Hollow Knight Silksong has been out for exactly one week now, and the gaming community is buzzing with reactions that range from pure euphoria to genuine frustration. After nearly six years of waiting, Team Cherry’s highly anticipated sequel has finally landed in players’ hands – but is it living up to the astronomical expectations?
What Players Are Saying About Hollow Knight Silksong
The initial player feedback reveals a fascinating divide. Many longtime fans are calling it a potential Game of the Year contender, with one Reddit user noting that their “expectations were incredibly high, and somehow, it managed to exceed them.” The consensus seems to be that Silksong will become the new benchmark for metroidvania games, much like the original Hollow Knight did.
However, not everyone is having the same experience. Several players have pointed out that Hollow Knight Silksong demands a complete shift in playstyle from its predecessor. As one experienced player explained, “You can’t just walk up to things and spam your slash” anymore – the combat system has evolved significantly.
Major Gameplay Changes That Are Dividing Players
The most significant change players are discussing is Hornet’s completely different moveset compared to the Knight. She’s faster, more acrobatic, but also more fragile. Here are the key differences players have identified:
- Enhanced mobility: Hornet can mantle ledges automatically and sprint at much higher speeds
- Instant healing: Unlike the Knight’s slow healing, Hornet can heal three health nodes instantly while moving
- Complex combat: Enemies now have parries and more sophisticated attack patterns
- Reduced invulnerability: Taking damage is more punishing with shorter recovery windows
The Difficulty Debate: Harder Than Hollow Knight?
Perhaps the most heated discussion revolves around Hollow Knight Silksong’s difficulty. Many players report that the game is significantly more challenging than the original, with some enemies dealing double damage and requiring more strategic thinking.
One player with 200 hours in the original game shared their perspective: “I found several moments particularly striking, such as the Haunted Bellhart quest and Widow battle, the journey through the Blasted Steps, the confrontation with The Last Judge.” These encounters seem to represent the elevated challenge level that Team Cherry has implemented.
The difficulty isn’t just about harder enemies – it’s about unlearning habits from the first game. Players who try to approach Silksong with their old Hollow Knight strategies are finding themselves punished repeatedly.
Technical Performance and Visual Improvements
On the technical side, Hollow Knight Silksong is receiving widespread praise. Players consistently mention the improved graphics, smoother animations at 60fps, and enhanced performance on modern consoles. The art direction maintains the distinctive Team Cherry aesthetic while pushing the visual fidelity to new heights.
The soundtrack is also earning high praise, with tracks like “Red Maiden,” “Cog Core,” and “Phantom” being highlighted as standout pieces that enhance the atmospheric experience.
Community Verdict After Week One
Despite the mixed reactions to difficulty, the overall sentiment towards Hollow Knight Silksong remains overwhelmingly positive. Players are describing it as “feeling like BG3 in a lot of ways” with “huge hype with exceeded expectations and near universal praise.”
The game appears to offer substantial content, with players reporting 20-30 hours just to reach different endings, and the promise of much more for completionists. The larger world, additional towns, more NPCs, and expanded mechanics suggest this is truly a full sequel rather than an extended DLC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hollow Knight Silksong harder than the original?
Yes, most players report that Silksong is significantly more challenging. The combat is more complex, enemies are smarter, and taking damage is more punishing due to reduced invulnerability frames.
How long does it take to beat Hollow Knight Silksong?
Players are reporting 20 hours for the “bad” ending and around 30 hours for the “true” ending. Completionists will likely spend much longer exploring everything Pharloom has to offer.
Do I need to play Hollow Knight first?
While Silksong is technically a sequel, it features a different protagonist (Hornet) and takes place in a new kingdom. However, familiarity with the original will help you appreciate the improvements and changes.
What platforms is Hollow Knight Silksong available on?
Silksong launched simultaneously on all major platforms, including PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
Are the controls different from Hollow Knight?
Yes, Hornet plays very differently from the Knight. She’s more agile and acrobatic but requires players to adapt their playstyle completely. Many Hollow Knight veterans report needing time to adjust.
Is Hollow Knight Silksong worth buying?
Based on early player reactions, yes. Despite the difficulty concerns, most players agree it exceeds expectations and delivers on the years of hype, with many calling it a Game of the Year contender.
Final Thoughts
After a week in players’ hands, Hollow Knight Silksong is proving to be everything fans hoped for and more. While the increased difficulty and mechanical changes have created some friction for longtime players, the overall consensus is that Team Cherry has delivered a worthy successor to one of the greatest metroidvania games ever made.
The game demands patience, adaptation, and a willingness to learn new strategies. But for those who embrace these challenges, Silksong appears to offer an experience that not only meets the incredibly high expectations but potentially surpasses them. Whether you’re a veteran of Hallownest or new to the series, Pharloom awaits with its deadly, beautiful world ready to test your skills.