Introduction: A Sequel Worth the Wait
Remember that moment when you finished Hollow Knight and felt both satisfied and strangely empty? That game hit differently. And ever since Silksong was announced, fans have been practically vibrating with anticipation. Now it’s here. And oh boy, it’s everything we hoped for – and more.
If you’re wondering whether Hollow Knight: Silksong lives up to the hype, the short answer is absolutely. The long answer? Well, buckle up, because we’re diving deep into the gameplay, lore, world, and what makes this sequel a true evolution. BUY THIS GAME
Who is Hornet? – A New Hero Takes the Spotlight
In Silksong, you don’t play as the silent Knight anymore. This time, you’re Hornet – a fierce, acrobatic warrior princess with a voice and a personality. If you thought the Knight was agile, wait till you see what Hornet can do.
She’s faster, more vertical, and has an actual narrative arc that unfolds as you explore the hauntingly beautiful land of Pharloom.
Gameplay Overview – Fast, Fluid, and Fierce
One word: momentum.
Hornet isn’t just a reskin of the Knight. Her gameplay is built from the ground up to be fluid, responsive, and deeply satisfying.
Movement and Combat
Hornet feels like a mix between Spider-Man and a ballerina with a needle-sword. Dash, vault, pounce – the movement is buttery smooth, and once you get the hang of her mechanics, you’ll be gliding across arenas like silk in the wind.
Combat? It’s faster. Hornet’s needle has longer reach, and she uses tools and traps instead of spells. She’s aggressive, and the game wants you to play like it.
Healing and Resource Management
Hornet doesn’t use soul – she uses Silk. Healing is faster but limited, and you need to earn silk through combat and exploration. This changes the dynamic significantly, making fights feel riskier but more tactical.
The New Kingdom of Pharloom – A World Beyond Hallownest
Say goodbye to the fungal wastes and hello to Pharloom, a sprawling, mysterious realm crawling with danger and wonder.
Visual and Artistic Upgrades
Team Cherry has outdone themselves. The environments are lush, moody, and full of tiny, delightful details. Every inch of Pharloom tells a story, often without a single word.
Biomes and Diversity
From towering citadels to molten caverns and ghostly gardens, Pharloom feels more varied and organic than Hallownest ever did.
Notable Locations You’ll Explore
-
Moss Grotto – A dense, overgrown jungle crawling with life.
-
Boneforest – A haunting maze of skeletal remains.
-
Coral Spires – Think crystal caverns but even prettier.
-
The Citadel – A city in the sky, hiding dark secrets.
Enemies and Bosses – A Fresh Challenge at Every Turn
Get ready to die. A lot.
Enemy AI and Behavior
Enemies now adapt. They respond dynamically to your tactics. No more button-mashing – you’ll need to learn patterns and outsmart them.
Boss Design Philosophy
Each boss is a test of skill and creativity. They’re multi-phase, high-speed, and feel like intense duels. Some even talk, adding more emotional weight to the fights.
Crafting and Tools – Expanding the Metroidvania Formula
Instead of charms, Hornet crafts tools. Think traps, bombs, grappling hooks – all tailored to your playstyle. This adds a fresh layer of customization and opens new paths through the world.
Quest System Overhaul – Deeper Narrative Integration
Side Quests and World-Building
NPCs now give actual quest logs with branching outcomes. Helping them changes the world, often in surprising ways.
Main Story Arcs and Player Choice
The main story is still mysterious, but now it gives you choices that can shape Hornet’s journey. Expect moral gray zones and unexpected consequences.
Music and Sound Design – An Emotional Symphony
Christopher Larkin returns, and his soundtrack is once again sublime. From quiet, haunting tunes in the ruins to epic battle themes, the music enhances every emotion.
Difficulty Curve – Fair but Brutal
Silksong is hard – maybe harder than the original. But it’s also fair. Every death teaches something. Every boss defeat feels like a triumph earned with blood and patience.
Release Platforms & Availability
As of launch, Silksong is available on:
-
PC (Steam, GOG)
-
Nintendo Switch
-
Xbox Series X/S
-
PlayStation 5
-
Xbox Game Pass (Day One)
Cross-platform saves aren’t in yet, but fingers crossed for future updates.
Why Silksong Took So Long – The Development Journey
Team Cherry’s Perfectionism
Team Cherry could’ve released a DLC. Instead, they made a full-blown sequel. Every system has been rebuilt and refined. That takes time – and it shows.
Fan Expectations and Pressure
The hype was astronomical. But rather than crumble under it, Team Cherry used it as fuel, constantly refining until it felt just right.
Silksong vs Hollow Knight – What’s New and What’s Familiar?
Game Mechanics Comparison
Silksong is more vertical, more aggressive, and more expressive. Hollow Knight was about restraint. Silksong is about freedom.
World and Tone Differences
Hallownest was decaying and silent. Pharloom is vibrant but hiding something. The tone is still somber, but there’s more hope and fire in it.
Modding and Community Content
The modding scene is already buzzing. Expect custom bosses, character skins, and even full story expansions from the passionate Hollow Knight community.
Should You Buy Silksong? – Our Honest Verdict
If you loved Hollow Knight, this is a no-brainer. It’s deeper, faster, and more ambitious. Even if you’re new to the series, Silksong is a perfect jumping-on point. It doesn’t just meet expectations – it leaps over them.
Conclusion – Silksong is a New Benchmark
In an era of overhyped sequels and shallow reboots, Hollow Knight: Silksong stands tall. It’s not just more of the same – it’s a reinvention, a refinement, and a love letter to what made the original great.
Team Cherry didn’t just make a game – they crafted a world. One you’ll want to get lost in again and again.
FAQs – Everything Else You’re Wondering About
Q1: Do I need to play Hollow Knight before Silksong?
Not at all – Silksong is a standalone experience. But playing the first game gives you extra appreciation.
Q2: How long is Silksong?
Average playthrough is 20-25 hours. Completionists? Expect 40+ hours.
Q3: Can I play it on older consoles like PS4 or Xbox One?
Not at launch, but Team Cherry hasn’t ruled it out.
Q4: Is Silksong multiplayer or co-op?
Nope. It’s a pure single-player experience, just like the original.
Q5: Will there be DLC or expansions?
Team Cherry hasn’t announced any, but judging by Hollow Knight’s post-launch support, it’s very possible.