Hunter's March Guardian (Skarrgard) Guide: Master the Double Damage Gatekeeper

Hunter's March Guardian, officially named Skarrgard, is one of the first major gatekeepers in Hollow Knight Silksong. Located in the far northeast of The Marrow, this intimidating boss punishes every mistake with devastating double damage attacks.

⚠️ Why Skarrgard is Dangerous

The Reality: This early boss can end inexperienced players quickly with his double mask damage on every single attack.

Key Challenge Factors:

• All attacks deal 2 masks of damage - no room for error
• Wide attack range that catches careless positioning
• Underground tunneling that can surprise unprepared players
• Early game gatekeeper - accessible before you're fully equipped

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📍 Location & Requirements

Location: Far northeast of The Marrow
Access Route: Navigate through falling platforms and red springy objects
Nearest Bench: Directly below the boss chamber - rest here first!

Highly Recommended: Swift Step ability from Deep Docks (dash/dodge)

How to Reach Skarrgard

1. From The Marrow, head to the far right through enemy-filled areas
2. Navigate falling platforms carefully - they can drop you into danger
3. Use the red springy objects - downward strike to bounce across
4. Rest at the bench below the boss chamber before entering

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⚔️ Skarrgard's Attack Patterns

1. Twin Blade Sweep (Double Slash)

What he does: Winds up and slashes twice in rapid succession
Telegraph: Guardian raises his weapon and pauses briefly
Damage: 2 masks per hit (4 masks if both connect!)
Counter: Step back during windup, then attack after the second slash

Critical Timing:

• Back away as soon as you see the windup
• Wait for both slashes to complete
• Step in immediately after the second slash for your counterattack

2. Tunnel Shift (Burrowing Relocate)

What he does: Burrows underground and emerges at a marked location
Telegraph: Smoke appears where he will emerge
Danger: Standing on the smoke when he emerges causes damage
Counter: Keep moving and avoid all smoke markers

Survival Strategy:

• Never stand still during this attack
• Watch for smoke - it marks his emergence point
• Use this time to reposition for your next attack
• Stay alert - he can emerge directly under you

3. Groundbreaker Leap (Aerial Slam)

What he does: Jumps high and slams down with massive force
Telegraph: Guardian crouches slightly before jumping
Damage: 2 masks if you're caught underneath
Counter: Dash through him as he lands

Perfect Dodge Technique:

• Watch for the crouch - your cue to prepare
• Wait until he's falling - don't dash too early
• Dash through his landing spot - ends up behind him
• Immediately attack while he recovers

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🛡️ Winning Strategy: Hit and Run

Core Combat Philosophy

The Golden Rule: Every attack deals 2 masks - you cannot afford to trade damage.

Hit-and-Run Execution:

1. Observe his attack pattern and identify the tell
2. Dodge defensively using proper spacing or Swift Step
3. Strike once during his recovery window
4. Retreat immediately - never get greedy for extra hits

Advanced Positioning Tips

Safe Attack Windows:

• After Twin Blade Sweep - step in after the second slash
• During Tunnel Shift - position for his emergence point
• After Groundbreaker Leap - attack from behind immediately

Movement Priority:

• Swift Step is essential - makes dodging much more reliable
• Never challenge him directly - always use hit-and-run
• Maintain spacing - stay just outside his weapon range

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⚕️ Survival Strategy

When to Heal Safely

Best Healing Opportunities:

• During Tunnel Shift - while he's underground (but watch for smoke!)
• After successful Groundbreaker dodge - brief window behind him
• Never heal in his weapon range - the 2-mask damage will punish you

Resource Management

• Save silk for healing - don't waste on risky offensive skills
• Use ranged attacks if available (Straight Pins work well)
• Be patient - this fight rewards careful play over aggression

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🔧 Preparation Tips

Essential Upgrades

Swift Step (Highly Recommended):

• Location: Deep Docks area
• Benefit: Makes dodging his attacks much more reliable
• Strategy: Many players grab this first, then return to fight Skarrgard

Combat Approach

If you don't have Swift Step:

• Focus on spacing rather than dashing
• Use the arena edges to create distance
• Be extra careful with timing your dodges

With Swift Step:

• Dash through attacks for safe positioning
• Use hit-and-run more aggressively
• The fight becomes much more manageable

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💡 Pro Tips & Common Mistakes

✅ DO:

• Get Swift Step first if you're struggling
• Use the bench below - it's perfectly positioned for attempts
• Stay patient - every attack is a 2-mask punishment for mistakes
• Focus on one hit at a time - greed leads to death

❌ DON'T:

• Rush the fight without proper preparation
• Stand on smoke markers during Tunnel Shift
• Try to out-trade damage - you will lose
• Panic when he goes underground - just keep moving

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🏆 Victory Rewards

Immediate Benefits

• Access to Hunter's March - the red crystal ant zone
• New exploration area with unique enemies and challenges
• Merchant access for useful items
• Additional benches for rest points

Progression Impact

Hunter's March Features:

• Red crystal ant environment - unique visual design
• Challenging optional boss on the right side (requires Drifter's Cloak)
• Story progression opportunities
• Advanced area preparation for later game content

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🎯 Fight Progression Summary

Phase 1: Learning (First Few Attempts)

• Study his attack patterns - memorize the telegraphs
• Practice dodge timing - especially for Groundbreaker Leap
• Build muscle memory for hit-and-run tactics

Phase 2: Execution (Getting Consistent)

• Perfect your spacing during Twin Blade Sweep
• Master the underground phase - avoid all smoke
• Develop rhythm of attack → dodge → position → repeat

Phase 3: Victory (Clean Execution)

• Maintain patience throughout the entire fight
• Execute perfect hit-and-run without taking damage
• Claim your access to Hunter's March!

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🌟 Mastering the Gatekeeper

Skarrgard represents Silksong's first real skill check for positioning and patience. The key lessons:

1. 🛡️ Defensive play beats aggressive rushing
2. ⚡ Swift Step makes everything easier - get it first if struggling
3. 🎯 One clean hit is better than risky combo attempts
4. 💨 Movement and spacing are your primary tools
5. 🧠 Pattern recognition wins fights, not raw damage

Remember: Every boss in Silksong rewards careful observation and patient execution. Master these fundamentals against Skarrgard, and you'll be prepared for much tougher challenges ahead.

Once you defeat the Hunter's March Guardian, you've proven you understand Silksong's combat philosophy and earned access to the beautiful - and dangerous - Hunter's March!

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Ready to explore Hunter's March? Check our complete boss guide collection for strategies against even tougher encounters ahead.