How to Beat Pyramid Head (Boss Guide)

Pyramid Head is basically 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 Jacob’s repressed guilt and self-punishment. His grotesque appearance and sadistic actions are a reflection of Jacob’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 the boss battle the conventional way. It is more symbolic that Jacob does not have to let the weight of the pyramid head crush him, not that he has to kill what the pyramid head represents. Even if Pyramid Head’s actions become more symbolic and ritualistic as the game progresses, beating him remains the same the entire time.

How to avoid and defeat the Pyramid Head in Silent Hill 2 Remake

The best way to win a fight is not to fight at all

Confronting pyramid head in the Silent Hill 2 Remake is a test of endurance, not about beating it in a fight. You can’t kill Pyramid Head outright, 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 every encounter. Pyramid Head’s massive sword has more reach than you might expect, so avoid close-quarters combat at all costs.

Use your surroundings 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 avoid his swings. Always dodge back for horizontal swings, sideways for overhead attacks, and dodge right to avoid being caught.

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

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 short and serves as an introduction to the enemy, appearing after you unlock room 201. You can see that in the video of CDG Above. The second encounter, at Blue Creek Apartments, is your first real boss fight. You must survive a timed battle against him, avoiding his attacks and dodging his powerful blade. He later reappears in Brookhaven Hospital (Underworld), wielding a spear this time, forcing her to flee.

The next time you see him, he’s blocking your way into the labyrinth, forcing a tense encounter before disappearing again. The final encounter with Pyramid Head occurs at the Lakeview Hotel (Otherworld). This time, you face two pyramid heads with spears, which requires strategic maneuvering and quick dodging. The encounters are not about killing Pyramid Head but surviving against it. 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

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

While cages and boxes can be destroyed, they can buy precious seconds to reposition or land a few shots. Finally, be mindful of his weapon changes. While the large knife has significant reach, the spear lets him use powerful thrusts and sweeping attacks, requiring even more careful dodging. Remember, you can’t 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 it Silent Hill 2 Remake boss battle.

credit: CDG/YouTube