Is Hollow Knight: Silksong the Most Anticipated Game of the Year?

The sequel to Hollow Knight, titled Silksong, has been highly anticipated since its announcement. Now that it has been released, it appears to live up to the expectations set by its predecessor, providing a rich tapestry of gameplay mechanics, stunning visuals, and a challenging experience that fans have come to love.

Last updated: 04 September 2025 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Silksong offers a fresh take on the Metroidvania genre with new mechanics and a familiar yet distinct world.
• The game retains the challenging boss fights and exploration elements that made Hollow Knight popular.
• Players control Hornet, whose abilities enhance both combat and traversal, creating a dynamic gameplay experience.
• The art style and music continue to reflect the haunting atmosphere of the original game, with significant polish.
• Difficulty spikes may frustrate some players, but the sense of achievement is rewarding for those who persevere.

The Journey from Concept to Release

Hollow Knight, released in 2017, quickly became a sensation within the indie gaming community, selling over 15 million copies. The announcement of Silksong in 2019 generated a wave of excitement that has only intensified over the years. Fans engaged in “silkposting” and meme culture, creating a vibrant community eager for any updates on the game’s development.

Team Cherry, the developer behind both titles, has taken an unconventional approach to game production. In contrast to the typical industry crunch culture, they emphasised creativity and enjoyment throughout Silksong’s six-year development period. Co-founder Ari Gibson stated, “We’ve been having fun. This whole thing is just a vehicle for our creativity anyway.” This philosophy has translated into a polished gaming experience that reflects the developers' passion and commitment.

Exploring the World of Silksong

In Silksong, players take on the role of Hornet, a character who, despite being a spider, navigates a world filled with insects. The vibrant environments are meticulously crafted, featuring intricate parallax layers and dynamic backgrounds that enhance the game's aesthetic appeal. As in Hollow Knight, the art style is strikingly melancholic and atmospheric, inviting players to explore its depths.

The game’s setting, once again, is a sprawling interconnected world that encourages exploration. Unlike traditional Metroidvanias that rely on a linear progression of abilities, Silksong's design allows players to discover new skills organically. This approach keeps the gameplay fresh and encourages players to experiment with their newfound abilities.

Combat and Skills: A New Dimension

Silksong retains the challenging combat mechanics beloved by fans of Hollow Knight while introducing new elements that differentiate it. The game features a variety of skill sets that Hornet can learn, including a dash ability that enhances both combat and traversal. This dash allows players to navigate the environment and avoid enemy attacks with greater agility.

Combat remains intense, with a focus on learning enemy patterns and responses. Boss battles are particularly noteworthy, echoing the Soulsborne influences that characterised the first game. Players must memorise attack patterns and learn to counter efficiently, with each victory feeling hard-earned and satisfying.

New Mechanics and Gameplay Features

One of the standout features of Silksong is its exploration mechanics. Players can choose from multiple paths, reducing the frustration of getting stuck on a single boss. This non-linear approach to progression allows for a more fluid gaming experience. If players encounter a particularly difficult challenge, they can redirect their efforts to explore other areas and unlock new skills or items that may assist in their quest.

Another significant change is Hornet's ability to heal using collected materials, making resource management a tactical aspect of combat. Players must decide when to heal and when to attack, adding layers of strategy to encounters. This decision-making process enhances the overall gameplay experience and contributes to the sense of challenge and accomplishment.

The Challenge of Silksong

Despite its many strengths, Silksong is not without its challenges. The game’s difficulty is a double-edged sword; while it offers a rewarding sense of achievement, it can also lead to frustration. The demanding boss fights and platforming sequences may deter casual gamers, especially those with limited time to invest in a game.

Team Cherry has acknowledged the game's difficulty, as evidenced by a patch that toned down two particularly punishing early bosses. This responsiveness to player feedback demonstrates the developers' commitment to balancing challenge and accessibility, though opinions may still vary among players about what constitutes fair difficulty.

The Heart of the Game: Art and Atmosphere

Silksong excels in creating an immersive atmosphere through its art and sound design. The haunting score complements the visual style, enhancing the emotional weight of the player’s journey. Each area is distinct, filled with unique characters and lore, contributing to a rich narrative experience.

The meticulous design extends beyond the visuals, as even the smallest details—such as the cartographer’s song while waiting to sell maps—add layers of depth that resonate with players. This attention to detail reflects Team Cherry's dedication to crafting a world that feels alive and engaging.

What Lies Ahead for Silksong

As Silksong continues to garner attention, it is clear that the game has made a significant impact on the indie gaming landscape. Its blend of challenging gameplay, stunning visuals, and an engaging world has captivated both fans of Hollow Knight and newcomers alike. The question remains: how will Team Cherry build on this success in future projects?

For now, players can immerse themselves in the world of Silksong, navigating its challenges and uncovering its secrets. The game promises to be a rewarding experience for those who seek to conquer its trials, embodying the spirit of a true Metroidvania adventure.

FAQs

What platforms is Hollow Knight: Silksong available on?

Silksong is available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. There are also plans for its release on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

How much does Hollow Knight: Silksong cost?

The game is priced at £15.99, offering a competitive rate for the quality of gameplay and content provided.

Is Silksong harder than Hollow Knight?

Many players find Silksong to be slightly more challenging than its predecessor. It features difficult bosses and demanding platforming sequences that may require patience and practice to master.

Can I play Silksong without having played Hollow Knight?

Yes, Silksong stands alone as a separate title, and new players can enjoy it without prior knowledge of Hollow Knight. However, familiarity with the first game may enhance the experience.

Are there any microtransactions in Silksong?

Currently, there are no microtransactions in Silksong. The game is a premium title, meaning players pay a one-time fee for the full experience.

Conclusion

Silksong has indeed lived up to the hype, providing a captivating, challenging, and beautifully crafted gaming experience. Whether players are returning fans of Hollow Knight or newcomers to the series, there is much to explore and enjoy in this intricate world. The balance of challenge and reward keeps players engaged, making Silksong a must-play title in the indie game sphere. Will you take on the challenge and delve into Hornet's journey? #HollowKnight #Silksong #IndieGames