Bilewater: The Worst Area of Silksong That Players Should Actively Avoid

Silksong is an extremely punishing game, but one that has become so popular that it's impossible to ignore. People who've picked it up can't stop playing it. Many would say that a good reason for its success is owed to its frustrating difficulty, as it offers a challenge like no other that's satisfying to overcome.

True as that may be, there are parts of the game where I feel that it goes a bit overboard when it comes to testing players' skills, to such an extent that it could potentially dissuade them from continuing to enjoy what Pharloom has to offer. A perfect example of one is when players discover the literally and figuratively disgusting Bilewater.

Among all the places that can be found as one updates Silksong's map, this area happens to be the worst. As someone who has been subjected to its horror, I can confidently say that it's worth the hassle, and players should actively avoid it. As for why it's better not to take on Bilewater, there are a few emphatic reasons.

1. The Bile Status Effect

Credit: Team Cherry

When players enter Bilewater, one of the things they'll immediately notice is its putrid water. Diving into it, intentionally or accidentally, depletes Silk and immediately places the Bile status effect on Hornet, which prevents her from restoring masks. Getting rid of it requires the players to heal, but doing so only removes the debuff, leading to many life-threatening scenarios that make it difficult to survive the area.

If that wasn't enough, some enemies can also cause the negative status effect. This means players must constantly be vigilant as they traverse the area, which won't be easy, since they'll also have to deal with a lot of precise platforming.

Bile is something that Silksong definitely didn't need, as it becomes too problematic, especially in an area as long as Bilewater. I get demoralized every time I see it on Hornet, as it lets me know the run to the end will be much harder than it's supposed to. I'm sure many people will feel this when they experience the status effect for themselves, which is why they're better off skipping the area and going somewhere else.

2. There’s Almost No Place to Rest

Credit: Team Cherry

A good reason why Bilewater is an area of Silksong that isn't worth the hassle is that, despite being a place whose length is longer than most others, Benches are almost non-existent. If it's going to be hard, then there should be at least a few checkpoints that give some recompense for the player for making it far.

But no, this area doesn't provide that. It's even cruel in that regard, as it points players towards a potential Bench to rest on, only for it to be a trap that sends them down to the disgusting waters the area is known for. There is one, but it's tucked away well enough that players have to try and find it.

If Team Cherry's goal was to prove that Bilewater is only for those who can take punishment with barely any recompense, then the developer has done a fine job doing so. Best to skip this place if it won't even bother rewarding you by letting you take a breather.

3. The Boss That Waits at the End

Credit: Team Cherry

Silksong has some of the best bosses to go against in a 2D Metroidvania-type game, but the one in Bilewater is not one of them. As soon as players get to the top, they'll be locked in an arena where they're expected to fight Groal the Great. But before they can even face the vile boss, they must first go through a gauntlet of enemies while staying on platforms to prevent falling into the putrid waters that also cause Bile.

Once that's done, then Groal finally shows himself, and he is far from easy, as he constantly dives into the foul liquid while barraging players with a multitude of attacks. He is arguably one of the worst bosses in Silksong, as there's so much to overcome to face him.

Also, should a player fall short and die at any point while facing Groal, they'll likely be demotivated from trying again, as the runback to the fight is extremely long and arduous. It is not a fun time, and while there is a good reward for those who manage to overcome the challenge, it's still not worth all the pain and frustration that comes with it.

It is a shame that Bilewater is the way it is, as it has the potential to be a place full of interesting lore and platforming sequences that would be satisfying to get through. Instead, it is a place in Silksong that I firmly believe should be avoided at all costs, as it can break a player with how it chooses to punish progress instead of rewarding it.

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