your loadout is key. We recommend equipping the Crest of the Architect if you have acquired it. For your tools, focus on ranged options like Curveclaw and Threefold Pin, and use the Silk Spear. Your trinket of choice should be the Pollip Pouch, which adds venom to your tool attacks. This can be obtained by completing the Rite of the Pollip wish from Greyroot in Shellwood. Remember to bring plenty of shards, as this fight may still take a few attempts.
Executing the Maggot Submersion Strategy
First, play through the initial arena gauntlet conservatively. Your main goal is to take as little damage as possible, so a slow and steady approach is best. Do not use your tools during this phase. The objective is to reach the fight with Groal with your health as high as possible. Once the boss appears, it’s time to surrender to the maggots. While they prevent you from healing, they cannot directly harm you. Simply take a swim in the maggot pool in the bottom left or right corner of the arena. A majority of Groal’s attacks will be unable to reach your small hitbox and will sail harmlessly overhead. The only attacks you need to watch for are his breaching dives, where he may lunge directly at you, and his firebombs, which can cause damage if they detonate just above the water’s surface.
Alternative: The Wreath of Purity Charm
If you prefer a more conventional approach, you can visit the Purified Ducts via The Memorium and come back to Bilewater later. There, you can acquire the Wreath of Purity charm before facing Groal. This useful charm prevents maggots from nibbling at you, giving you a solid buffer. However, be aware that it will break after contact with too many maggots. When combined with the submersion strategy, this charm might just give you the few extra health masks you need to secure victory.
Whether you choose to become one with the maggots or protect yourself with the Wreath, these strategies can help you overcome one of Silksong’s most challenging encounters. Good luck.