Silent Hill 2 Remake: How To Beat Pyramid Head (Boss Guide)

Pyramid Head is essentially the psychological torment and inner demons of the protagonist, James Sunderland, in the Silent Hill 2 Remake. He is a towering figure clad in a brutalist, pyramid-shaped helmet, a rusty executioner's mask that obscures his face and represents James's repressed guilt and self-punishment. His grotesque appearance and sadistic acts are a reflection of James's guilt over his wife's death and the dark secrets he harbors. He is armed with a massive, oversized sword and terrorizes James throughout the game.

Pyramid Head seems impossible to kill because he is a real bullet sponge. However, if you're having issues, it's likely because you're trying to beat this boss battle the conventional way. It's more symbolic that James needs not let the weight of Pyramid Head crush him, not that he needs to kill what Pyramid Head represents. Even though Pyramid Head's actions become more symbolic and ritualistic as the game progresses, beating him remains the same the whole time.

How To Avoid & Defeat The Pyramid Head In Silent Hill 2 Remake

The Best Way To Win A Fight Is Not To Fight At All

Credit: CDG

Confronting Pyramid Head in the Silent Hill 2 Remake is a test of endurance, not about beating it in a fight. You can't outright kill Pyramid Head, but you can significantly shorten the encounter by strategically engaging him. However, your best bet is not to waste any health or ammo by doing this unless you absolutely have to. Staying mobile and keeping your distance is the key to beating each encounter. Pyramid Head's massive sword has a longer reach than you might expect, so avoid close-quarters combat at all costs.

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Use your environment to your advantage by running in circles to avoid his attacks. Keep an eye on his movements, listen for the scraping of his sword against the ground, and dodge his swings. Always dodge backward for horizontal swings, sideways for overhead attacks, and dodge right to avoid his grab.

Just keep dodging and running. Don't try shooting because, while it could make the boss shorter, it's ultimately just a waste of bullets.

While you can't destroy the cages and boxes, use them to create temporary distance. The fight ends when a fog siren sounds, which is something we love about the game, as Pyramid Head will just turn to leave. Remember, your goal is to survive every encounter, not to defeat him.

Pyramid Head Encounters

Pyramid Head makes several appearances in the Silent Hill 2 Remake, with each encounter increasing the difficulty. Your first encounter in Woodside Apartments is brief and serves as an introduction to the enemy, appearing after you unlock room 201. You can see that in the video from CDG above. The second encounter, within Blue Creek Apartments, is your first true boss fight. You must survive a timed battle against him, avoiding his attacks and dodging his powerful blade. He reappears later in Brookhaven Hospital (Otherworld), wielding a spear this time, forcing you to flee.

The next time you see him, he is blocking your path in the Labyrinth, forcing a tense encounter before disappearing again. The final encounter with Pyramid Head occurs in the Lakeview Hotel (Otherworld). This time, you face two Pyramid Heads wielding spears, necessitating strategic maneuvering and quick dodging. These encounters are not about killing Pyramid Head but surviving against him. Each time, you just need to rely on your avoidance skills while waiting about five minutes before it's over.

Tips For Surviving Pyramid Head In Silent Hill 2 Remake

The Best Offense Is An Even Better Defense

Credit: CDG

Surviving encounters with Pyramid Head in the Silent Hill 2 Remake requires a blend of strategic maneuvering, weapon management, and understanding his attack patterns. Firstly, prioritize dodging. Pyramid Head's attacks are powerful and unavoidable without precise timing, so practice your dodges to the side (overhead attack), backward (horizontal attack), or to the right (a grab), depending on his attack. Also, maintain distance whenever possible, as Pyramid Head primarily relies on melee attacks. Kiting him around the environment is crucial for staying out of his reach.

While cages and boxes can be destroyed, they can buy you precious seconds to reposition or land a few shots. Lastly, be mindful of his weapon changes. While the Great Knife has significant reach, the Spear lets him use powerful thrusting and sweeping attacks, demanding even more careful dodging. Remember, you cannot kill Pyramid Head, but surviving for a set duration will trigger the end of the encounter; just keep an ear out for the siren that signals the end of this Silent Hill 2 remake boss battle.

Credit: CDG/YouTube