The Widow is a multi-phase boss fight that tests your ability to manage chaos. While intimidating, her attacks are predictable once you know what to look for. The key to victory is splitting your attention between the boss and the environmental hazards she creates.
Table of Contents
This guide will break down both phases, giving you a clear strategy to overcome each of her moves and claim victory.
Phase 1 Strategy: Learning the Patterns
The first phase is about learning the core mechanics you’ll need for the more intense second phase.
1. The Scissor Attack
- The Attack: The Widow drops down from the ceiling and then scissor-kicks horizontally across the platform in the direction you’re moving.
- How to Dodge: Simply jump over her. For advanced play, you can use a downward poke (pogo) on her as you jump over to deal free damage.
- Heal Window: The recovery time after this attack is a perfect moment to heal mid-air. The healing animation holds you in place, making it safe.
2. The Bell Attack (Silk Strands)
- The Telegraph: White silk strands appear on the screen. These are bullet hell indicators showing the paths the damaging bells will travel.
- How to Dodge: The bells bounce in unpredictable ways. Your goal is to stay in the “gaps” between the strands. Use your float ability (Princess Peach style) to hover over them or cling to the walls to avoid the paths entirely.
3. The Threading Silk (Your Damage Window)
- The Telegraph: The Widow moves to the side of the screen and begins “threading silk.”
- What to Do: This is your primary damage phase. She is stationary and vulnerable. Unleash as many melee attacks as you can, but stay aware of any leftover bells still bouncing around. Don’t get greedy and run into one.
Phase 2 Strategy: Managing the Chaos
The second phase turns everything up to eleven. The arena becomes more crowded, and your focus must be split.
The Golden Rule: Dual Awareness
Your success hinges on tracking two things at once:
- The Silk Strands: Always know where the safe gaps are.
- The Widow: Never take your eyes off the boss for long. You must see her telegraphed attacks coming.
Advanced Phase 2 Tips:
- Use Ranged Attacks: This is the perfect time to use your needle throw and tools. If you’re stuck in a safe zone away from the Widow, you can still chip away at her health from a distance.
- Heal During Scissor Attacks: The scissor attack remains one of the best times to heal. Jump over her and immediately use your heal to stay safe in the air.
- Don’t Get Greedy: Landing two safe hits is better than going for three and getting hit by a bell or the boss. Patiently chip away at her health.
- Positioning is Key: Try to position yourself so the Widow is between you and the incoming bell patterns. This makes it easier to dodge her attacks while the bells pass harmlessly by.
General Tips & Tricks
- Wall Grab is Your Friend: Don’t forget you can cling to walls to completely avoid many ground-based bell patterns.
- Save Silk for Healing: Ensure you have enough silk thread available to heal during the safe windows. This is more important than using it for special attacks in this fight.
- Stay Calm: The fight feels chaotic, but every attack is telegraphed. Focus on recognizing the tells (scissor drop, threading animation, silk strands) and reacting appropriately.
By mastering the scissor jump, respecting the silk strands, and capitalizing on the threading windows, you will systematically defeat The Widow. Good luck!
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