Feature · 5 min read
Hollow Knight Silksong: Where Is It and When Can We Play
Team Cherry has been quiet, but fans remain hopeful. Here is everything we know about the long-awaited sequel.
By Divik · Published
Hollow Knight: Silksong has become one of gaming's most anticipated releases, and also one of its biggest mysteries. Team Cherry, the small Australian studio behind the original, has been notoriously quiet about development progress. Here is what we actually know.
The Last Official Update
Team Cherry's most recent substantial update came months ago. They confirmed the game is still in active development and that they're focused on making it right rather than rushing to meet a deadline. Beyond that, specifics have been scarce.
This silence has led to endless speculation, but the studio has asked fans for patience multiple times. They're a small team working on something ambitious.
What Is Silksong
For those unfamiliar, Silksong started as DLC for the original Hollow Knight. It grew in scope until Team Cherry decided it deserved to be a full standalone game.
You play as Hornet, the mysterious warrior from the first game. She's faster and more agile than the Knight, with a combat style focused on mobility and silk-based abilities.
The game takes place in a new kingdom called Pharloom. Early footage showed varied environments, from overgrown ruins to bustling towns. The world looks significantly larger and more diverse than Hallownest.
Gameplay Changes
Based on trailers and demos from years past, Silksong makes notable changes to the formula:
Speed and Mobility - Hornet moves faster than the Knight. Combat is quicker and more aerial. The platforming looks more demanding.
Tools and Abilities - Instead of the Knight's spells, Hornet uses tools she crafts from materials found in the world. This adds a resource management element.
Quest System - NPCs can give Hornet quests. The original had some of this, but Silksong appears to expand it significantly.
Boss Fights - What we have seen of boss encounters looks intense. Expect challenging fights that test your mastery of Hornet's moveset.
Why the Wait
The original Hollow Knight was made by three people. It was massively successful, selling millions of copies and winning critical acclaim. That success meant higher expectations for the sequel.
Team Cherry has expanded slightly but remains small. They're perfectionists who spent years adding free content to the original game. That same dedication to quality is presumably why Silksong is taking so long.
The gaming industry has also seen several high-profile releases that suffered from being rushed. Team Cherry seems determined to avoid that fate.
Release Window
There is no confirmed release date. Team Cherry has not announced platforms beyond PC and Nintendo Switch, though Xbox was mentioned at one point.
When it does release, expect it to dominate conversation among indie game fans. The first game developed a devoted community, and anticipation for Silksong has only grown during the wait.
Should You Play the Original
If you haven't played Hollow Knight, now is a good time. It regularly goes on sale for a few dollars and offers dozens of hours of content. Understanding the original will make Silksong more meaningful when it finally arrives.
The game is challenging but fair. It rewards exploration and persistence. If you enjoy Metroidvania games, it is one of the best in the genre.
Our Take
The wait for Silksong has been long, sometimes frustrating. But the original Hollow Knight was worth the patience Team Cherry put into it. There is no reason to think the sequel will be different.
When it releases, we will cover it extensively. Until then, the best approach is to keep it on your radar without driving yourself crazy checking for news daily.
