The Most Anticipated Indie Sequel in Years

Hollow Knight: Silksong is the highly anticipated follow-up to Team Cherry's critically acclaimed Hollow Knight. Originally announced in February 2019 as a DLC expansion before being upgraded to a full standalone game, Silksong has become something of a legendary release in gaming culture — equal parts anticipated and mythologized due to its prolonged development.

What We Know About the Story

You play as Hornet — the nimble, needle-wielding warrior who appeared as a recurring boss and ally in the original Hollow Knight. Rather than returning to Hallownest, Silksong takes place in an entirely new kingdom called Pharloom, a land of silk and song filled with new creatures, civilizations, and mysteries.

Hornet has been captured and brought to this unfamiliar land. The journey to reach the kingdom's peak drives the narrative, and based on revealed footage, the tone appears to be even more atmospheric and narrative-driven than its predecessor.

Gameplay Changes and New Features

Team Cherry has confirmed and shown several gameplay changes that differentiate Silksong from the original:

  • New combat system — Hornet is faster and more agile than the Knight. Her needle-based combat emphasizes speed, aerial attacks, and skill-based play.
  • Tools & Traps — Hornet can craft and use tools found throughout Pharloom, adding a light crafting element to exploration.
  • Quests & NPCs — A richer NPC ecosystem with over 150 enemies and a more developed quest system were mentioned in early press materials.
  • New music — Composer Christopher Larkin returns to score an all-new soundtrack for Pharloom.
  • Boss rush mode — A dedicated arena-style mode for those who love a challenge.

Platforms and Release Window

Silksong is confirmed for PC (Steam and GOG) and Nintendo Switch. It was also announced as a day-one Xbox Game Pass title. PlayStation versions have not been officially announced.

As of early 2025, Team Cherry has maintained their policy of sharing details only when they're ready — no precise release date has been confirmed. The studio is small and has resisted external pressure, prioritizing quality over schedule.

Why the Wait Has Been So Long

Team Cherry is a very small independent studio. The scope of Silksong expanded dramatically from its DLC origins into a full-length game with a brand new world. Perfectionism, scope expansion, and the realities of independent game development all play a role. The studio has been transparent that they won't release the game until it meets their standards.

Community Anticipation

Few games in recent memory have generated the kind of community engagement that Silksong has. Fan theories, artwork, memes, and community speculation have kept the conversation alive for years. The game has even developed a meta-narrative of its own — the wait itself has become part of the cultural experience.

What to Do While You Wait

  • Play or replay Hollow Knight (available on all major platforms) and complete all DLC content including Grimm Troupe and Godmaster.
  • Follow Team Cherry on social media for any official updates.
  • Explore other Metroidvania titles like Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Metroid Dread, or Nine Sols to scratch the itch.

When Silksong finally arrives, all signs point to it being worth every moment of the wait. Team Cherry has never released a game that didn't exceed expectations.