Hollow Knight Silksong has officially landed on September 4, 2025, marking the end of one of gaming’s longest and most meme-worthy development cycles. After seven years of radio silence from Team Cherry, the Australian indie studio finally delivered their highly anticipated sequel – and it immediately broke the internet.
The Launch That Crashed Everything
When Silksong went live at 3 PM BST, gaming stores worldwide buckled under the pressure. Steam, PlayStation Store, Nintendo eShop, and Xbox Store all experienced significant outages as millions of fans rushed to download the game simultaneously. Downdetector recorded over 3,750 outage reports within the first hour, with frustrated players sharing error messages across social media.
Christopher Larkin, the game’s composer, joked on social media that Silksong might have “crashed the internet.” The chaos was so widespread that even Humble Bundle temporarily displayed messages about the game being unavailable due to overwhelming demand.
From DLC to Gaming Legend
What makes this launch even more remarkable is Silksong’s humble origins. The project started as downloadable content for the original Hollow Knight, featuring fan-favorite character Hornet. However, Team Cherry quickly realized their vision was expanding far beyond a simple add-on.
“We were recognizing that it was going to become another giant thing to rival the scale of Hollow Knight or probably exceed it,” explained co-founder Ari Gibson in a recent Bloomberg interview. “Suddenly you end up six, seven years later.”
The scope truly is massive. Silksong features over 150 new enemies, more than 40 bosses, and around 100 different save points scattered throughout the interconnected world of Pharloom. Players control Hornet as she navigates this mysterious new kingdom, armed with her needle and an arsenal of silk-based abilities.
Why Hollow Knight Silksong Took So Long
The extended development wasn’t due to any major controversies or disasters – Team Cherry simply needed time to craft their vision. As a small indie team, they faced the challenge of creating a sequel that would match or exceed their original masterpiece while maintaining their artistic integrity.
The silence during development became a running joke in the gaming community. Every major gaming showcase led to fans desperately hoping for Silksong news, spawning countless memes and even dedicated social media accounts tracking the wait. Ironically, this anticipation may have been the game’s best marketing strategy.
According to Bloomberg, the original Hollow Knight sold 2.8 million copies in its first two years. However, 12 of its current 15 million total sales happened during the Silksong waiting period, as curious gamers discovered what all the fuss was about.
Platform Availability and Enhanced Features
Silksong launches simultaneously across multiple platforms including PC (Steam, GOG, Humble), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. The game is also available day one on Xbox Game Pass, making it accessible to millions of subscribers immediately.
Nintendo Switch 2 owners get special treatment with enhanced framerates and higher resolution, while the core experience remains consistent across all platforms. Team Cherry has confirmed that these enhancements come at no additional cost for Switch 2 users.
What’s Next for Team Cherry
Despite finally shipping their long-awaited sequel, Team Cherry isn’t slowing down. The developers have already hinted at potential DLC for Silksong, with Gibson noting they have “ambitious” plans for post-launch content.
“The most interesting thing now is what can we add to it next,” Gibson revealed. “We got a plan. Admittedly, some of the plans for that stuff are kind of ambitious as well, but hopefully we can achieve some of it.”
Early Reactions and Critical Reception
Initial hands-on impressions suggest Silksong maintains the atmospheric brilliance of its predecessor while expanding the formula in meaningful ways. The game features brighter, more varied environments compared to Hollow Knight’s consistently dark aesthetic, though it retains the series’ signature haunting atmosphere.
Combat feels familiar yet fresh, with Hornet’s acrobatic moveset offering different gameplay rhythms compared to the Knight’s more methodical approach. The addition of crafting systems and quest mechanics adds new layers to the exploration-focused gameplay that made the original so compelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hollow Knight Silksong available on Game Pass?
Yes, Silksong is available day one on Xbox Game Pass for both PC and console subscribers, making it an excellent value for existing members.
Do I need to play Hollow Knight before Silksong?
While Silksong is a sequel, it features a new protagonist (Hornet) and takes place in a different kingdom. However, playing the original will give you better context for the story and characters.
How long is Hollow Knight Silksong?
Team Cherry hasn’t provided official completion times, but given the scope mentions of over 150 enemies and 40+ bosses, expect a substantial adventure comparable to the original’s 25-40 hour playtime depending on completion level.
Are there any pre-order bonuses for Silksong?
Team Cherry didn’t offer pre-orders for Silksong, opting instead for a surprise launch announcement. This decision contributed to the store crashes on release day as everyone tried to purchase simultaneously.
What platforms can I play Silksong on?
Silksong is available on PC (Steam, GOG, Humble Bundle), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. It’s also included in Xbox Game Pass.
Will there be DLC for Silksong?
Team Cherry has confirmed they’re already planning potential DLC content for Silksong, though they describe their plans as “ambitious” and haven’t provided specific details or timelines.
Why did Silksong take seven years to develop?
The extended development time wasn’t due to problems but rather Team Cherry’s small team size and their commitment to expanding the project’s scope. What started as DLC grew into a full sequel rivaling the original game’s complexity.
The Wait is Finally Over
After years of speculation, memes, and patient waiting, Hollow Knight Silksong has arrived. The game’s immediate impact – crashing stores worldwide and generating massive social media buzz – proves that the anticipation was genuine. Whether it lives up to seven years of hype remains to be seen, but early signs suggest Team Cherry has crafted something special.
For fans who’ve been following this journey since 2019, September 4, 2025 marks more than just a release date. It’s the end of an era of waiting and the beginning of a new chapter in one of indie gaming’s most beloved franchises. The hunt for Silksong is finally over – now the real adventure begins.