Hollow Knight: Silksong is the long-awaited follow-up to the critically acclaimed indie game Hollow Knight. Developed by Team Cherry, it continues the tradition of a hand-crafted world filled with secrets, combat challenges, and a moody yet beautiful atmosphere. This time, instead of controlling the nameless Knight, you play as Hornet, a character fans of the original will instantly recognize. She was a central figure in Hollow Knight's story, and now she takes the spotlight in a game built entirely around her speed, agility, and combat style.
At its core, Silksong is a Metroidvania. That means it's built around exploration, progression, and interconnected areas. You'll move through a mysterious kingdom, uncover new skills, and use those powers to reach previously inaccessible places. Unlike the first Hollow Knight, which had a haunting underground tone, Silksong moves toward a brighter, more vertical world. Hornet's gameplay is faster and more acrobatic, and her needle weapon gives her a distinct feel compared to the Knight's more grounded sword swings.
The story feels just as enigmatic as its predecessor. You're tasked with climbing to the top of a new kingdom, uncovering mysteries about Hornet's past, and learning what role she plays in this strange land of silk and song. Every detail, from the haunting soundtrack to the hand-drawn environments, reflects the same polish and passion that made the first game a cult classic. Silksong isn't just a sequel; it's a fresh perspective on what this world can be.
Why should I download Hollow Knight: Silksong?
If you loved the first Hollow Knight, the answer is almost self-explanatory. But even for newcomers, Silksong offers something few games manage to pull off: a genuine balance of challenge, beauty, and discovery. This isn't just about fighting enemies or clearing platforming sections. It's about losing yourself in a living, breathing world that rewards every curious detour.
Hornet's gameplay alone is worth the download. She moves with fluidity and precision, darting across the screen with needle attacks, flips, and aerial strikes that make combat feel faster and more dynamic than the original. Boss fights, already a standout feature in Hollow Knight, reach a new level of intensity in Silksong thanks to Hornet's speed and the sheer variety of enemies you'll encounter.
The scope of the world is another compelling reason to play. Team Cherry has built a massive map packed with hidden secrets, shortcuts, and characters that each contribute something to the lore. Exploration feels genuinely rewarding because every corner might reveal a new ability, a side quest, or a small detail that deepens the atmosphere. If you enjoy games that respect your curiosity and reward you for paying attention, Silksong is an excellent fit.
The presentation is also hard to overlook. Christopher Larkin's score brings the environments to life with haunting, emotional melodies, while the art design blends eerie charm with intricate detail. Together, these elements create an experience that draws you in and holds on. Whether you're chasing difficult boss encounters or simply wandering through its expansive landscapes, Silksong gives you something meaningful at every turn.
Is Hollow Knight: Silksong free?
No, Hollow Knight: Silksong is a premium title that requires a purchase. Pricing varies by platform, but Team Cherry has a track record of fair pricing in line with other indie games of similar scale. Given how much content the first Hollow Knight delivered for its modest price, Silksong represents strong value for money.
It's also worth remembering that buying the game means supporting a small, independent development team that has invested years into building something exceptional. Indie studios don't have the backing of major publishers, so every purchase directly rewards the people who made it. For anyone who values deep, artistically driven games that blend challenge with creativity, the price of Silksong is easy to justify.
What operating systems are compatible with Hollow Knight: Silksong?
Hollow Knight: Silksong is available across multiple platforms. PC players can download it through Steam on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Console players are also covered, with the game available on Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
This broad compatibility means the game reaches a wide audience. Whether you prefer playing on a PC with a mouse and keyboard, relaxing on the couch with a controller, or taking the adventure portable on a Switch, there's a version for you. Team Cherry's goal is clear: they want as many players as possible to experience Hornet's journey.
What are the alternatives to Hollow Knight: Silksong?
While Silksong is distinctive in its style and storytelling, several other games share enough DNA to appeal to the same audience.
Dead Cells is one of the strongest alternatives, a roguelike action platformer known for its fast combat and procedurally generated levels. It leans harder into replayability than Silksong's hand-crafted approach, but the sense of exploration and skill-based action make it a great pick for fans of the genre.
Little Nightmares II takes a different direction, focusing on atmosphere and story over heavy combat. It's a horror-tinged puzzle platformer that captures a similar sense of unease and intrigue that Hollow Knight fans tend to appreciate.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a natural recommendation for players drawn to emotional storytelling and stunning visuals. It blends precise platforming with a moving narrative and exploration-driven progression, and its soundtrack is every bit as memorable as what you'd expect from Silksong.
Nine Sols is a Metroidvania with Sekiro-inspired combat that is well worth keeping on your radar, particularly for players hungry for something fresh while waiting on Silksong's release.
