Hollow Knight: Silksong’s “Hunter’s March” Is a Spike-Filled Nightmare — Players Rage Over No Midway Bench
Hunter’s March, an early area in Hollow Knight: Silksong, is generating widespread player frustration due to tight spike platforming, limited safe spots, and a bench that only appears after defeating a nearby boss. Numerous players have posted about the stretch online, noting long runbacks, precise jumps on small footholds, and enemies that can punish small mistakes.
- Area name: Hunter’s March, appears relatively early depending on route.
- Key issues: spike-filled platforms, few safe areas, and no mid-area bench until you beat a boss.
- Community reaction: many Reddit posts and social posts sharing frustration and memes.
What players are saying
Players have taken to forums to describe their experiences. One highly-upvoted Reddit post is titled “I’m angry,” and continues “I’m very angry,” while still ending with “absolutely love Silksong 10/10.” You can read that post on Reddit.
Other posts ask bluntly “am i just terrible at this game?” and call the area design into question with statements like “Hunter march is a bad game design.” These posts are available on Reddit and Reddit respectively.
Why Hunter’s March is proving difficult
The area is described as being “spike-speckled,” which forces players into very precise platforming across tiny ledges. In addition, Hornet’s downward-angled needle attack (reported to deploy at roughly 45 degrees) changes how players handle vertical and angled landings, making standard approaches feel different than in other parts of the game.
Because the area lacks a bench until the player defeats the local boss, mistakes often mean long runbacks through the same spike-filled sections. Players report reaching the end, fighting a boss, then unlocking a bench only to be hit by a trap immediately after sitting down.
Bench gating and the boss at the end
Multiple posts note that the area’s bench is locked behind a boss: you must beat the boss at the end of Hunter’s March to make a bench appear. Some players have reported dying to a trap right after sitting on that bench.
For further context and community discussion about rewards and the bench, see this thread on Reddit.
i sentence you to 2 hours hunters march no dash no nothing#hollowknight #silksong pic.twitter.com/MQAX2WTYCO
— GoodieBag (@GoodieBag78) September 7, 2025
Dying to savage beastfly for the 50th time after hours of dying to random bullshit in hunters march #silksong pic.twitter.com/FIdZdqDQe5
— Gus 🪁 (@Shumpu1p) September 5, 2025
How players are responding
Responses range from frustration to gallows humor. Some players post memes and jokes; others write detailed complaints about the design. Despite the complaints, several posters explicitly say they still enjoy the game overall.
Adjusting strategy
Players also note that Hunter’s March can be approached later when more traversal abilities are unlocked. For example, the hover ability—unlocked after progressing through the Deep Docks—can make the area easier to negotiate. As a result, some players advise returning to Hunter’s March after acquiring that ability rather than tackling it early.
Optional area and pacing
Importantly, Hunter’s March is optional. Silksong’s open routing lets players enter it earlier than intended, which can make the challenge feel disproportionately difficult. Players who choose alternate routes or wait until they have additional abilities report smoother runs.
Summary: Hunter’s March is an optional, spike-heavy area that requires precise platforming, has a bench locked behind a boss, and has led to significant community discussion on Reddit and social media.
