Hollow Knight: Silksong (Video Game)

Developed by Team Cherry, Hollow Knight: Silksong is a direct sequel to the 2017 game Hollow Knight. Initially planned as an additional content pack (DLC), the project was restructured as an independent game due to the scope of its content. Announced in 2019, the project was released on 4 September 2025 after approximately six years of development.

The game’s protagonist, Hornet, escapes captivity after being captured by a group of religious cultists and transported to the distant land of Pharloom. During transit, her transport vehicle falls into a chasm following a rockslide, leaving Hornet alone in this unfamiliar kingdom. From this point onward, Hornet seeks to uncover her own past while exposing the forces threatening this new region.

Pharloom is a completely distinct region from Hallownest. The game’s narrative structure continues the classic Metroidvania formula by offering no directional guidance, instead presenting an exploration-driven progression. Hornet’s objective is to reach the “Citadel,” a structure located at the kingdom’s peak.

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The region in which Silksong takes place features a large, intricately interconnected map composed of diverse biomes. The game includes numerous original environmental designs such as moss-covered caves, coral forests, industrial facilities, smoky valleys, coastal villages, and settlements resembling jewel-filled jewelry boxes. All areas are hand-drawn in 2D visuals with seamless transitions that eliminate loading screens, enhancing the player’s immersion in the world.

The architectural and visual atmosphere draws inspiration from various art movements. Some designs reference Art Nouveau, while others evoke the fantastical aesthetics of Georges Méliès’s cinema.

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Hornet possesses a more agile and flexible structure than the series’ previous protagonist, The Knight. Although she begins with a limited movement set, she gradually acquires new abilities. These include a continuous dash similar to an infinite jump, gliding descent, climbing, wall bouncing, and specialized weapons.

Hornet’s combat style is also distinctively different. Instead of a sword, she wields a needle-like weapon, and her attack patterns have been redesigned to emphasize cross-shaped strikes. This requires players to undergo a different learning curve focused on distance control and timing.

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The game features over 200 distinct enemies and bosses, including monsters, knights, mechanical creatures, and assassins. Boss battles are distributed throughout the game and can be discovered without following a fixed sequence. Certain areas function as enclosed “arena” combat zones.

Silksong has been carefully designed in terms of difficulty. The opening hours present a high difficulty level, which may discourage some players. However, later sections reveal a more balanced progression, shifting toward a more systematic approach.

The game includes a currency called “rosary,” which the player drops at the location of their death upon dying. If the player does not return to that spot on the map, the rosaries are lost. Some reviews have noted that this “corpse run” system reduces motivation for exploration.

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Compared to Hollow Knight, the map system in Silksong is designed to be more accessible. Players initially see only specific portions of the map and gradually unlock other areas through “cartographers,” NPCs who provide map fragments. This system reduces disorientation without fully guiding exploration.

Certain areas are only accessible after acquiring specific abilities, necessitating backtracking throughout the game. The game’s expansive structure and multiple alternative pathways allow different players to follow entirely distinct routes.

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Unlike its predecessor, Silksong features an integrated quest system within its menu. Some quests involve hunting creatures, while others require locating missing characters. However, certain quests rely on repetitive tasks such as collecting specific items and have been criticized by reviewers as weak elements.

Beyond side quests, the game offers hidden boss battles, platform puzzles, and crafting systems. Additionally, a color-coded “charm” system that influences character development allows players to customize their playstyle according to their preferred approach.

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The game’s music was composed by Christopher Larkin. Known for his work on the original game, Larkin delivers an orchestral score in Silksong that adds emotional depth. Evolving thematic music tied to each discovered area supports both the atmosphere and narrative tone.

Silksong was released simultaneously on 4 September 2025 for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and Switch 2. The game was also added to the Xbox Game Pass library on its launch day.

Due to intense user demand on launch day, access issues occurred on the game’s digital storefronts. Technical glitches were observed on platforms such as Steam, Xbox Store, and PlayStation Store, demonstrating the game’s significant commercial impact.