The wait is finally over. After six years of memes, speculation, and what the internet dubbed “Silkposting,” Hollow Knight Silksong has emerged from Team Cherry’s development cocoon. But does this highly anticipated sequel justify the endless anticipation that crashed gaming stores on launch day?
Having spent considerable time exploring the kingdom of Pharloom, I can confidently say that Hollow Knight Silksong review discussions will dominate gaming forums for months to come. This isn’t just a worthy successor – it’s a bold reimagining that pushes the metroidvania genre to new heights while testing your patience in ways the original never dared.
Hornet Takes the Stage with Style
The most immediate difference players notice is swapping the silent Knight for the sharp-tongued Hornet. Unlike her predecessor, Hornet actively participates in conversations, offering commentary and personality that makes every interaction more engaging. This character-driven approach transforms the storytelling experience from environmental puzzle-solving into something more directly accessible.
Hornet’s moveset feels completely distinct from the original game. Her diagonal dive attack, silk-based abilities, and aerial maneuverability create a combat system that rewards aggressive, acrobatic play. Where the Knight felt methodical and grounded, Hornet encourages players to stay airborne, chaining attacks and tools in fluid combinations that feel genuinely exhilarating when mastered.
A World That Demands Respect
Pharloom represents a significant departure from Hallownest’s underground labyrinth. This kingdom emphasizes vertical exploration, with pilgrims ascending toward a mysterious Citadel. The hand-drawn environments showcase Team Cherry’s artistic evolution – every screen bursts with intricate details, from moss-covered grottos to industrial factories humming with mechanical precision.
However, this expanded scope comes with trade-offs. While Pharloom offers more towns, NPCs, and colossal boss encounters, some players feel it lacks the tight interconnectedness that made Hallownest feel like one cohesive puzzle. The world feels larger but sometimes less intimate than its predecessor.
Difficulty That Divides Players
Here’s where Hollow Knight Silksong becomes genuinely controversial. This game is hard – significantly harder than the original from the very beginning. Enemies frequently deal two-mask damage (removing two health segments per hit), resource management feels deliberately restrictive, and boss encounters can quickly spiral into chaos when minions join the fray.
The rosary bead economy adds another layer of strategic consideration. These beads unlock fast travel points, rest benches, and shop purchases, but not every enemy drops them. This creates moments where you’ll need to farm resources or carefully prioritize spending – a design choice that some find engaging while others consider tedious.
Yet when everything clicks, Silksong delivers some of the most satisfying combat experiences in gaming. Mastering Hornet’s toolkit and successfully navigating a brutal encounter provides an almost euphoric sense of accomplishment that few games can match.
Technical Excellence Meets Artistic Vision
Team Cherry’s attention to detail shines through every aspect of production. The soundtrack builds upon Christopher Larkin’s acclaimed work with tracks like “Red Maiden,” “Cog Core,” and “Phantom” that perfectly complement each area’s atmosphere. Boss themes in particular showcase remarkable creativity and emotional range.
The customization system through “crests” (equipment loadouts) offers surprising depth. Different builds fundamentally change how you approach encounters, encouraging experimentation and replay value. Whether you prefer aggressive offensive setups or defensive utility builds, Silksong accommodates multiple playstyles.
Areas for Improvement
Despite its strengths, Silksong isn’t without flaws. The difficulty curve feels inconsistent – some areas spike dramatically while others provide breathing room. Side content occasionally devolves into repetitive fetch quests that don’t match the quality of the main experience.
Resource balance becomes problematic in mid-to-late game segments where farming becomes necessary for progression. While this adds strategic depth, it can interrupt the exploration flow that made the original so compelling.
The Verdict
Hollow Knight Silksong succeeds as both a worthy sequel and a bold evolution of the metroidvania formula. Team Cherry has created something that honors the original while establishing its own identity through challenging combat, stunning artistry, and character-driven storytelling.
Is it perfect? No. The punishing difficulty and resource management will frustrate some players, and the world design lacks some of the original’s elegant interconnectedness. But for those willing to embrace its challenges, Silksong offers one of the most rewarding gaming experiences available.
After six years of anticipation, memes, and endless speculation, Hollow Knight Silksong delivers where it matters most – as a brilliant game that stands confidently alongside its legendary predecessor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hollow Knight Silksong harder than the original?
Yes, significantly. Silksong features more aggressive enemies, frequent two-mask damage, and stricter resource management from the beginning. Even experienced Hollow Knight players will find this sequel challenging.
Do I need to play Hollow Knight before Silksong?
While playing the original enhances your appreciation of references and themes, Silksong tells its own story in the kingdom of Pharloom. New players can start here, though they’ll miss some narrative connections.
How long does it take to complete Hollow Knight Silksong?
Most players report 15-25 hours for the main story, with completionist runs extending to 35+ hours. The difficulty means progress varies significantly between players.
What platforms is Hollow Knight Silksong available on?
Silksong launched on PC (Steam), Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms simultaneously. The high demand crashed several digital stores on launch day.
Are there accessibility options in Silksong?
Team Cherry included some accessibility features, but the core difficulty remains unchanged. Players seeking easier experiences may find limited options for reducing challenge.
Will there be DLC for Hollow Knight Silksong?
Team Cherry has hinted at future content expansions, though no official announcements have been made regarding specific DLC plans or release dates.
Final Thoughts
Hollow Knight Silksong represents everything great about independent game development – a small team with clear vision creating something that rivals productions with ten times the budget. While its difficulty won’t appeal to everyone, those who connect with its challenging gameplay will find an unforgettable adventure that justifies every day of the six-year wait.
For metroidvania fans, action-platformer enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates masterful game design, Silksong stands as essential playing. Just be prepared to die – a lot.