Hollow Knight Silksong Cogwork Dancers Boss Guide – Location, Strategy, and Tips

The Cogwork Dancers in Hollow Knight Silksong are a dual boss fight located in The Citadel. To progress into Act 2’s main questline, you must defeat this pair of synchronized foes. While their attacks are highly choreographed and predictable, the challenge comes from dodging in time and striking during brief openings.

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This guide breaks down the Cogwork Dancers’ location, attack patterns, phases, and best strategies to make the fight much easier.

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Cogwork Dancers Location in Hollow Knight Silksong

You’ll encounter the Cogwork Dancers in the intersection of Cogwork Core and Choral Chambers within The Citadel. The battle begins immediately when you enter their arena, and it unfolds across multiple phases with increasing difficulty.

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Cogwork Dancers Boss Fight Phases

The fight progresses through four phases, with the dancers shifting from synchronized movements to desynchronized unpredictability.

Phase 1 – Synchronized Strikes

• The dancers move in sync, telegraphing their attacks with white guiding lines.
• If they look downward, expect a slash along the indicated line.
• Sometimes, they form an AOE circle mid-air, releasing a barrage of slashes. Use this chance to heal or reposition.
• They may also divide the arena with diagonal lines, forcing you to dodge into the gaps.

Phase 2 – Faster Attacks

• After one dancer is stunned, they reset and resume their attacks.
• Patterns remain the same, but the tempo is faster, leaving less room for error.
• Focus on quick hits after they land and retreat before the next slash.

Phase 3 – Out of Sync

• The dancers now attack out of rhythm, one following shortly after the other.
• This makes predicting movements harder since the second dancer delays its strike.
• Target the dancer further away using ranged Pins like the Threefold Pin or Simple Pin, while always watching the other’s movements.

Phase 4 – Final Solo Dancer

• Once one dancer falls, the survivor continues alone.
• Their attacks are slower and easier to dodge, giving you more openings to attack.
• Use both melee and ranged options to quickly finish the fight.

Tips and Tricks for Defeating the Cogwork Dancers

Beating the Cogwork Dancers is less about aggression and more about reading their telegraphs. Here are key strategies to make the battle manageable:

• Threadstorm – A powerful tool for dealing heavy damage, especially in later phases.
• Warding Bell – Lets you heal safely during the chaotic slashing barrages.
• Threefold Pin – Excellent for ranged damage, particularly when the dancers separate.
• Reaper Crest – Provides extra silk for healing and offense.
• Distance Management – Always move after the white lines appear; don’t guess their attack early.
• Punish Openings – After each slash, the dancers remain stationary for a brief moment. Use this window to strike, then retreat.

Mastering these strategies will allow you to bring down the Cogwork Dancers and advance deeper into The Citadel.

The Cogwork Dancers in Hollow Knight Silksong are a visually stunning but mechanically challenging boss fight. With their predictable telegraphs, the battle becomes more about patience and timing than raw skill. By carefully reading their movements, keeping your distance, and striking in the right moments, you’ll defeat them and move forward into Act 2.

If you’re searching for a Hollow Knight guide to tricky bosses, the Cogwork Dancers stand out as one of the more rewarding encounters once mastered.