Hollow Knight: Silksong

Developer: Team Cherry | Publisher: Team Cherry | Release Date: 2025 | Genre: Platformer/ Metroidvania / Indie | Website: Official Website | Purchase: Steam

Few indie sequels have generated as much anticipation as Hollow Knight: Silksong. Following the enormous success of Hollow Knight, Team Cherry’s follow-up places players in the nimble shoes of Hornet, the fierce princess-protector from the first game, now captured and taken to the unfamiliar kingdom of Pharloom. The result is a 2D action-platformer that builds upon the elegant foundations of its predecessor while carving out an identity that’s faster, more intricate, and arguably even more demanding.

Silksong doesn’t reinvent the formula, but it does refine it to near-perfection. With breathtaking hand-drawn environments, a mesmerizing orchestral soundtrack, and a staggering array of enemies and bosses, the game is both a test of skill and a celebration of precision. Yet beneath its beauty lies a punishing difficulty curve that will thrill dedicated fans and humble newcomers alike.

Hollow Knight: Silksong begins with Hornet’s capture and transport to Pharloom, a mysterious insect kingdom shrouded in decay and secrecy. Unlike the somber, introspective tone of Hallownest, Pharloom’s world is brighter yet no less dangerous, filled with strange factions, crumbling cities, and ancient mysteries waiting to be uncovered.

Hornet’s journey is one of survival and purpose. Her quest to ascend to the top of this fallen kingdom gradually unveils layers of lore that expand upon the universe established in the first game. While the storytelling remains minimalist, relying on environmental hints, cryptic dialogue, and haunting atmosphere, it’s just as evocative. Each encounter feels steeped in meaning, and fragments of a long-vanished civilization haunt every location.

As before, the absence of traditional narration enhances the mystery. The inhabitants of Pharloom communicate in expressive gibberish and gestures, creating a strangely personal connection despite the lack of voice acting. Hornet herself expresses more personality than the silent Knight, giving Silksong a subtly different emotional tone, less melancholic and more defiant.

At its core, Silksong is a finely tuned Metroidvania, built on tight controls, layered exploration, and intense combat. Hornet’s movement is faster and more acrobatic than the Knight’s, so she can leap higher, climb, dash, and weave through the air with grace. Once mastered, her mobility makes the combat feel almost balletic, as if every boss battle becomes a deadly dance of timing and precision.

Combat revolves around Hornet’s needle weapon and her unique silk mechanics. Silk serves multiple purposes: healing, executing powerful abilities, and crafting tools that aid in traversal or combat. Unlike the Knight’s Soul system, Hornet’s silk replenishes through aggression, rewarding players for staying on the offensive rather than playing defensively. This shift in rhythm gives Silksong a distinctive pace, which is fast, tense, and exhilarating.

The variety of enemies is staggering, with over 200 unique foes across the kingdom of Pharloom. They range from crawling nuisances to airborne nightmares that demand sharp reflexes and impeccable positioning. The inclusion of more than 40 bosses ensures that there’s never a shortage of challenge, and each major encounter introduces a new attack pattern or mechanic that keeps players guessing.

As with the original game, death carries a cost. Upon defeat, players lose all their beads (the game’s currency) and must retrace their steps to recover them. Save points are limited to benches, which serve as safe zones for healing and equipment management. The penalty for death can be punishing, especially during long gauntlets or areas with sparse benches, but it adds weight to every victory.

Exploration is vast and rewarding. Pharloom’s interconnected zones invite curiosity, with hidden chambers, optional challenges, and secret shortcuts scattered throughout. However, the scale can sometimes feel overwhelming, and some side paths are easy to miss without thorough exploration. Still, the sense of discovery remains intoxicating, especially when combined with environmental storytelling and the game’s haunting beauty.

Team Cherry’s art direction once again steals the show. Silksong is a hand-drawn masterpiece, filled with intricate details, fluid animations, and stunning environments that feel alive with motion. Pharloom’s aesthetic contrasts sharply with Hallownest’s muted tones as it’s more vibrant, with colorful flora, luminous caverns, and towering architecture that feels equal parts organic and divine.

Every animation, from Hornet’s graceful leaps to the twitching motions of her foes, carries personality. The smoothness of combat transitions and the clarity of visual feedback are exceptional, making even the most chaotic battles readable. This visual polish, combined with the game’s painterly backdrops, creates an atmosphere that’s both enchanting and oppressive.

Performance on PC is excellent, with the game running smoothly even in the most demanding sequences. The 2D presentation may seem minimalist at first glance, but the sheer artistry on display makes Silksong one of the most visually captivating indie titles on the platform.

Composer Christopher Larkin returns, and his score is once again phenomenal. The orchestral soundtrack perfectly captures the melancholy and wonder of Pharloom. The soft strings and distant choirs evoke beauty and loss in equal measure. Each area has its own distinct musical identity, from tranquil melodies in safe zones to pulse-pounding crescendos during boss battles.

Sound design remains integral to immersion. The echo of Hornet’s needle striking armor, the chittering of unseen creatures, and the soft hum of the machinery in some areas create a living soundscape. However, some players may find Hornet’s repeated battle cries grating after long play sessions. It’s a small blemish in an otherwise immaculate audio experience.

While there’s no spoken dialogue, the gibberish language of the characters adds charm and texture. Every chirp and murmur feels intentional, grounding the world in its insectoid strangeness without needing words.

Hornet’s controls are precise and responsive, which is essential given the game’s difficulty. Her agility is unmatched and dashing, wall-jumping and grappling through arenas feels intuitive after only a short adjustment period. On PC, both controller and keyboard setups are well-supported, with smooth input response and customizable layouts.

Performance is rock-solid. The hand-drawn visuals and layered effects never hinder framerate, even in the most intense fights. The only challenge lies not in performance but in player skill, as Silksong demands perfection and the game never apologizes for its brutality.

With its sprawling map, deep combat system, and optional challenges, Silksong offers immense replay value. Players can customize Hornet through a variety of crests and equipment, tailoring her abilities to suit different playstyles. Unlockable modes, such as the punishing Steel Soul mode, extend the challenge for those seeking mastery.

The game’s difficulty will divide players. For veterans of Hollow Knight, Silksong provides the perfect evolution of its predecessor’s demanding formula. For newcomers, however, the steep learning curve and sparse save system may feel unforgiving. That said, the game’s fair design ensures that perseverance is always rewarded and every victory feels earned, while every defeat is a lesson. At its more than reasonable price point, the sheer quality and volume of content make Silksong an outstanding value. It’s not an easy game, but it’s a deeply satisfying one for those willing to commit.

Hollow Knight: Silksong is everything a sequel should be: familiar yet evolved, challenging yet fair, and endlessly rewarding. Team Cherry has crafted a masterpiece of precision platforming and intricate worldbuilding that pushes both skill and patience to their limits. Pharloom is a world as haunting as it is beautiful, filled with secrets, danger, and heart.

While its difficulty and occasional tedium may frustrate some, Silksong stands as a triumph of design and artistry. It is a game that demands your best and gives back something unforgettable in return. Hornet’s journey is one of struggle and grace, and mastering her is as satisfying as any victory in gaming.