What to know
- Rhinogrund is a rare, heavily armored enemy (mini-boss type) in Silksong, with multiple spawn locations that are required for the Hunter’s Journal.
- It uses a set of predictable but dangerous attack patterns: charging, rock-flinging, occasional somersault or jump attacks.
- It has weak spots: its armor is strongest in front, so hitting from the back (or jumping over its charges and punishing) is more effective.
- Some spawn instances can despawn (if you leave the area or miss), while others are guaranteed (or at least much more reliably present) in specific zones.
What is Rhinogrund and its combat behaviour
The Rhinogrund is a large, rhino/beetle-type enemy. It has heavy armor, aggressive AI, and a variety of attacks.
Here are its key behaviours and attacks:
| Attack type | Description / warning signs |
|---|---|
| Ram / Charge | It lowers its head or prepares and then rushes forward. Strong if you face it head-on. You can evade by jumping or moving aside. |
| Rock fling | It digs its horn in, disturbs the ground, then hurls debris or rocks toward Hornet. Watch for the ground tremor / horn action as the tell. |
| Somersault / Jump attack | Occasionally, it will rear up or do an aerial flip-type move. Timing is important — sometimes not jumping is safer. |
It’s slow but brutal: the armor makes frontal hits inefficient, so mobility (jumping, pogoing, etc.) and strategy are more important than brute force.
Location of Rhinogrunds
Rhinogrunds are not everywhere — they appear in a few specific locations. Some are optional or easy to miss; some are more guaranteed. Knowing where to go is critical if you're aiming for 100% completion or the Hunter’s Journal entries.
Here are the main known locations:
| Location | Notes / Conditions |
|---|---|
| Far Fields (near the Far Fields fast travel point) | First spawn is here. If you leave the area without defeating it, it may despawn. |
| Memorium | Much more certain spawn, easier to find. Doesn’t despawn (or is more reliable) in this location. |
| Pilgrim’s Rest (inside shop) | There is a door mechanism you have to break to access a locked door in the shop; from there, after fast travel + resting, Rhinogrund appears inside the shop. If you missed it, there are other spawns later. |
Your game's progression (how far you are in the game or unlocking certain skills/movements) can affect whether Rhinogrund spawns/is visible.
How to beat Rhinogrunds (strategy & tips)
Defeating a Rhinogrund can be challenging, especially early or if armor and mobility upgrades are lacking. Here are detailed tips and tricks that help you overcome them.
General strategy
- Try to avoid confronting its front. The armor makes frontal hits less effective. Attacking from the back or sides yields better damage.
- Stay on your feet: high mobility, paired with jump/dodge/pogo mechanics, is often what turns the fight in your favour.
- Learn its tells: for example, when it digs in for rock fling, or when it is preparing to charge. Recognizing these lets you avoid the more punishing parts.
Step-by-step guide to one fight
Here’s a possible step-by-step tactic you might use when you face a Rhinogrund in a typical area (e.g., Far Fields or Memorium).
- Step 1: Approach carefully and observe—don’t rush in. Let the Rhinogrund perform one or two actions so you see its pattern (charge, rock fling, etc.).
- Step 2: When it charges at you, avoid or jump over, then immediately counterattack — pogo to its back if possible, or high damage tools/abilities from behind.
- Step 3: When you see it preparing a rock fling (digging in with its horn), move to the side / behind to avoid. Maintain distance temporarily until it finishes that move.
- Step 4: When it does the somersault or aerial maneuver, avoid jumping into the attack. Sometimes staying grounded is safer (so you don’t mis-time the landing). Then punish once it lands.
- Step 5: Repeat pattern, being mindful of your health, and use any tools / Silk Skills / Crests that boost damage/mobility. If possible, exploit armor weakness (rear) and avoid its strongest hits.
- Step 6: If needed, retreat temporarily to heal or reposition; the fight rewards patience as much as aggression.
Why Rhinogrund matters
- For Hunter’s Journal completion. Missing Rhinogrund spawns can block the entry unless you find the alternative ones.
- It’s a challenge that tests your mastery of movement, timing, and using your tools/skills well. It can help build up your skills for tougher enemies.
- Some spawn locations are kind of hidden or require breaking mechanisms/backtracking; finding them contributes to exploration satisfaction.
- You receive the Beast shard on defeating the Pilgrim's Rest Rinogrund.
Things players are still learning / unclear
- Exactly which Rhinogrund spawns are permanently missable (i.e. despawned forever if missed) is not fully confirmed. Some players say the Pilgrim’s Rest one can “escape” if you open the door and back out, and it might not reappear until specific conditions (fast travel + bench rest + game progression).
- Whether damage/upgrade thresholds (tools, crests, silk skills) drastically reduce difficulty or change strategies is being tested by the community. Some suggest certain crests, like Beast or Wanderer, help.
Where you might go wrong (and how to avoid common mistakes)
- Getting hit during the charge because you’re too close / don’t jump. Always give enough room.
- Trying to attack the front. It wastes time / HP. Focus on flanking or rear hits.
- Missing out on spawn conditions (not opening doors, not breaking mechanisms, forgetting to rest/fast travel) so you don’t get another chance for that journal entry.
Wrap-up: why Rhinogrund is a memorable fight
Rhinogrund isn’t the hardest boss in Silksong, but it hits a sweet spot: it’s tough enough to force you to use what you’ve got, smart positioning, and not just button-mash. It also rewards exploration and paying attention to spawn triggers. If you handle it right, you’ll feel a good sense of accomplishment—and the journal entry plus loot are worth it.
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