Learn all about Hollow Knight: Silksong

After years of anticipation, Hollow Knight: Silksong has finally reached players. The sequel to one of the most acclaimed Metroidvanias of the last decade raised a question that haunted the entire gaming community: was the long wait really worth it? In this review, we'll dive into what the game delivers in terms of gameplay, setting, soundtrack, and whether it truly surpasses or equals its predecessor.

Hollow Knight's Legacy

The first Hollow Knight left a heavy legacy. Released in 2017, the indie game surprised with a vast world, hand-drawn art, a striking soundtrack, and a level of challenge that won over casual metroidvania fans and hardcore players alike. Silksong, therefore, had the mission of not only maintaining this standard, but also bringing something new to the table, so as not to be just a "deluxe expansion."

The protagonist Hornet

In Silksong, the player controls Hornet, already a beloved character in the first game. His movement is more agile, elegant, and aggressive compared to the original Knight. This completely changes the pace of exploration and combat. Hornet jumps higher, uses acrobatic abilities, and has an arsenal of new tools that make the experience more dynamic and varied.

The feeling is like playing a familiar yet new game. While Hollow Knight favored a more methodical pace, Silksong encourages quick and creative play.

The World of Pharloom

One of the biggest highlights is the new setting: Pharloom. While Hallownest was dark, cold, and oppressive, Pharloom impresses with its diversity. The world is more vertical, filled with towers, villages, and areas that require climbing and agile exploration. This structural change reinforces Hornet's style, which is all about speed and mobility.

Each area is unique, with its own enemies, challenges, and soundtrack. There's more life and visual contrast, while still preserving the melancholic and mysterious atmosphere that defines the franchise.

The gameplay

Gameplay is where Silksong truly shines. The variety of tools, the faster healing of Hornet, and the introduction of side missions add a fresh twist that expands on the familiar formula. Enemies are also more intelligent, forcing the player to constantly vary strategies.

The boss battles deserve a special mention. They're intense, well-choreographed, and test the player's agility to the max. Each victory brings that sense of achievement that made Hollow Knight unforgettable.

Soundtrack and atmosphere

Christopher Larkin returns with the soundtrack and once again delivers a masterpiece. The music perfectly fits the environments, reinforcing both the tension of combat and the melancholy of exploration. It's the kind of soundtrack you keep listening to even after you've turned off the game.

The art direction remains impeccable, with hand-drawn sets that resemble living paintings. Pharloom is a visual spectacle that manages to be simultaneously charming and hostile.

Was it worth the wait?

The short answer is: yes. Silksong isn't just a sequel, but an evolution. It doesn't attempt to copy what worked in the first game, but rather expands upon it, giving the formula more speed, variety, and freshness. The long wait was fraught with anticipation, but the results demonstrate that time was spent refining every detail.

Of course, it's not perfect. Some players may find the difficulty too high, and certain mechanics require adaptation. But for those who enjoyed the first game, Silksong is everything they expected and more.

Hollow Knight: Silksong delivers on its promise as a worthy successor, delivering a rich, challenging, and visually striking experience. Team Cherry has shown that patience has paid off, further cementing the franchise as one of the biggest names in independent gaming.

If you're a fan of metroidvanias, enjoy challenges, and appreciate games with depth and their own identity, the answer is simple: the wait was not only worth it, but it also yielded one of the best experiences 2025 has to offer.

See also: Resident Evil 4 Game Review

Published on September 21, 2025