The Final Fencer: A Comprehensive Guide to Defeating Lace in Hollow Knight: Silksong

In the vast, interconnected world of Hollow Knight: Silksong, few bosses are as memorable, or as challenging, as Lace. This nimble, aggressive fencer is not just a boss; she is a “skill check” for your ability to parry, to dodge, and to be patient. You will encounter her twice on your journey, first in the Deep Docks and then again in a much more difficult second fight in The Cradle, the final area of the game. Her graceful, deadly movements and her frustrating counter-attacks make her a formidable foe. This guide will break down her move set, offer high-value strategies for each of her phases, and provide the key tips you need to master this fight and finally ascend to the Citadel.

Phase 1: The First Dance

Lace’s first encounter is a lesson in patience. Your primary goal is to wait for her to finish her attacks and then land one or two quick hits before retreating. Do not get greedy! Mashing the attack button is a surefire way to get punished. The most important thing to learn is her parry. Lace will sometimes crouch and hold her rapier in a defensive stance after a combo. If you hit her during this, she will immediately counter with a powerful flurry of strikes. The best way to deal with this is to either dash away or to jump over her and land a downward strike. Her most common attacks are:

• Forward Slash: Lace will point her rapier horizontally and then lunge forward. This is a quick and simple attack that can be easily dodged by jumping over her or by dashing backward. You can punish her after she finishes this move by landing a quick hit.
• Aerial Diagonal Attack: Lace will jump into the air and then dash downward at a 45-degree angle. This is a very common attack, and the best way to dodge it is to run or walk underneath her after she jumps. You can then get a hit in from behind as she lands.
• Uppercut Slash & Dive: Lace will perform two quick uppercut slashes and then dive diagonally toward you. The best time to counter this is right after she dives, as it will leave her vulnerable for a brief moment. You can safely pogo off of her head during the uppercut slashes to deal some damage.

Phase 2: The Cradle

Lace’s second fight, in The Cradle, is a much more intense and aggressive encounter. Her attacks are faster, she will chain them relentlessly, and she gains a dangerous new ability. The core strategy remains the same—be patient and don’t get greedy—but you will have to be much more precise with your movements. The new additions to her move set are:

• AoE Attack: In her second phase, Lace gains a new AoE attack. She will make a laughing sound and then form a giant circular light aura at your location. After a brief delay, the aura will explode, dealing significant damage. The only way to avoid this is to get out of the circle as quickly as possible. This is a perfect time to heal or to get some distance from her.
• Chaining Attacks: Her regular attacks are now much more aggressive. She will chain her combos relentlessly, making it much harder to find an opening to attack or heal. It’s important to keep your distance and only go for one or two hits when you are sure you won’t get punished.
• The Parry: Her parry becomes even more dangerous. If you accidentally hit her during her parry, she will now perform a powerful AoE attack on the ground or in the air. The best way to avoid this is to not attack her when she’s idle, but if you do, immediately jump and dash away to avoid the counter.

General Tips for Victory

• Don’t Be Greedy: This is the most important rule of the fight. Lace is a counter-attacking boss, and if you get greedy, you will be punished. Focus on landing one or two hits after she finishes a combo, then retreat and get ready for her next attack.
• Stay Mobile: The arena is large, and you should use it to your advantage. Keep moving, and be ready to jump or dash at a moment’s notice. The goal is to keep her in a position where she is forced to use her predictable long-range attacks, which are much easier to dodge.
• Use Your Skills: Use your tools and your abilities to your advantage. The Silkspear, a powerful long-range attack, is a great way to deal damage from a safe distance. You can also use your heals when she is stunned or during her AoE attack, as it will give you time to replenish your health.
• Listen for Cues: Every one of Lace’s attacks has an audio cue. Listen for the sound of her blade scraping on the ground, the sound of her jumping, or the sound of her laughter. These cues are your most valuable tool, and they will help you to anticipate her next move.
• Use the Arena: The arena in The Cradle is a large, open space with no major hazards, but in the first fight, you can push Lace into the lava for some free damage. The key is to use the environment to your advantage and to keep yourself in a safe position.