Hollow Knight: Silksong is the long-awaited sequel to Hollow Knight (2017) from Team Cherry. Released on September 4, 2025, it launched simultaneously on PC, consoles, and Game Pass. This review gives a clear overview of what players can expect, covering gameplay, design, and reception. All information is based on verified details and community impressions, with no speculation or spoilers.
Release And Reception
The launch of Silksong was one of the most anticipated in modern indie gaming. Demand was so high that digital storefronts temporarily struggled under the load. On release day, player numbers broke records, quickly surpassing half a million concurrent players on Steam, far more than the original Hollow Knight ever reached.
Review copies were not sent to press in advance. Team Cherry chose this to ensure fairness to Kickstarter backers and to avoid spoilers. As a result, early impressions came mainly from players themselves, who rated the game “Very Positive” to “Overwhelmingly Positive” across platforms. Praise centered on polished combat, stunning presentation, and the rich, handcrafted world.
Story Overview Without Spoilers
Silksong follows Hornet, a skilled and agile warrior, as she journeys through the mysterious kingdom of Pharloom. Unlike the fallen Hallownest of the first game, Pharloom is a place of beauty mixed with danger. Hornet is drawn deeper into its structures and mysteries, uncovering its secrets while confronting countless enemies and trials.
The story is told in the same subtle style as Hollow Knight: through atmosphere, cryptic dialogue, and environmental detail, encouraging players to piece together the lore themselves. It balances self-contained narrative threads with echoes of the broader Hollow Knight universe.
Gameplay And Mechanics
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Character And Movement
Hornet is faster and more acrobatic than the Knight. Movement feels fluid and precise, giving combat and exploration a sharper rhythm. -
Combat And Abilities
Combat focuses on quick strikes, weaving between enemies, and managing a resource called Silk. Healing, dodging, and advanced techniques rely on fast reactions. -
New Systems
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Healing is instant but limited by Silk management.
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Quests provide structure without removing exploration freedom.
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Crafting allows traps and tools to be built from collected resources.
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Death now leaves a cocoon of Silk, adding a tactical layer to recovery.
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Content Scale
Silksong is larger than its predecessor: hundreds of new enemies, dozens of bosses, and nearly double the resting points compared to Hollow Knight.
Visuals, Audio, And Atmosphere
The hand-drawn art remains striking, with environments ranging from serene beauty to eerie gloom. Every area feels alive and distinct.
The soundtrack by Christopher Larkin once again elevates the experience, blending haunting melodies with sweeping battle themes. Together with the visuals, it creates an atmosphere that feels both mysterious and emotional.
Strengths Based On Verified Features
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Agile and fluid movement makes combat dynamic and responsive.
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Rich new systems like quests and crafting expand gameplay variety.
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Large, detailed world filled with handcrafted areas.
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Atmospheric soundtrack and art direction enhance immersion.
Limitations And Considerations
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Fast-paced movement may feel overwhelming for players used to slower, methodical styles.
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Higher difficulty punishes hesitation in combat.
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Lack of early critic reviews meant initial feedback was player-driven only.
Conclusion
Hollow Knight: Silksong delivers a worthy successor to one of the most acclaimed indie games of the last decade. Its combat is sharper, its world is larger, and its systems are deeper, while still staying true to the spirit of discovery and challenge.
Team Cherry has created a sequel that respects the legacy of Hollow Knight while standing firmly as its own unique experience. For players seeking a rich metroidvania with challenge, beauty, and atmosphere, Silksong is a landmark release.
