Hollow Knight: Silksong, the eagerly awaited sequel to the acclaimed indie game Hollow Knight, continues to captivate fans with its mysterious development process. So much so that announcing that “this is the year Silksong is coming” has started to turn into a meme. Most of the time we have no news, but this time around we actually did get a nugget from the Team Cherry (the game’s developer) blog on the progress of the game.
To date, Team Cherry has mostly been secretive about the project – especially when the game is finally getting released. This has fueled a lot of speculation that has mostly ended up falling flat. So given that they provided the latest update on Hollow Knight: Silksong in December are we anywhere closer to a release? It doesn’t really look like anything would suggest that the game is actually coming anytime soon. We still don’t know what direction this will go and don’t really have a good idea of how much the game is complete.
There is one interesting thing mentioned in the update post that bears drawing some attention to. In the statement they mention that they promised that (conservatively) 150 all new enemies in the upcoming game and that they just passed enemies number 163, 164 and 165 (see below). While this doesn’t really mean anything definitive, it does indicate that they have surpassed their conservative estimates on that front at least. Could that be a milestone reached? Again, it’s hard to say.
The original Hollow Knight garnered widespread praise for its intricate world-building, challenging gameplay, and haunting atmosphere. Silksong promises to expand on these elements, featuring a new protagonist and a fresh setting. While official news remains scarce, dedicated fans have created channels like Daily Silksong News on YouTube to share any potential updates or rumors about the game’s progress.
Despite the long wait, the gaming community’s excitement for Silksong remains high. The game’s E3 2022 gameplay reveal offered a tantalizing glimpse of what players can expect, showcasing fluid combat and stunning visuals that build upon the original’s acclaimed formula.
Right up front: We’re still going, building this (very large) game. Our desire to keep building, and building, and building sure hasn’t diminished, but our timelines have stretched a bit both to account for all that exciting new stuff and to tie up everything else.
As a small progress tease: You may remember for Silksong we promised over 150 all new enemies. To us, that always seemed a conservative estimate, and it turns out we were right! Here are just a few foes that came to life this week, enemy number 163, 164 and 165.
Though their names shall remain a mystery, we can say they’re members of a scholarly suite, former tenders of a dusty vault full of ancient knowledge. This is a tough later game trio who, when in battle, work closely together, covering for each other’s weaknesses.
And as some assurance: We’re not just randomly building things without an end in site. We know how this story unfolds and as much as we add, our intent is always to evoke the feeling of exploring a vast, surprising new world; one that matches (or exceeds) the scale and diversity of the original game.
We can’t wait to one day talk about all the wild evolutions to this new world that’ve taken place behind the scenes, but that day’ll have to wait until after the game is out and in your hands.
Hollow Knight: Silksong (OST Sample) by Christopher Larkin, released 13 December 2019 1. Lace 2. Bonebottom These tracks are a sample from the music for upcoming Hollow Knight: Silksong and it’s official soundtrack.
Silksong’s Soundtrack
Let’s talk music! Hollow Knight: Silksong sees Christopher Larkin returning once more with a full suite of moody and memorable tracks. Aligning with the game’s focus on Hornet, her needle and her thread, Silksong’s score sees a particular focus on strings.
Today, Chris is generously releasing 2 tracks off the upcoming album: ‘Lace’ the intense battle theme for one of Hornet’s main rivals and ‘Bonebottom’ the sombre score for Silksong’s starting town. Consider it a Christmas tease!
To date, Silksong’s complete score is sitting at about 30 (stunning) tracks, with several still to come. That’s already a step above Hollow Knight’s 26 tracks, and is a combination of Pharloom’s many varied locations, more unique boss themes and Chris’s own desire to one-up his achievements with the first game.
Expect the full Hollow Knight: Silksong Original Soundtrack to release at the same time as the game. Jump over to the following to see the above samples alongside Chris’s other work: Christopher Larkin Bandcamp
Fans have eagerly awaited news of “Hollow Knight: Silksong” since its announcement in 2019. This highly anticipated sequel to the beloved Metroidvania, “Hollow Knight,” promises a new adventure with Hornet, the princess-protector of Hallownest, as the protagonist. Team Cherry, the game’s developers, are known for their dedication to quality and their unique approach to development. This often means long periods of silence and unexpected updates, leaving fans to speculate about the release date.
Hopeful Signs
Despite the lack of concrete information, there are glimmers of hope for a 2025 release. In December 2024, a playtester involved in the game’s development offered a reassuring comment, stating that “Silksong” was “not in dev hell.” This suggests that the project is progressing steadily, even if Team Cherry remains tight-lipped about the details.
Why 2025 Could Be the Year
Development Progress: The playtester’s comment indicates that development is well underway.
Marketing Opportunities: Major gaming events in 2025, such as E3 and Summer Game Fest, provide ideal platforms for Team Cherry to showcase “Silksong” and generate excitement.
Pent-up Demand: The extended wait has only intensified the anticipation surrounding the game. A 2025 release would capitalize on years of built-up excitement.
Reasons for Caution
While a 2025 release is certainly possible, it’s important to remember Team Cherry’s unpredictable nature. They might surprise us with a sudden release, or they might choose to extend development to further polish the game.
Factors That Could Delay Release
Team Cherry’s Unconventional Style: The studio doesn’t follow a typical development timeline. They prioritize quality over deadlines and often communicate in unexpected ways.
Commitment to Excellence: Team Cherry’s dedication to crafting exceptional games is evident in “Hollow Knight.” They may be taking extra time to ensure “Silksong” meets their high standards and delivers a truly unforgettable experience.
Looking Ahead
Potential Release Window
Likelihood
Reasoning
Early 2025
Moderate
Possible if Team Cherry aims for a surprise release or announces the date soon, coinciding with a major gaming event.
Mid 2025
High
This timeframe aligns with typical game development cycles and allows for a marketing campaign leading up to a summer or fall release.
Late 2025
Moderate
Plausible if the developers require additional time for polishing or choose to target the holiday season.
Beyond 2025
Low
While not ideal for eager fans, it’s possible if unforeseen challenges arise or Team Cherry decides to significantly expand the game’s scope.
Whether “Silksong” graces our screens in 2025 or beyond, one thing is certain: the wait will be worth it. Team Cherry’s track record suggests that “Silksong” will be a meticulously crafted and deeply rewarding experience, pushing the boundaries of the Metroidvania genre and captivating players with its unique world, challenging gameplay, and compelling story.
Key Takeaways
Hollow Knight: Silksong’s release may be delayed until 2025
The game builds on its predecessor’s strengths with new characters and settings
Fan anticipation remains high despite limited official updates
Game Development and Release Information
Gamers worldwide are holding their breath for “Hollow Knight: Silksong,” the sequel to the critically acclaimed “Hollow Knight.” The original game, released in 2017, captivated players with its atmospheric world, challenging gameplay, and intricate lore. “Silksong” promises to expand on this foundation, introducing new characters, abilities, and environments. Hornet, a formidable warrior from the first game, takes center stage as the playable character, offering a fresh perspective on the world of Hallownest. With its stunning visuals, intricate level design, and demanding combat, “Silksong” is poised to become another indie masterpiece.
Hollow Knight: Silksong’s development has been ongoing since its announcement in 2019. Team Cherry has kept details scarce, leaving fans eager for updates on the game’s progress and release date.
Progress and Updates in Development
Team Cherry has maintained a low profile regarding Hollow Knight: Silksong’s development. The lack of updates has led to speculation about the game’s status. The studio’s silence mirrors their approach with the original Hollow Knight, where they focused on creating a polished experience rather than frequent public updates.
The game is being built using the Unity engine, allowing for cross-platform development. This choice facilitates potential releases on multiple systems, including PC, Nintendo Switch, and other consoles.
Release Date and Platforms
Hollow Knight: Silksong does not have a confirmed release date. The game remains on lists of anticipated titles for 2024, though this is speculative. Team Cherry has not provided any official timeline for the game’s launch.
Confirmed platforms for Silksong include PC via Steam, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. The game will be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch. PlayStation versions (PS4 and PS5) have not been officially announced but are likely given the original game’s availability on those platforms.
Team Cherry’s approach suggests they prioritize quality over rushed delivery, potentially leading to a more refined gaming experience upon release.
Gameplay and World
Hollow Knight: Silksong promises a rich, expansive world filled with new challenges and adventures. The game introduces fresh gameplay mechanics and a captivating storyline set in the mysterious Kingdom of Pharloom.
Exploring the Kingdom of Pharloom
Hollow Knight: Silksong takes place in a new kingdom called Pharloom. This metroidvania-style world offers diverse environments for players to explore. From lush forests to treacherous caves, each area presents unique platforming challenges and hidden secrets.
Pharloom is populated with new enemies and bosses for players to face. These foes range from small creatures to towering monstrosities, each requiring different strategies to defeat. The game’s world is interconnected, encouraging exploration and backtracking as players gain new abilities.
Key features of Pharloom:
Diverse biomes
Interconnected level design
Hidden paths and secrets
Challenging platforming sections
Character Dynamics and Story Elements
Players control Hornet, a character from the original Hollow Knight game. Hornet’s agile movements and unique abilities set her apart from the previous protagonist. Her quest through Pharloom forms the backbone of the game’s narrative.
The story unfolds as Hornet interacts with various characters scattered throughout the kingdom. These NPCs provide quests, lore, and sometimes aid in Hornet’s journey. The game’s narrative is expected to delve deeper into Hornet’s background and her connection to the world around her.
Hornet’s abilities include:
Swift sword attacks
Acrobatic platforming skills
Unique healing mechanics
New Mechanics and Features
Silksong introduces several new gameplay elements to enhance the action-adventure experience. The game retains the challenging combat of its predecessor while adding fresh mechanics tailored to Hornet’s abilities.
One notable addition is the crafting system. Players can gather materials to craft weapons and tools, expanding their arsenal as they progress. The soul system from the original game has been replaced with a new mechanic that fits Hornet’s character.
New features include:
Weapon crafting system
Revamped healing mechanics
Expanded quest system
New platforming techniques
These additions aim to create a familiar yet fresh experience for fans of the original Hollow Knight while welcoming newcomers to the series.
