Master Hollow Knight Silksong's most unique music-themed boss fight. Learn to battle through sound patterns and musical rhythm, experiencing an unprecedented audio-driven combat system.
Fourth Chorus is one of Silksong's most innovative boss designs—an entity manifested from music itself. Located in the Citadel Concert Hall, this boss's attack patterns are entirely based on music theory: each attack corresponds to specific notes, chords, or rhythm patterns. Unlike traditional bosses relying on visual judgment, Fourth Chorus requires players primarily to use 'hearing' to anticipate and respond to attacks, a completely fresh combat experience.
The battle is designed as a 'musical duel', divided into three movements, each with different tempo and attack patterns. The boss's form is a floating entity composed of four glowing instrument tentacles, continuously playing beautiful but deadly melodies during battle. The core challenge of this fight lies not in reaction speed or execution precision, but in 'musical literacy'—can you identify musical patterns, follow rhythm movement, and counterattack on the correct 'beat'. For players with musical background, this may be the most enjoyable boss fight; for players with weak rhythm sense, this may be one of the most challenging fights.
Fourth Chorus's attacks follow musical patterns. Listen to the rhythm to anticipate upcoming attack types—ascending scales, rapid staccato, flowing legato are all clear signals.
Different notes correspond to different attack types. Learn each audio cue's meaning: C Major = Crescendo Wave, Eâ™ = Staccato Strike, A Minor = Legato Bind.
Counterattacks must perfectly match musical beats. Train rhythm sense multiple times in practice area until you can naturally follow BPM, not rely on visual reaction.
Ensure music and sound effects are balanced (music 70-80%, effects 40-50%). Use headphones for best stereo experience. This boss requires clear audio cues to defeat.
Fourth Chorus performs a gradually intensifying sequence of notes (lasting 3 seconds), spreading 3-5 rings of sonic oscillations outward from the center of the arena. Each ring is spaced 0.5 seconds apart, with the outermost ring covering the entire arena. The waves appear as visible purple ring-shaped ripples that deal damage upon contact. The note sequence is: C-E-G-C (major triad), with each note corresponding to one ripple. The final ring (high C) is the most powerful, dealing 1.5x damage.
Prelude 1 second, wave sequence 3 seconds (0.5 second intervals between rings), recovery 1 second
Audio Cue: Ascending scale, from low to high
Identify the musical cue: When you hear the first C note, immediately start moving toward the arena edge. Don't try to jump to dodge—the waves cover full height. The correct strategy is 'move with the rhythm': each time you hear a new note, move outward a distance, just escaping the range before the ripple arrives. If equipped with Dash Master, you can dash through the final two ripples during the third ring (G note), saving time and counterattacking near the Boss.
Fourth Chorus rapidly performs a series of short staccato notes (8-12 notes, each 0.1 seconds), with each note corresponding to a directed beam attack. The beams fire simultaneously from the Boss's four 'hands' (instrument tentacles), covering four directions of the arena in a cross pattern. Each beam lasts 0.2 seconds, with total attack time approximately 1.5 seconds. The beams are sharp white-gold in color and inflict a 'stun' debuff (1 second unable to act) upon hit. After the 8th note, there's a brief 0.3 second pause, then a second round of 4 notes continues.
Prelude 0.5 seconds, first staccato round 1 second, pause 0.3 seconds, second round 0.5 seconds, recovery 0.8 seconds
Audio Cue: Rapid, short high-pitched notes, like a machine gun
Auditory judgment is crucial! The staccato rhythm is very fast (10 notes per second), don't try to count. The correct method is 'listen to the rhythm, find the gaps': when you hear the staccato begin, observe the beam firing direction (cross pattern), immediately move to the diagonal safe zone. Key timing: during the pause after the 8th note (0.3 seconds), you can safely dash to the Boss's side to prepare for counterattack. Don't dash during beam firing—the stun debuff will make you a sitting duck.
The Boss performs flowing legato phrases (lasting 4 seconds), generating 6-8 musical note symbols (♪) on the arena. These symbols remain for 3 seconds, then simultaneously activate as 'note traps'. If Hornet stands within their range (2-meter radius circular area) when symbols activate, she becomes 'bound by musical chains' for 2 seconds, unable to move but can attack. While bound, the Boss performs rapid phrases and fires 3 waves of sonic attacks. The note symbols' positions are based on Hornet's movement trajectory from the previous 3 seconds, making this a 'predictive' type attack.
Legato performance 4 seconds, symbols remain 3 seconds, bind lasts 2 seconds (if triggered), recovery 1.5 seconds
Audio Cue: Flowing, melancholic minor key melody
This move requires 'anticipate your position' awareness. When you hear the legato begin (soft A minor melody), remember your current position, then move away from this area within 3 seconds. Note symbols spawn where you previously stood, so continuous movement spreads symbols across the arena. Safest strategy: perform circular motion during the legato, maintaining steady movement (don't pause). If accidentally bound, don't panic—immediately use Focus to heal or prepare to block sonic attacks. While bound, you can still attack the Boss (if close), the only counterattack opportunity.
Ultimate move used only in Final Movement (final movement, below 30% health). Fourth Chorus performs a thunderous whole note chord (F-A-C-F, F major), lasting 5 seconds. The entire arena shakes as 12-16 massive note entities (♩♪♫) fall from the ceiling, each note taking 2 seconds to land, dealing area damage (3-meter radius) upon impact. Note entity landing points have clear red markers (displayed 1 second in advance). During the chord performance, dangerous 'resonance waves' appear at arena edges—standing at edges causes continuous damage.
Chord prelude 1 second, sustained performance 5 seconds, note landing each 2 seconds (all within 5 seconds), fatigue period 2 seconds
Audio Cue: Thunderous chord, accompanied by low-frequency vibration
This is Fourth Chorus's most dangerous move, requiring perfect spatial awareness and timing. Strategy breakdown: 1) When you hear the grand chord begin, immediately move to arena center (avoid edge resonance waves). 2) Observe ground red markers, anticipate note landing points. 3) Use 'zigzag movement pattern': move left→observe next marker→move right→observe→repeat. Don't move in straight lines or you'll be trapped by consecutive notes. 4) If equipped with Shadow Dash, you can pass through notes just before landing (i-frames), but timing window is only 0.2 seconds. 5) After the chord ends, Boss has 2 seconds of fatigue—this is the longest counterattack window in the entire fight, full damage output!
In Movement 1, Fourth Chorus fights with a fast but regular rhythm. Primarily uses Crescendo Wave and Staccato Strike combinations. High attack frequency but moderate power, with clear musical intervals between attacks (1-1.5 seconds). Boss remains on the central elevated platform, not actively moving. Musical style is bright major key (C Major), overall atmosphere relatively 'friendly', this stage is more like a 'tutorial phase', letting players adapt to the musical combat system.
The core of Movement 1 is 'learning the rhythm'. Don't rush to attack—spend the first 30 seconds purely observing and familiarizing yourself with musical patterns. Identify which musical cue corresponds to which attack type: hear ascending scale = Crescendo Wave, hear rapid staccato = Staccato Strike. When you can accurately predict attacks, start using recovery periods to counterattack. Best counterattack timing is the 1-second stun period after Crescendo Wave—dash close to Boss, land 2-3 hits then immediately retreat. Don't be greedy! This phase's goal is establishing a stable 'attack-retreat-observe' rhythm, preparing for more difficult movements.
Main counterattack windows: 1) 1-second recovery after Crescendo Wave (safest); 2) 0.3 seconds during Staccato Strike's 8th note pause (requires precise timing); 3) 1.5-second intervals between attack cycles (can use ranged attacks).
Near the end of Movement 1 (around 65% health), Boss's rhythm slightly accelerates (BPM increases from 160 to 180), signaling phase transition. When you hear the musical tempo accelerate, prepare for denser attack patterns.
Movement 2 shows a completely different combat style. Rhythm slows, but attack power significantly increases (approximately 1.5x damage). Boss begins using Legato Bind as primary control methods, paired with occasional Crescendo Wave. Attack frequency decreases, but each attack has longer preparation (2-3 second windup), giving more reaction time but harsher punishment for mistakes. Boss slowly moves on the elevated platform (circular motion), changing attack angles. Music shifts to melancholic minor key (A Minor), arena lighting dims, creating oppressive atmosphere.
Movement 2 requires 'patient damage output' strategy. Due to low attack frequency but high power, each mistake costs greatly—prioritize survival over maximizing damage. Utilize Legato Bind's long windup (4 seconds legato performance) for aerial attacks: when you hear the legato begin, jump to the Boss's elevated platform, you can safely attack 3-4 times during performance, then leave before symbols activate. Key is maintaining movement—standing still is most dangerous because Legato Bind accurately predicts your position. If health below 50%, recommend finding opportunities to heal in this phase, as Final Movement won't give you safe healing opportunities.
Counterattack windows: 1) During Legato Bind legato performance (4 seconds, elevated platform aerial attack); 2) 1-second recovery after Crescendo Wave (but careful of note traps); 3) Brief intervals during Boss movement (0.5 seconds, only 1 hit).
Key survival technique for Movement 2: always stay active in the central 1/3 of the arena. Too close to edge limits Crescendo Wave dodge space; too close to Boss increases risk of being bound by note traps. Best position is 2-3 meters directly below Boss on the ground—this position allows quick platform counterattacks and easy retreat.
Final Movement is the ultimate test of musical combat. Rhythm dynamically switches between fast (Allegro) and slow (Andante) every 30 seconds, completely disrupting previously learned rhythm patterns. Boss unlocks Fortissimo Finale ultimate move, using it every 15-20 seconds. All previous attacks increase 30% power, recovery periods shortened 50%. Boss rapidly teleports across the entire elevated platform (every 3 seconds), making position prediction difficult. Arena effect: 'disharmony zones' (purple mist) appear, standing within them reduces 30% movement speed and causes continuous minor damage.
Final Movement survival strategy is 'simplify complexity'—ignore complex musical patterns, focus on visual cues and basic dodge-counter. Key changes: 1) Abandon offensive attacks, only counterattack during Fortissimo Finale's 2-second fatigue period (the only safe damage window). 2) Other times 100% focus on survival: dodge note entities, avoid disharmony zones, keep health above safe line. 3) If equipped with Quick Focus, can quickly heal during Boss teleportation moment (0.5 seconds). 4) Use Shadow Dash's i-frames to pass through note entities and sound waves, but requires extremely precise timing. Expect this phase to last 5-8 minutes—patience is key, causing 10-15% damage per Fortissimo Finale is already good.
Extremely limited counterattack windows: 1) 2-second fatigue after Fortissimo Finale (highest priority, full damage output); 2) 0.5-second landing stun after Boss teleport (only 1 attack); 3) Moment of rhythm switch (approximately 0.3 second confusion period, high risk).
Final Movement hidden mechanic: if you can successfully dodge 3 Fortissimo Finale consecutively (take no note damage), Boss enters 'broken voice' state (2-second stun, unable to attack), this is the biggest counterattack opportunity. But this requires near-perfect play—don't force it, normal slow grinding strategy can also win.
Consequence: Half-beat delayed reaction, unable to predict attacks in advance, frequently hit by sudden sound waves or beams
Cultivate 'ears-first' combat habit. In practice mode, try closing your eyes and relying solely on sound to dodge attacks 5-10 times, until you can accurately identify each audio cue. Then in actual combat combine vision and hearing: ears predict attack type, eyes confirm specific position and timing. Ideal state is knowing what action to take the instant you hear the musical cue, not waiting for visual effects to react.
Consequence: Multiple note traps triggered simultaneously, causing prolonged binding and taking continuous sonic wave damage
Understand Legato Bind's prediction mechanism: it generates traps based on your 'past 3 seconds of movement trajectory', not current position. Correct response: when you hear the legato begin, change movement pattern—if previously moving in straight line, immediately switch to circular motion; if previously circular, switch to zigzag. Key is 'break pattern' not simply speed up movement. Also, never jump or attack in place longer than 1 second, this makes you the trap's center point.
Consequence: Ignoring Fortissimo Finale's note entities while chasing damage, getting hit consecutively leading to rapid death
Adjust mindset: Final Movement is not a DPS race, but a 'survival endurance battle'. Set clear rules: except for Fortissimo Finale's 2-second fatigue period, proactive offense is prohibited at all other times. This may seem to slow combat, but actually dramatically reduces death risk. Each Fortissimo Finale can deal 10-15% damage, meaning 7-10 cycles (approximately 5-8 minutes) to defeat Boss. This time is completely acceptable—many players fail repeatedly in Final Movement due to greediness, total time is actually longer.
Consequence: Missing key audio clues, doubling combat difficulty, almost impossible to pass
Before challenging Fourth Chorus, enter game settings for dedicated audio adjustment: 1) Set music volume to 70-80% (not 100%, would cover sound effects). 2) Sound effects volume 40-50% (reduce combat noise). 3) Disable ambient sound (if game allows). 4) Use headphones not speakers—headphones provide clearer stereo positioning. 5) Test settings in practice area outside Boss room, ensure clear distinction between ascending scales, staccato, and legato. If hearing impaired, game provides 'visual rhythm assist' option (Settings→Accessibility), displaying metronome on screen.
Consequence: Unknowingly losing 30-40% health in Final Movement, insufficient health to sustain final phase
Treat disharmony zones (purple mist) as 'forbidden zones', priority equal to Boss's direct attacks. Develop 'zone control' strategy: at combat start, remember arena's 4 quadrants, when a quadrant shows disharmony zone, limit activity to other 3 quadrants. Better to stand in suboptimal position dodging attacks than enter disharmony zone. If must pass through (like dodging Fortissimo Finale notes), use Shadow Dash or quick dash, contact time not exceeding 1 second. Check every 10 seconds if currently in disharmony zone—easy to overlook when focused on dodging attacks.
Fourth Chorus has a hidden scoring system—if you can maintain 'perfect rhythm' throughout the battle (every counterattack on the correct beat, no early or late hits), the Boss will acknowledge your musical talent upon defeat and award special rewards.
Use metronome APP set to 160 BPM (Allegro) and 90 BPM (Andante), practice following rhythm with taps. Advanced: immediately switch BPM when rhythm changes (every 30 seconds). Recommend 2-3 hours practice to form muscle memory.
Allegro: 1-second stun after Crescendo Wave. Andante: During Legato Bind (4 elevated platform attacks). Forte: Only counterattack during 2-second fatigue after Fortissimo Finale.
Reward: Maestro's Baton - A special Charm that, when equipped, makes your attacks produce note visual effects and plays harmonious note sounds on hit. Purely aesthetic reward, but loved by the community. This Charm also unlocks special musical theme dialogue with certain NPCs.
Fourth Chorus speedruns differ from regular speedruns—they require perfect rhythm mastery rather than fast reactions. Top players aim to defeat the Boss within 5 minutes, requiring near-perfect performance in every movement.
Target 90 seconds: Use Shadow Dash after Crescendo Wave to quickly close in and land 4-5 hits. Staccato Strike's 8th note pause is key damage window. Equip Quick Slash to increase attack speed.
Target 120 seconds: Fully utilize Legato Bind's 4-second performance period to damage on elevated platform. Can attack 5-6 times each time. Avoid being bound by note traps—keep circular movement.
Target 90 seconds: Use all Soul for enhanced attacks during 2-second fatigue after Fortissimo Finale. Broken voice state's (3 consecutive dodges) 2-second stun is biggest damage opportunity.
Current speedrun world record approximately 4 minutes 50 seconds. Key technique: can safely attack during rhythm switch moment (0.3 second confusion period), as Boss is adjusting tempo. Requires extensive practice to anticipate rhythm switch timing.
Core ability: Silk skills gain audio feedback. Using Silk Dash leaves note trails, helping better track your movement rhythm during music boss fights. In certain hidden areas, note trails trigger special musical puzzle mechanisms. Harmonic Silk also provides visual assistance in subsequent sound puzzles—each Silk action leaves persistent note symbols in the air, useful for marking paths or recording rhythm patterns.
After defeating Fourth Chorus, the backstage area of the Concert Hall unlocks, containing multiple music-themed hidden rooms, NPC dialogue (learning Fourth Chorus's backstory), and repeatedly challengeable 'Chorus Rush' mode (challenge level fighting four music bosses consecutively). The backstage area also has a 'Composer Studio' where you can customize combat BGM, choosing different musical themes (classical, jazz, electronic, etc.) to re-challenge Fourth Chorus. After defeating all 'phantom' versions of music bosses, unlocks 'Conductor' title and exclusive appearance decorations.
After completing Fourth Chorus, recommend heading to Widow's Den to challenge Widow Boss, or continue exploring Citadel's upper areas for more secrets. Harmonic Silk ability is essential in subsequent music puzzles.