second sentinel silksong

Second Sentinel is an NPC and boss in Hollow Knight: Silksong, known as one of the five automatons built by the Citadel's Architects to protect pilgrims. It is a complex construct with intelligence and talent beyond other automatons. The player character, Hornet, can activate Second Sentinel by finding and assembling three Cogheart Pieces into a Cogwork Heart, which is then placed inside the Cogwork Core. After activation, the Second Sentinel continues to protect the Citadel and can be encountered fighting enemies in various locations within the Citadel. The "Final Audience" quest in Silksong involves reactivating Second Sentinel by gathering the Cogheart Pieces and encountering it multiple times in the Choral Chambers. The quest culminates in a boss fight against Second Sentinel in the High Halls, where defeating it rewards the Reserve Bind tool. The fight with Second Sentinel features various attacks using its scissor blades, including lunges, aerial strikes, spinning jumps, energy bursts, and a defensive parry that counters attacks. The fight requires careful observation and timing to avoid attacks and find windows for counterattack. Second Sentinel is found initially as a statue in a hidden area of the Cogwork Core. After activation, it roams the Citadel, especially in corridors within the Choral Chambers, and finally confronts Hornet in a dedicated boss arena in the High Halls. In gameplay terms, the fight tests timing, mobility, and restraint, with patterns such as chained thrusts, spinning leaps, ground and aerial energy bursts, and a powerful X-shaped energy slash. Players must avoid attacking during its defensive parries to prevent counterattacks. Healing windows appear after certain attacks or when baiting the Sentinel into guarding. Overall, Second Sentinel is a significant late-game boss in Hollow Knight: Silksong tied to a key side quest with rich lore and challenging combat mechanics.