The Most Anticipated Indie Sequel in Gaming

Few games have inspired the level of community passion — and patient waiting — that Hollow Knight: Silksong has. Originally announced in February 2019 as an expansion to the acclaimed Hollow Knight that grew into a full sequel, Silksong has become a symbol of devoted anticipation in the gaming community. Here's everything we know about the game based on official information from Team Cherry.

What Is Hollow Knight: Silksong?

Silksong is a full sequel to Hollow Knight, the 2017 indie metroidvania developed by Team Cherry — a small Australian studio. Where the original followed the Knight, Silksong places you in control of Hornet, the nimble princess-protector from the first game. After being captured and taken to a vast kingdom called Pharloom, Hornet must fight her way to the top of a treacherous citadel.

What We Know About the Gameplay

Team Cherry has confirmed and shown several key gameplay details:

  • New protagonist, new moveset. Hornet is faster and more agile than the Knight. She uses a needle and thread in combat, and has access to silk-based mechanics for trapping enemies and traversal.
  • A brand-new world. Pharloom is an entirely original kingdom, distinct from Hallownest. Team Cherry has described it as a land of hills, temples, and citadels filled with new bugs and creatures.
  • Over 150 new enemies and bosses. The sequel is confirmed to have a massive variety of new enemies, with boss design being a core focus — a signature strength of the original.
  • Crafting and tools. Hornet can craft and use tools in combat and exploration, adding a new layer of strategic depth not present in the first game.
  • Quests and NPCs. The game features a quest system with a rich cast of new characters that Hornet interacts with across her journey.

Platform Availability

Silksong has been confirmed for the following platforms:

  • PC (Steam & GOG)
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PlayStation 4 & PlayStation 5
  • Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S

It was also confirmed to be available on Xbox Game Pass on day one, making it accessible to a wide audience at launch.

The "Silksong Curse" and Community Culture

The prolonged development of Silksong has become something of a running joke — and a sincere passion project — within the gaming community. The phrase "Silksong release date" became a meme in gaming spaces, with fans good-humouredly posting false release date "confirmations" at every gaming event. The community's dedication to the game, through years of waiting, speaks volumes about how beloved Hollow Knight is.

Why It Matters

Hollow Knight's success was a landmark moment for indie gaming. Built by a tiny team on a modest budget, it became one of the highest-rated games of its generation — praised for its atmospheric world-building, tight controls, and intricate design. The sequel carries enormous expectations, but what Team Cherry has shown suggests they are meeting them with the same level of craft and ambition.

Final Word

Whatever the release date turns out to be, Hollow Knight: Silksong is among the most genuinely exciting upcoming games in the industry. Team Cherry has earned enormous trust, and the glimpses of Silksong shown so far suggest a game that will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with — or surpass — its beloved predecessor. Keep your needle sharp, Hornet fans.