Overview
The First Sinner is an optional boss encountered during Act 2 in Hollow Knight: Silksong. Found deep within The Slab, this ancient figure commands needles with deadly precision — reminiscent of Nyleth's own fighting style. The fight is fast-paced and demands quick reflexes, making it one of the more challenging optional encounters in Act 2. Despite being optional, defeating the First Sinner is a rite of passage for players seeking to test their skills before the Act 2 finale.
How to Reach the First Sinner
The First Sinner is located in The Slab, beyond the bottom-most Heretic door:
- From the Slab Bellway Bench, go up and look for the entrance/exit on the right side
- Once you reach the right entrance/exit, go down and look for the entrance/exit on the right side again
- Navigate through the Heretic doors to reach the bottom-most one
- The First Sinner's arena lies beyond
You'll need to have progressed far enough in Act 2 to access The Slab and its deeper sections.
Attack Patterns
Needle Barrage
The First Sinner commands needles and fires them at Hornet from various angles throughout the fight. Multiple needles rain down across the arena in patterns. You have two options: wait at a safe distance until they finish, or aggressively rush the boss while dodging most of them. The latter is riskier but keeps pressure on.
Cross Needle Strike
Occasionally, the First Sinner summons two large needles that strike in a cross pattern. Move to either side of the attack to avoid it. You can also jump over the needles with a well-timed double jump, but the timing is tight.
Dash Strike
A quick forward thrust with a needle. The telegraph is brief, so stay alert. Dash or jump to the side when you see the First Sinner lunge forward.
Needle Ring
The First Sinner creates a ring of needles around itself that expand outward. Find the gap in the ring or jump over the needles as they pass. This attack creates a brief opening afterward.
Phase Transition Burst
When transitioning between phases, the First Sinner unleashes a burst of energy that pushes you back. Don't try to attack during transitions — focus on maintaining safe distance.
Battle Strategy
Aggressive Tempo
Unlike many Silksong bosses where patience is key, the First Sinner actually rewards controlled aggression. The boss's needle attacks have specific patterns, and getting in close reduces the angles from which needles can hit you. Attack between needle volleys and retreat when the barrage intensifies.
Threefold Pin + Poison
One of the most effective strategies is the Threefold Pin tool combined with the Pollip Pouch. The Threefold Pin gives you a fast-casting ranged attack, while the Pollip Pouch coats your tools in poison. This combination lets you inflict poison damage from a safe distance, maintaining pressure without putting yourself at risk.
Dodge Toward, Not Away
When needles come from multiple directions, your instinct might be to run. Instead, dash toward the First Sinner — many needle patterns are designed to catch retreating players. Getting close and underneath the boss often puts you in a blind spot.
Recommended Build
Tools
- Threefold Pin — Fast-casting ranged tool; invaluable for this fast-paced fight
- Pollip Pouch — Poisons your tools for sustained damage over time
- Fractured Mask — Acts as an extra life, preventing instant death on your last health
- Magnetite Dice — Random chance to negate damage entirely
Crests
- Wanderer's Crest — Faster attacks help capitalize on brief openings
- Witch Crest — Silk Bind adds another ranged damage option
Silk Skills
- Thread Storm — Provides area coverage that can hit the First Sinner during needle volleys
- Pale Nails — Ranged option that keeps you safe
Pro Tips
- The Threefold Pin + Pollip Pouch combo is considered one of the best strategies for this fight
- Fractured Mask is essentially an extra life — always equip it for tough fights
- Don't panic during needle barrages; find the gaps and stay calm
- The cross needle attack can be jumped with double jump, but dashing to the side is safer
- Study the needle patterns — they repeat, and once you recognize them, dodging becomes instinctive
- The First Sinner shares visual DNA with Nyleth; if you've attempted Nyleth first, some patterns will feel familiar
Rewards
Defeating the First Sinner completes the Heretic questline in The Slab and grants access to deeper lore about Pharloom's past. The fight also rewards crafting materials and contributes to Hunter's Journal completion.
Wrapping Up
The First Sinner is a classic skill-check boss — fast, aggressive, and pattern-based. The needle attacks look overwhelming at first, but they follow distinct patterns that become readable with practice. Equip your Threefold Pin, poison your tools, and don't be afraid to get aggressive. Once you crack the rhythm of this fight, it becomes one of the most satisfying victories in Act 2.
Show the First Sinner that Hornet's needle is the only one that matters.