After years of anticipation, Hollow Knight: Silksong has finally emerged from its cocoon – and it soars. Team Cherry’s long-awaited sequel doesn’t just ride the success of its predecessor; it refines, reshapes, and amplifies nearly every aspect of what made the original special. The result is a beautifully challenging Metroidvania that blends sharp platforming, intricate exploration, and pulse-pounding combat into one unforgettable journey.
A New Hero, A New Land
This time around, players step into the shoes of Hornet – a fierce, agile, and commanding presence compared to the silent Knight of Hollow Knight. Her ability to speak adds a new layer of depth, making the story more immediate and engaging. Pharloom, the new setting, is as mysterious as it is mesmerizing. It’s a land of pilgrimage, filled with faith-driven bugs who climb toward a dazzling clockwork citadel. From coral canyons to icy peaks, each environment feels alive, dangerous, and achingly beautiful.
Platforming and Exploration
Much like the original, Silksong is unapologetically difficult – but never unfair. The world is sprawling, packed with secrets, branching paths, and obstacles that test not just reflexes but patience. Areas like the poison-soaked Bilewater highlight Team Cherry’s mastery of environmental design: punishing at first, but conquerable with time, skill, and the right tools. The addition of a map pin system from the start helps players track unreachable areas and adds a welcome layer of organization.
Combat – A Dance of Blades
Combat once again shines as a balance of patience and precision. Rather than button-mashing, fights reward careful positioning, reading enemy patterns, and striking at the right moment. The new healing system, fueled by Silk, offers a lifeline in the heat of battle, encouraging careful play rather than reckless aggression. Boss battles, in particular, feel like intense duels – tough but deeply satisfying once conquered.
Tools, Crests, and Customization
Silksong expands its customization systems in smart ways. Crests alter your playstyle by changing basic attacks, while Tools add layers of flexibility through offensive, defensive, and supportive options. The variety allows for builds that can dramatically shift how you approach encounters, ensuring no two runs feel the same.
The Challenge of Pharloom
Make no mistake: Silksong demands perseverance. Long stretches without benches can create tension (and frustration), and some enemies dish out double damage that feels harsher than it should. Yet, overcoming these hurdles is what makes the victories so rewarding. The world constantly pushes back but also provides the means to succeed if you explore, adapt, and learn.
The Ending Dilemma
One of Silksong’s few stumbles lies in its structure. The game offers an initial ending that feels abrupt and underwhelming, with much of the true content and a far more rewarding finale hidden behind side quests and optional objectives. While longtime fans may expect this, newer players could easily miss out on some of the game’s best moments without realizing it.
Final Verdict
Hollow Knight: Silksong is everything fans hoped it would be: a grand, punishing, and breathtakingly crafted sequel that stands tall on its own. Its challenges can sting, and its path to the best ending may frustrate, but Team Cherry has delivered an experience that captures the spirit of the original while pushing it to bold new heights. This is a game about endurance, discovery, and leaving the world better than you found it – even when the odds seem impossible.