Hollow Knight: Silksong Finally Launches After Seven Years of Anticipation

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

On September 4, 2025, Hollow Knight: Silksong finally launched worldwide, marking the end of a seven-year wait for fans of Team Cherry’s acclaimed indie hit. The release immediately made waves across the gaming world, with demand so overwhelming that major storefronts like the Nintendo eShop, PlayStation Store, and Steam temporarily crashed under the weight of players rushing to buy the game.

---

SEE IT ON STEAM

---

---

From a Hidden Gem to a Global Sensation

When the original Hollow Knight debuted in 2017, it quietly entered the scene without much mainstream attention. At first, it didn’t even appear on Steam’s front page. But through word of mouth and strong community support, it went on to sell more than 500,000 units within its first year. By comparison, Silksong achieved that level of engagement in a single day, with half a million concurrent players on Steam shortly after release.

This explosive debut highlights just how far Team Cherry has come since their humble beginnings. What started as a niche “Metroidvania” experience has grown into one of the most anticipated indie sequels in gaming history.

---

What is Hollow Knight: Silksong?

For newcomers, Hollow Knight: Silksong is a 2D action-platformer and Metroidvania adventure. Instead of revisiting Hollow Nest, players now journey through the mysterious land of Farloom, stepping into the role of Hornet, a character previously introduced in the original game.

Gameplay initially feels familiar to fans of the first title, but Silksong expands on the formula with:

• Refined combat mechanics with greater complexity and skill expression.
• New movement abilities that allow for intricate platforming sequences.
• Challenging enemies and bosses with expanded move sets and higher difficulty.
• Customizable builds through tools and crests, which modify Hornet’s abilities, healing style, and combat options.

This time, exploration emphasizes adaptability, with players relying on builds and strategic use of tools, rather than having every ability available at once.

---

A Tougher but More Rewarding Journey

From the very start, Silksong introduces tougher enemies, with many dealing two points of damage per hit. Bosses are more aggressive, and platforming sections present early skill checks that rival some of the most difficult areas from the first game.

However, Hornet has more resources at her disposal. Tools act like powerful secondary weapons, while crests allow for different playstyles—whether focusing on attack buffs, alternative healing mechanics, or creative combat strategies. This new layer of customization ensures that no two players’ journeys feel exactly alike.

---

A World Brought to Life

Farloom itself is a striking, interconnected world, filled with:

• Diverse regions, each packed with secrets, environmental hazards, and unique enemies.
• Quests that encourage backtracking and exploration, offering objectives alongside traditional discovery.
• Increased variety in NPCs, each bringing personality and character to even brief encounters.

Visually, Team Cherry has refined their art direction even further, maintaining the series’ signature mix of charm and melancholy. Animations are more fluid, bosses are more dynamic, and the hand-drawn environments are richer than ever.

The soundtrack also stands out as a highlight. Building upon the mysterious and atmospheric score of the first game, Silksong delivers a more melodic and powerful composition, complementing the game’s expanded scope.

---

Accessibility and Progression

One change from the original is the in-game economy. Players must now carefully manage currency, as many aspects of the world—from benches to gates—require payment. Unlike the first title, where nearly all enemies dropped money, only specific ones now provide currency, while others drop shell shards used for replenishing tools. This system makes progression more deliberate and resource management more critical.

The map system has also been adjusted to give players easier access from the beginning, reducing early frustrations with navigation.

---

A Cultural Moment in Gaming

With its release, Hollow Knight: Silksong has not only cemented itself as one of the most anticipated indie games of the decade but also as a cultural milestone in modern gaming.

Whether you’re a veteran of Hollow Nest or someone entirely new to the world of Hollow Knight, Silksong offers a deep, challenging, and visually stunning journey into Farloom. Its mix of exploration, combat, and atmosphere promises to capture both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

About The Author