Released on September 4, 2025, for $19.99, Hollow Knight: Silksong is the highly anticipated sequel to the 2017 indie masterpiece by Team Cherry. Transitioning from the subterranean ruins of Hallownest to the sprawling, haunted kingdom of Pharloom, this sequel places players in the role of Hornet, the lethal protector-princess who must navigate a “gloomy dream” of a world. With its stunning hand-drawn art and uncompromising difficulty, Silksong has established itself as an essential experience for fans of the Metroidvania genre, offering a blend of precision combat and deep environmental storytelling.
Introduction to the Game
Developed and published by the small Australian team at Team Cherry, Hollow Knight: Silksong was built to expand upon every facet of its predecessor. While it retains the core 2D action-adventure DNA, the game is significantly more expansive, featuring a larger world and a more agile protagonist. The game is available on a wide variety of platforms, including PC (Windows, Linux, and macOS), Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4/5, and Xbox Series S/X. Furthermore, it is Steam Deck Verified, making it a perfect fit for portable gaming enthusiasts who want to explore Pharloom on the go.
Story and Setting
The narrative shift in Silksong is palpable from the opening moments. Players find themselves in Pharloom, a kingdom defined by its tragic history and a literal sense of verticality. Unlike the Knight from the first game, Hornet is a vocal protagonist, described as an empathetic survivor whose dialogue adds a new layer of characterization to her interactions with the world’s inhabitants.
The setting itself is a “haunted clockwork world” that rewards observation. The architecture and environment tell a story of decay; for instance, a pristine dining room in the upper levels of a golden citadel might hide a kitchen caked in dust, while secret chambers below hold the remains of forgotten figures like a centipede pontiff. From the shimmering citadels of the elite to the maggot-infested, stagnant pools of Bilewater, the world is intricately interconnected, allowing players to trace the path of rot that has consumed the kingdom.
Gameplay Mechanics
The Combat System
Playing as Hornet fundamentally changes the rhythm of combat. Her movement is characterized by a “delicate dance” of skipping and dodging that becomes increasingly complex as the player progresses. While early gameplay involves basic strikes, players eventually unlock a diverse Arsenal of tools. By the later stages of the game, Hornet can deploy spike traps and fire silk missiles, bouncing between enemies like a pinball. This mastery allows players to eventually turn the tables on bosses, using unpredictable attacks that make them feel as powerful as the threats they face.
Exploration and Navigation
Exploration in Silksong is a “Sisyphean exercise” that requires patience and precision. The world is filled with obstacle courses of blades and spikes that demand perfect timing. Pharloom is designed to be a massive, interconnected maze where lifting a single rock can lead to an entirely new zone or a hidden boss. Shortcuts and secret areas are essential for survival, providing necessary context for the horrors encountered throughout the larger map.
The Price of Progress
Silksong is unapologetically difficult, often compared to a “blood oath” that requires total commitment from the player. A defining mechanic is the system of benches, which serve as checkpoints; unlike the first game, some of these benches must be paid for, highlighting the disparity and bleakness of the world. This “commitment to cruelty” is further emphasized by the fact that nearly every enemy and environmental trap can rapidly deplete a player’s health bar with just a few mistakes.
Characters and World
The inhabitants of Pharloom are a “wide cast of weirdos” that provide much-needed warmth in an otherwise hostile environment. Among the many bugs Hornet encounters are nomadic fleas with French mustaches, a bartender beetle, and a ladybug carny who charges for target practice. One of the most beloved characters is Sherma, a gentle bug who sings a calming lullaby that offers a rare moment of peace amidst the despair. These interactions are vital, as they temper the game’s overwhelming difficulty and make the player eager to help rebuild small towns and assist those in need.
Game Length and Content
For those looking for a substantial experience, Silksong delivers a massive amount of content. An average playthrough typically lasts around 24 to 25 hours, though seeing “every inch” of the kingdom can take considerably longer. The game features 36 achievements, challenging players to reach 100% completion, find all Mask Shards, and even complete the game in under five hours for the “Speedrunner” accolade. This depth ensures that players will be occupied with the mysteries of Pharloom for a significant amount of time.
What Makes the Game Unique
What sets Silksong apart is its “diabolical commitment” to its vision. It is a game of precision and imagination that refuses to loosen its grip, even when compared to other difficult titles like Elden Ring. The balance between brutal punishment and breathtaking beauty creates a cycle where the player is constantly “dazzled” by the world even after being “beaten and burned” by its challenges. The sheer level of detail—from the way bosses behave like dancers to the specific sounds of the environment—makes it a unique entry in the Metroidvania genre.
Conclusion
Hollow Knight: Silksong is a phenomenal achievement that exceeds the high expectations set by its predecessor. While its ruthless difficulty might be abrasive for some, those who persevere will find a world glowing with imagination and technical precision. It is a game that fully consumes the player, inviting them to endure its most jagged edges just to see what lies around the next corner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours will Silksong have?
On average, a standard playthrough of Hollow Knight: Silksong takes approximately 24 to 25 hours. However, the game is incredibly dense, and players aiming for 100% completion or hunting down all 36 achievements can expect to spend significantly more time exploring the various zones and secrets of Pharloom.
Is Silksong too hard?
Silksong is designed to be an unrelenting and challenging experience, often described as a “Sisyphean exercise”. The game features a “commitment to cruelty,” where checkpoints (benches) often require payment and enemies can punish even minor mistakes very harshly. While it is fair in its precision, it does not offer traditional options to tone down the difficulty, requiring players to master Hornet’s agile combat style to succeed.
Can I preorder Silksong?
The game was released on September 4, 2025. Since the game is already available for purchase across multiple platforms—including Steam, GOG, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch—the pre-order period has ended. You can now purchase it directly from your preferred digital storefront for $19.99.
