Hollow Knight: Silksong - Lace part two

Video

Difficulty

Definitely had some trouble with this one—similar to the first fight with Lace in Deep Docks. Was attempting to see which attacks are parryable or not + the optimal reaction per attack. However, despite expecting to lose in the run above, I saw that Lace was in their third phase and just decided to use tools and finish the fight there. I still have some notes below re: moves to look out for. Personally took me around ~10 tries.

The runback takes a little bit of time (waiting in the elevator) but remains rather trivial. Ensure you’re resting at the bench below the elevator, within Cog Core.

Loadout

Traversal skills

• Swift Step. Just like Lace in their first fight, you will be mostly utilizing this skill. Failure to dash after Lace’s attacks (I’ve tried multiple times), such as her riposte and her three-hit combo will deal a couple of masks of damage to you.

Upgrades

• Needle upgrade 3. Deal more damage / makes the fight shorter. Already did the first two Pale Oil upgrades (see Courier’s Rasher run if you’re having trouble).
• Pouch Capacity 3 and Tool Damage 4. Makes tools deal significant damage for the fight.
• Eight masks. Would most probably be doable with fewer plus Shattered Mask, but I don’t like running that once I got more than six masks (then I prefer the Multibinder).

Crest and tools

Just the default loadout I’m using—nothing special, except for a few:

• Evolved Hunter’s Crest. While I take significant hits in this fight, helps pump up the damage even more.
• Tacks. Used this on the last phase as it’s more economical (more chances of winning) and ends that phase faster.
• Memory Shard. Helps deal damage when you’re getting dealt damage. Helps compensate for mistakes made particularly from attacks with light damage (1 mask).
• Cogfly. A recent favorite. Gets a number of hits in when you’re not in range of attacking. Don’t over-rely on its damage as you need to hit to regenerate your silk. Used this on the last phase as it’s more economical (more chances of winning) and ends that phase faster.
• Magnetite Dice. Saves you sometimes. You’ll see it proc in the recording above.

Tips

1. Lace is small and is harder to hit. Ensure your attacks are precise.
2. I’ve found only a few moves that you can consistently parry:
   1. Lace’s downward attack typically places Lace behind Hornet, gives you a free hit afterward.
   2. Lace’s upward attack leading to said downward attack is also pogo-able.
3. Do NOT attempt to parry the dash, unless you know what you’re doing. Lace can stop the dash intersecting their hitbox with Hornet, dealing contact damage.
4. Likewise, do not attempt to parry both ripostes. Best way to deal with them is dash backward immediately (which evades both ripostes, on the ground and in the air), or jump beyond Lace and do whatever you want. Do NOT jump backward as this puts you in danger of the aerial riposte.
5. I’ve been personally unsuccessful with parrying the triple hit attack, and this may also lead to contact damage with Lace’s forward-moving hitbox. Best way to deal with this is to dash backwards (jumping upwards may be unreliable, unless you have the space).