Platform Availability
Hollow Knight: Silksong will be released on Linux, macOS, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. If it follows the release pattern of the original Hollow Knight, it will likely be a Nintendo Switch console exclusive for several months, before reaching other platforms.
Confirmed Platforms:
- PC (Windows, Linux, macOS) via Steam
- Nintendo Switch & Nintendo Switch 2
- PlayStation 4 & PlayStation 5
- Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S
Gameplay Overview
Hollow Knight: Silksong is the sequel to the award-winning action-adventure where you explore, fight and survive as you ascend to the peak of a land ruled by silk and song. It includes expanded gameplay based on Hornet’s combat skills, a larger game world, and a quest system.
Core Mechanics:
- Play as Hornet, the former princess of Hallownest
- Master a whole new suite of powerful moves including devastating attacks, incredible silken abilities, and deadly crafted tools
- Face over 150 all-new foes including beasts, hunters, assassins, kings, monsters and knights
- Enhanced aerial combat system with greater mobility
Technical Expectations
Visual Design: The game maintains the series’ signature hand-drawn art style while expanding into new environments with greater detail and variety.
Performance: Given Team Cherry’s track record, expect excellent optimization across all platforms, with enhanced performance on current-gen consoles and PC.
Audio: Christopher Larkin’s return promises another exceptional soundtrack that matches the series’ acclaimed audio design.
Final Verdict
Hollow Knight: Silksong appears poised to be a worthy successor that expands upon everything that made the original special. The shift to Hornet as protagonist brings fresh gameplay mechanics, enhanced aerial combat, and deeper character interaction. The addition of more moves, abilities, and creative exploration tools suggests significant improvements over the original’s formula.
While development delays have tested fan patience, Team Cherry’s commitment to quality over speed bodes well for the final product. The universal platform availability ensures no one will miss out on what could be one of 2025’s standout indie releases.
Recommended for: Fans of the original Hollow Knight, Metroidvania enthusiasts, players who enjoy challenging platformers, and anyone seeking beautifully crafted indie experiences.
Potential concerns: Those sensitive to challenging gameplay or preferring simpler control schemes may find the expanded moveset overwhelming.
Overall Outlook: Highly anticipated and likely to exceed expectations based on preview materials and Team Cherry’s proven track record.
Pros
Enhanced Combat System: Hornet's combative abilities are much more aerially focused, allowing her to move freely when in the air and target attackers, while maintaining her AoE attack that sends pointed strings spiraling out from around her.
Innovative Health System: Hornet recovers health using Silk through the Bind mechanic, covering her wounds to recover lost health. She can use Bind faster than The Knight uses FOCUS, creating more dynamic combat flow.
Expanded World Design: The vast inter-connected world is brought to life in traditional, hand-crafted 2D style, featuring gilded cities, lakes of fire, and misted moors illustrated in exquisite detail.
Character Development: Hornet can speak, giving her far more personality. As developers noted, "She's able to express her aims and intentions," meaning players can better understand her objectives.
Musical Excellence: Hollow Knight's award-winning composer Christopher Larkin brings melancholy melodies, symphonic strings and heart-thumping boss themes to Hornet's adventure.
Platform Optimization: Universal platform availability ensures accessibility across all major gaming systems, with enhanced features expected for next-gen consoles.
Cons
Development Delays: While Nintendo says Hollow Knight: Silksong will release in 2025, skepticism remains about specific dates due to the game's prolonged development. There are still concerns about when it will be officially available.
High Expectations: The original Hollow Knight set extremely high standards, creating immense pressure for the sequel to deliver an equally exceptional experience.
Limited Preview Access: The game will be playable at ACMI's Game Worlds exhibition from September 18, 2025, but widespread hands-on opportunities remain limited before release.
Potential Complexity: With Silksong adding even more moves and abilities to the mix, newcomers might face a steeper learning curve than the original.
Console Release Timing: Following the original's pattern, other platforms may have to wait several months after the Nintendo Switch release.
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