9.2/10
Few indie games have reached the legendary status that Hollow Knight achieved back in 2017. With its haunting world, masterful combat, and emotional storytelling, it built a passionate fanbase eagerly awaiting the next chapter. After years of silence, speculation, and a level of hype few indie titles have ever experienced, Hollow Knight: Silksong finally arrived in September 2025 — and immediately took the gaming world by storm.
Developed by the Australian studio Team Cherry, Silksong follows the journey of Hornet — a character beloved from the original game — as she travels to a new kingdom known as Pharloom. This sequel takes the fluidity and challenge of Hollow Knight and evolves nearly every aspect of its design. Larger environments, faster movement, expanded combat, and deep lore combine to create a world that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Hallownest or completely new to this beautifully macabre universe, Silksong aims to deliver an unforgettable adventure filled with skill-based challenges, secrets, and atmospheric storytelling.
Hollow Knight: Silksong – Official Release Trailer
What is Hollow Knight: Silksong About?
Hollow Knight: Silksong is a 2D action-adventure Metroidvania game where players take control of Hornet as she explores the mysterious kingdom of Pharloom. Captured and brought far from home, she must climb from its underground depths to a towering citadel, uncovering the origins of a strange affliction spreading across the land.
The game emphasizes exploration and discovery, allowing players to uncover story elements through environmental detail, character dialogues, and the world’s history. Instead of explicit exposition, players form their own understanding of Pharloom’s past and Hornet’s role within it. New characters, factions, and bizarre creatures further flesh out this new world, giving it its own unique identity beyond Hallownest.
Popularity & Fan Expectations
This sequel became one of the most anticipated indie games of all time. For years, every gaming showcase sparked hopeful whispers and memes as fans awaited any tiny update. Its announcement alone led to millions of wishlist adds and community speculation on lore, gameplay, and release predictions.
Even before launch, Silksong broke records:
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Most wishlisted game on Steam in 2025
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Over 5 million players within its first three days post-release
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Crashed digital storefronts due to demand
The excitement surrounding Silksong didn’t just stem from fandom — it represented a rare moment where the entire gaming community watched a small studio rise into global stardom.
Why Should You Play Hollow Knight: Silksong?
Silksong isn’t just more of the same — it’s an ambitious reinvention built with enormous care and artistry. Players should consider exploring Pharloom because:
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It blends tight platforming, fast-paced combat, and satisfying progression
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Every region is layered with personality, mystery, and handcrafted beauty
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Hornet’s agility creates a bold new style of traversal and combat
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Atmospheric music and sound design build tension and emotional connection
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The difficulty challenges players while rewarding mastery
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There is constant exploration value with secrets packed into every corner
For anyone who loves rich worlds, demanding gameplay, and meticulously crafted art, Silksong offers a uniquely memorable journey start to finish.
Is Hollow Knight: Silksong Worth Playing?
Absolutely — especially if you appreciate handcrafted adventure games. Critics and players alike have highlighted how Silksong manages to refine and expand the formula established by Hollow Knight without compromising what made the original so beloved. The challenge can be intense, but players who embrace its difficulty will find a fulfilling and emotional experience.
This is the kind of title that rewards curiosity, experimentation, and perseverance. Even after finishing the story, players often return to uncover hidden routes, side quests, and combat trials that push their skills further. The value for the price is exceptional, and the replayability high.
Gameplay Overview
Like its predecessor, Silksong emphasizes precision, player skill, and fluid movement. With Hornet’s faster, more acrobatic style, players gain new tools to overcome enemies and platforming challenges.
Key gameplay elements include:
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Dynamic needle-based combat with fast slashes, lunges, and aerial attacks
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Silk, a rechargeable resource for instant healing and special abilities
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Crests that change stats and playstyle, allowing builds tailored to preference
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Tools, a new equipment system that adds offensive and supportive utility
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Wishes, the game’s quest structure encouraging world interaction and storytelling
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Challenging bosses with clever patterns and high agility requirements
The game’s design encourages exploration and flexible problem-solving — every unlocked movement upgrade opens new possibilities across Pharloom.
Production & Development
Silksong began as DLC for Hollow Knight, but Team Cherry quickly found the concept expanding far beyond add-on content. They transformed it into a full sequel with a new protagonist, new kingdom, and a dramatically larger world.
The small size of the studio meant development took years, but this allowed them to refine every animation, background, encounter, and piece of music. The team focused on quality, ensuring Silksong delivered a polished and deep experience upon release. Their commitment was widely praised as a rare example of patience paying off in game design.
Reception
Upon release, Hollow Knight: Silksong earned widespread critical acclaim. Reviewers praised its artistic detail, soundtrack, rewarding exploration, and emotional story. It has already been compared to some of the greatest Metroidvania titles in history.
Highlights from critics and audiences:
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Celebrated for stunning hand-drawn environments and world atmosphere
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Commended for deeper enemy variety and smart evolution of original mechanics
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Applauded for Hornet’s speed, personality, and expanded role
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Debate exists around difficulty: challenging but highly rewarding
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Rapid speedrunning community growth adds replay depth
Its performance on launch was remarkable — selling millions of copies and dominating streaming and social rankings.
Hollow Knight: Silksong FAQ
Do I need to play the first game before Silksong?
It’s recommended for lore appreciation, but not required. The story is built to stand on its own.
What platforms is Silksong available on?
Nintendo Switch & Switch 2, PC, macOS, Linux, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S.
Is the game harder than Hollow Knight?
Yes — Hornet’s abilities are stronger, so enemies and bosses are more aggressive to match her skill level.
Does the game have multiple endings?
Yes, with different outcomes depending on how thoroughly players explore and complete objectives.
Is Silksong still a Metroidvania style game?
Very much so — it continues the genre legacy with even greater vertical emphasis and complex navigation.
Conclusion
Hollow Knight: Silksong has proven itself to be one of the most impressive indie sequels ever created. Team Cherry has crafted a world filled with melancholy beauty, danger, and personality — a land where every path feels like an invitation to uncover something extraordinary. It respects the legacy of Hollow Knight while confidently establishing its own tone and identity.
Whether you are here for the fierce boss battles, the subtle storytelling, or the thrill of mastering new abilities, Silksong gives players a complete and emotionally resonant experience. It is challenging, captivating, and endlessly atmospheric — the kind of adventure that stays with you long after the final encounter.
For fans of demanding exploration-driven games or anyone seeking a beautifully crafted dark fantasy journey, Hollow Knight: Silksong is absolutely worth your time.
If you’re ready for a test of skill set within a haunting new kingdom, Pharloom is waiting.
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