The true final boss
The Radiance is the hardest boss in Hollow Knight's main story. It's a multi-phase platforming fight where the arena itself changes and you need to maintain aerial positioning while dodging beams, swords, and orbs.
This fight is about positioning, not damage. Stay on the higher platforms. Abyss Shriek upward into the Radiance whenever it hovers above you. That's your highest DPS window.
Phase 1: the platform fight
The Radiance floats above while attacking with light-based projectiles. You fight on a set of platforms that give you room to dodge.
Attack patterns
- Horizontal beams: Sweep across the arena. Jump over or dash through.
- Sword rain: Swords fall from above. Watch the golden sparkles for landing positions.
- Light orbs: Track your position slowly. Outrun them by moving in one direction.
- Beam burst: Radiance fires beams outward from its body. Stand in the gaps.
Sword rain incoming. Watch the sparkles above. Stand between them. Don't dash randomly or you'll dodge into one.
Phase 2: faster attacks
The Radiance speeds up. Platforms start disappearing. The same attacks come faster and sometimes layer together (beams + swords simultaneously).
Survival strategy
- Stay on the highest available platform
- Heal ONLY when the Radiance teleports (brief safe window)
- Use Abyss Shriek as your primary damage when the Radiance is directly above
- Don't chase the Radiance across the arena. Let it come to you.
It teleported. Quick heal, one mask. Then reposition to the highest platform. Don't try for two heals, there isn't time.
The ascent
After enough damage, platforms appear leading upward. The Radiance retreats and you climb while dodging light beams and spikes. This is the final test.
Tips for the climb
- Focus on climbing, not attacking. You only need to reach the top.
- Monarch Wings (double jump) is essential for the gaps.
- Shade Cloak (shadow dash) lets you pass through the light beam barriers.
- At the top, you get the final hits. The fight ends cinematically.
Just climb. Don't stop to attack. Dash through the beams with Shade Cloak. Double jump the gaps. The top is close.
Summary
The Radiance is a test of everything Hollow Knight taught you: platforming, pattern recognition, and patience under pressure. Phase 1 teaches the attacks. Phase 2 tests your discipline. The ascent tests your movement skills. Sidekick AI can call out attack types as they start so you react to the right dodge pattern without memorizing every animation.