After six long years of anticipation, endless speculation, and countless memes about whether it would ever arrive, Hollow Knight: Silksong has finally been released. The game officially launched on September 4, 2025, bringing an end to one of the most drawn-out development cycles in indie gaming history. Fans of Team Cherry’s original masterpiece can now dive into the haunting, hand-drawn world of Pharloom—and it’s every bit as enchanting, challenging, and mysterious as they hoped. Game is available on Steam, Playstation, Xbox, Nintetndo Switch and also in game pass.
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A New Chapter in the Hollow Knight Universe
Silksong takes players out of Hallownest and into Pharloom, a strange kingdom ruled by silk and song. Instead of the silent knight from the first game, players now take control of Hornet, a fierce warrior princess and one of the key figures from Hollow Knight. Captured and transported to this new world, Hornet must climb to the top of a sprawling kingdom filled with deadly creatures, ancient ruins, and beautifully tragic stories.
The story is told mostly through atmosphere and subtle dialogue, staying true to Team Cherry’s minimalist approach to narrative design. Fans of the original will recognize the studio’s signature tone: a mix of melancholy, beauty, and quiet heroism. Every area feels hand-crafted, and Pharloom’s interconnected regions—lush forests, ruined cities, shimmering caverns—offer both exploration and danger around every corner.
Gameplay and Mechanics: Familiar, Yet Fresh
At its core, Hollow Knight: Silksong remains a Metroidvania, but Team Cherry has refined almost every system. Hornet’s movement is faster and more fluid than the Knight’s. She can vault, sprint, and strike with acrobatic grace, making combat and exploration feel more dynamic. Her weapon—a needle and thread—adds new mechanics for chaining attacks, pulling herself toward enemies, or even manipulating the environment.
Unlike the first game, Silksong introduces quest tracking, upgradable tools, and a crafting system that allows players to forge new items and charms. Healing is now instantaneous but costs more resources, making battles more intense and strategic. Players can expect more than 150 new enemies, dozens of bosses, and a variety of side quests that deepen the lore of Pharloom.
In short, Silksong builds upon everything that made Hollow Knight great, while giving the experience a new rhythm—faster, more expressive, and more vertical in its level design.
Visuals and Soundtrack: A Living Work of Art
One of the most praised elements of Hollow Knight was its art direction, and Silksong takes it to a new level. The visuals are richer, with more varied color palettes and intricate animations that bring every enemy and background to life. The 2D art feels like it belongs in a gallery rather than on a screen, and every frame carries Team Cherry’s distinct, handcrafted touch.
Composer Christopher Larkin returns to deliver another unforgettable soundtrack. His music shifts seamlessly between gentle melodies and haunting, orchestral tension, perfectly matching each area’s emotional tone. Fans who loved the emotional weight of the first game’s soundtrack will find themselves once again immersed in a world that feels alive through sound alone.
Final Thoughts
The gaming community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive. Within the first 24 hours of release, Silksong reached over 300,000 concurrent players on Steam, breaking records for indie launches in 2025. Reviews highlight the smooth gameplay, atmospheric world-building, and the sense of discovery that made the first game a cult classic.
The release of Hollow Knight: Silksong marks more than just another successful indie launch—it’s a moment for gaming culture. The original Hollow Knight inspired countless developers and helped redefine what a small studio could achieve in the Metroidvania genre. Silksong continues that legacy, proving that passion-driven development and artistic integrity can still capture the hearts of millions.
Team Cherry’s small size and long development cycle have often been compared to major studios’ massive pipelines, yet Silksong stands shoulder to shoulder with AAA releases in terms of polish, scope, and emotional impact. It’s a reminder that the indie scene remains one of the most creative and innovative corners of the gaming world.
For long-time fans and newcomers alike, Hollow Knight: Silksong delivers an unforgettable experience. It’s challenging, beautiful, and full of secrets waiting to be uncovered. Whether you’re drawn to its fluid combat, mysterious lore, or stunning hand-drawn art, Silksong is a game that deserves every bit of the hype it has built over the years.
With its release, the wait is finally over—and the world of Hollow Knight feels alive again.