Hollow Knight: Silksong is one of the most anticipated video game sequels in recent years, following the massive success of the original Hollow Knight.
As fans eagerly await its release, here’s everything you need to know about this upcoming Metroidvania masterpiece.
What is Hollow Knight: Silksong?
Hollow Knight: Silksong is the highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed 2017 game Hollow Knight, developed and published by Australian independent studio Team Cherry.
Originally planned as downloadable content for the original game, Silksong grew in scope to become a full standalone sequel.
The game was officially announced on February 14, 2019, and is set to release on September 4, 2025, for multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Who is the Main Character in Silksong?
Unlike the original Hollow Knight where players controlled the Knight, Silksong features Hornet as the playable character.
Hornet, known as the former Princess of Hallownest, was a prominent supporting character and boss in the original game.
In Silksong, players will experience Hornet’s story as she is captured and transported to the mysterious new land of Pharloom, where she must battle foes and solve mysteries on a deadly pilgrimage to the kingdom’s peak.
What is the Story of Hollow Knight: Silksong?
The story of Hollow Knight: Silksong follows Hornet after she is captured and brought to the unfamiliar world of Pharloom.
Players must guide Hornet as she ascends through this new kingdom, navigating a vast, interconnected world filled with unique enemies, challenging bosses, and intricate environments.
The narrative expands on the lore established in Hollow Knight while introducing new characters, locations, and mysteries for players to uncover as they progress through Hornet’s journey.
When is Hollow Knight: Silksong Release Date?
Hollow Knight: Silksong is scheduled to release on September 4, 2025.
The game will launch simultaneously worldwide at 7 AM PT (10 AM ET, 4 PM CEST, 11 PM JST). After years of development and anticipation, Team Cherry has confirmed this release date, with the game priced at $20 across all platforms.
Additionally, Nintendo Switch owners will receive a free upgrade to the Nintendo Switch 2 version when it becomes available.
What Platforms Will Silksong Be Available On?
Hollow Knight: Silksong will be available on a wide range of platforms, ensuring accessibility for players across different gaming systems. The confirmed platforms include:
- Windows PC
- macOS
- Linux
- Nintendo Switch
- Nintendo Switch 2
- PlayStation 4
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox One
- Xbox Series X/S
The PlayStation ports are being handled by Shark Jump, while Team Cherry is developing the primary versions for PC and Nintendo platforms.
How Does Silksong Gameplay Differ from Hollow Knight?
While Silksong maintains the core Metroidvania gameplay that made Hollow Knight a success, it introduces several new mechanics and improvements tailored to Hornet’s character. Key gameplay differences include:
- Agile Combat: Hornet is faster and more acrobatic than the Knight, with unique moves and abilities that emphasize speed and precision
- Needle-Based Combat: Hornet wields a needle and silk as her primary weapons, offering different combat dynamics
- New Movement System: Enhanced mobility options that take advantage of Hornet’s agility
- Quest System: A structured quest system that guides exploration and provides clear objectives
- Silk Mechanic: A new resource called Silk serves as a counterpart to the original game’s SOUL system
- Crests System: Equipment slots that can be modified using Crests, changing available tools and abilities
What New Features Does Silksong Introduce?
Hollow Knight: Silksong introduces numerous new features that expand upon the original game’s foundation:
- Over 150 New Enemies: A completely new roster of foes including beasts, hunters, assassins, kings, monsters, and knights
- New Boss Encounters: Challenging boss battles unique to Pharloom
- Tools and Crafting: An expanded arsenal of weapons, traps, and mechanisms that can be crafted and upgraded
- Bell Beast Fast Travel: A new form of fast transportation similar to The Last Stag from the original game
- Rosaries Currency: A new form of currency called Rosaries for purchasing items and services
- Shell Shards: Resources used to repair and replenish abilities
- Silk Soul Mode: A challenging new game mode for players who complete the main game
What is the Silk Mechanic in Silksong?
The Silk mechanic is one of Silksong’s core new systems, serving as a counterpart to the SOUL system from Hollow Knight.
Silk is a resource that Hornet can use for various abilities and attacks. Players can collect Silk by defeating enemies and finding it throughout the environment.
This resource powers Hornet’s special abilities, including silk-based attacks, healing, and traversal moves.
The Silk system is designed to encourage aggressive play while maintaining the strategic depth that Hollow Knight fans expect.
What Are the New Areas in Silksong?
Silksong takes place in the kingdom of Pharloom, a completely new setting distinct from Hallownest. The game features diverse environments for players to explore, including:
- Coral Forests: Vibrant, organic areas filled with plant life and marine-inspired creatures
- Mossy Grottos: Underground caverns covered in lush vegetation
- Gilded Cities: Opulent urban environments with golden architecture
- Misted Moors: Foggy, atmospheric landscapes with limited visibility
- The Shining Citadel: The ultimate destination at the top of the world, serving as the game’s final area
Each area is designed to be interconnected, maintaining the Metroidvania tradition of seamless exploration and backtracking with new abilities.
Who is Developing Hollow Knight: Silksong?
Hollow Knight: Silksong is being developed by Team Cherry, the Australian independent studio behind the original Hollow Knight. The core development team consists of:
- Ari Gibson: Designer and Artist
- William Pellen: Designer and Programmer
- Jack Vine: Programmer
- Christopher Larkin: Composer (returning from the original game)
Team Cherry maintains their commitment to hand-crafted content, with every aspect of Silksong being carefully designed to deliver the quality and attention to detail that made Hollow Knight a beloved indie game.
What is the Music Like in Silksong?
Christopher Larkin, the award-winning composer from Hollow Knight, returns to create the musical score for Silksong. The soundtrack features:
- Melancholy Melodies: Emotional themes that capture the game’s atmosphere
- Symphonic Strings: Orchestral arrangements that enhance the epic scale
- Heart-Thumping Boss Themes: Intense musical pieces that accompany major battles
- Soul-Strumming Compositions: Music that resonates with players emotionally
The soundtrack is designed to complement the game’s visuals and gameplay, creating an immersive audio experience that matches the high standards set by the original Hollow Knight.
Why Did Silksong Take So Long to Develop?
The development of Hollow Knight: Silksong has taken several years due to several factors:
- Scope Expansion: The project grew from DLC to a full standalone game
- Quality Standards: Team Cherry’s commitment to maintaining the high quality of the original
- Small Team Size: As an independent studio, Team Cherry has limited resources
- Perfectionism: The developers’ desire to polish every aspect of the game
- New Engine Work: Adapting and improving the game engine for new features
Team Cherry has stated that the game wasn’t stuck in development hell but rather required the time necessary to meet their quality standards and deliver the experience fans expect.
Is Silksong Connected to Hollow Knight Lore?
Yes, Silksong is directly connected to the lore of Hollow Knight, serving as a continuation of the story. The game features Hornet, who was a central character in the original game’s narrative.
While Silksong takes place in a new kingdom (Pharloom), it expands upon the established lore and may reveal connections between Hallownest and this new world.
Players who have completed Hollow Knight will appreciate the deeper understanding of Hornet’s character and her place in the broader narrative, though Silksong is designed to be accessible to new players as well.
What is Silk Soul Mode in Silksong?
Silk Soul Mode is a new game mode in Hollow Knight: Silksong that becomes available after players complete the main game.
Similar to Steel Soul Mode in Hollow Knight, Silk Soul Mode offers a unique, challenging experience that spins the game into a more difficult version.
While specific details about Silk Soul Mode haven’t been fully revealed, it’s expected to feature permadeath or similar high-stakes mechanics that will test the skills of even the most experienced players, providing additional replay value for those seeking the ultimate challenge.
Will Silksong Have DLC Content?
While Team Cherry hasn’t officially announced any DLC plans for Silksong, the original Hollow Knight received multiple free DLC expansions that added significant content.
Given the studio’s history and the success of the original game’s DLC model, it’s possible that Silksong could receive post-launch content updates.
However, any potential DLC would likely be announced after the game’s initial release, allowing the development team to focus on delivering the best possible base game experience first.
How Much Will Hollow Knight: Silksong Cost?
Hollow Knight: Silksong will be priced at $20 USD at launch across all platforms. This pricing follows Team Cherry’s commitment to providing excellent value, as the original Hollow Knight was also priced affordably despite offering dozens of hours of content.
The $20 price point makes Silksong accessible to a wide audience while reflecting the quality and scope of the game as a full standalone sequel rather than a smaller expansion.
Can You Play Silksong Without Playing Hollow Knight?
Yes, Hollow Knight: Silksong is designed to be accessible to players who haven’t experienced the original Hollow Knight.
While having played the first game will enhance your appreciation of certain characters, lore elements, and references, Silksong tells a complete story that can be enjoyed independently.
The game introduces new players to its world and mechanics gradually, ensuring that everyone can enjoy Hornet’s adventure regardless of their familiarity with the original Hollow Knight.
Last modified: September 6, 2025
