Hollow Knight: Silksong is Team Cherry’s highly anticipated follow-up to the 2017 Metroidvania classic. Featuring Hornet as the new protagonist, players explore the expansive kingdom of Pharloom, encountering tougher enemies, intricate platforming, and intense boss battles.
What is Hollow Knight: Silksong?
Silksong builds upon the original game with new mechanics and environments:
- Hornet as the playable character, with unique combat moves
- Vast interconnected world full of secrets and collectibles
- Enhanced combat and mobility systems
- Challenging bosses and aggressive enemies
- Hand-drawn visuals and atmospheric soundtrack
Fans of the original Hollow Knight will notice a significant evolution in gameplay depth and design.
Gameplay and Difficulty
Silksong is designed to challenge even experienced players:
- Combat: Hornet’s precise attacks and new abilities encourage creative strategies
- Platforming: Vertical levels, spikes, and moving platforms test reflexes
- Difficulty: Significantly harder than the original, with punishing bosses and enemy encounters
- Exploration: Secrets and collectibles reward careful exploration and curiosity
The game offers a satisfying balance between challenge and reward, keeping players engaged throughout the journey.
Graphics and Sound
- Visuals: Hand-drawn environments that are richly detailed and immersive
- Lighting & Effects: Dynamic lighting enhances mood and tension
- Soundtrack: Atmospheric music perfectly complements Pharloom’s mysterious setting
- Audio cues: Important for both combat and navigation, improving gameplay clarity
Controversy in China
Despite global acclaim, Silksong has faced criticism in China due to translation issues:
- Archaic or inconsistent Simplified Chinese text
- Dialogue and UI translation errors affecting immersion
- Led to “Mixed” Steam reviews, with only 44% positive from Chinese players
Team Cherry has acknowledged the issue and promised fixes in future updates, showing commitment to a global audience.
Why Silksong is Worth Playing
Even with the translation controversy, Silksong excels as a Metroidvania:
- Rewarding combat for both newcomers and veterans
- Richly designed world filled with secrets and side content
- Polished controls and mechanics make gameplay smooth
- A deeply engaging experience with high replayability
Silksong pushes the boundaries of what players loved in the original Hollow Knight while introducing exciting new challenges.
Conclusion About Hollow Knight: Silksong Review
Hollow Knight: Silksong delivers a stunning, challenging, and beautifully crafted Metroidvania experience. Its refined combat, expansive world, and atmospheric design make it a must-play for fans and newcomers alike. While the review-bombing controversy in China has affected regional reception, the game continues to receive praise worldwide.
FAQs About Hollow Knight: Silksong Review
Is Hollow Knight: Silksong harder than the original?
Yes. Bosses are more aggressive, enemies hit harder, and exploration demands precision.
Can I play Silksong offline?
Yes. Single-player gameplay does not require an internet connection.
Are cheat codes available?
Mods and cheats exist on PC, but the core game focuses on skill-based progression.
Will the translation issue in China be fixed?
Team Cherry confirmed they are working on improving the Simplified Chinese translation in upcoming updates.
Is Silksong as good as Hollow Knight?
Silksong lives up to Hollow Knight in many ways. It keeps the same hand-drawn art style, detailed world design, and tight combat mechanics. While some players find Hollow Knight’s story slightly more immersive, Silksong introduces new mechanics, faster movement, and a fresh protagonist, giving it a unique charm that many consider equal or even better in replay value.
How many hours is Silksong?
The average playtime for Silksong is around 25–40 hours. This covers a standard playthrough, but completing all side quests, secrets, and achievements can extend gameplay to 50–60 hours or more.
Should I play Hollow Knight or Silksong first?
It’s recommended to play Hollow Knight first. Silksong can be played standalone, but experiencing Hollow Knight first provides context for the lore, the world, and references that enrich the overall game experience.
What is so special about Silksong?
Silksong stands out for its fast-paced combat, unique protagonist Hornet, and diverse environments. The game emphasizes agility, vertical movement, and new abilities that transform exploration and combat. Its rich soundtrack, detailed art, and fresh storylines make it a standout Metroidvania title.
Is Silksong difficult?
Yes, Silksong can be challenging, but it’s fair. The game follows the Metroidvania style, with precise platforming, tough enemies, and complex bosses. However, it rewards patience, strategy, and skill progression. New players may find certain areas tricky, but mastering Hornet’s abilities makes the difficulty manageable and satisfying.
Why is Silksong so delayed?
Silksong has been delayed due to Team Cherry’s focus on quality and polish. The developers wanted to ensure a smooth, bug-free experience with refined gameplay, new mechanics, and detailed environments. Rather than rushing the release, they prioritized delivering a game that lives up to the high expectations set by Hollow Knight.
Is Silksong difficult?
Yes, Silksong can be challenging, but it’s fair. The game follows the Metroidvania style, featuring precise platforming, tough enemies, and complex bosses. It rewards patience, strategy, and skill progression. New players may find some areas tricky, but mastering Hornet’s abilities makes the difficulty manageable and satisfying.
Why is Silksong so delayed?
Silksong has been delayed due to Team Cherry’s focus on quality and polish. The developers wanted to ensure a smooth, bug-free experience with refined gameplay, new mechanics, and detailed environments. Instead of rushing the release, they prioritized delivering a game that meets the high expectations set by Hollow Knight.