Hollow Knight: Silksong is finally launching in just a few days. Here’s everything you need to know about release date, gameplay, system requirements, and more.
After more than six years of waiting, Hollow Knight: Silksong – the sequel to Team Cherry’s acclaimed indie Metroidvania – is about to launch. The small Australian studio has taken its time, not out of necessity but by choice. In this article, we’ve gathered all the key details about the release, the new game world, and its mechanics.
When will Hollow Knight: Silksong release?
Hollow Knight: Silksong launches on September 4, 2025, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. The game will also be available on day one with Xbox Game Pass. At launch, it will be a digital release only, with no physical edition announced yet.
Why did development take so long?
According to an interview, the lengthy development wasn’t due to issues. Instead, the game steadily grew far beyond its original scope. Silksong was initially planned as DLC for Hollow Knight, but the abundance of new ideas convinced Team Cherry to turn it into a full sequel.
Developers Ari Gibson and William Pellen explained that development ran smoothly, but with plenty of attention to detail and without pressure – made possible by the financial success of the first game, which sold over 15 million copies worldwide.
Which platforms are supported?
Silksong will release across all major platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and PC via Steam and Microsoft Store. At gamescom, players were able to try it on the Switch 2, where it impressed both in handheld and docked mode with smooth visuals and strong atmosphere.
- Note: Hollow Knight: Silksong will also be compatible with the Xbox ROG Ally.
What does the new game world look like?
Silksong is set in the kingdom of Pharloom – a brighter, more colorful world compared to the Hollow Nest of the first game. The journey begins with Hornet’s capture and escape from a caravan. Unlike the first game, you’ll fight your way upwards toward the Citadel of Pharloom.
The environments are diverse: dense forests, vibrant colors, and immersive lighting and soundscapes create an inviting yet dangerous atmosphere.
What’s new in Hollow Knight: Silksong?
The biggest change is the new protagonist: Instead of the nameless Knight, you’ll play as Hornet, who previously appeared as an antagonist. She moves more agilely, with faster and more offensive combat mechanics. Hornet uses Silk instead of Soul for healing, introducing new mechanics. Healing only triggers once her spool is filled – but restores multiple health points at once.
The developers emphasize that Hornet’s style is based more on mechanical tools than on magic. These tools replace the charms from the first game and can be upgraded individually.
Hornet can also pull herself up directly onto ledges, opening new platforming possibilities. The familiar pogo attack works differently for her, making the controls feel new at first.
Still, the gameplay remains precise and familiar. Even in an early demo, the challenge was clear: tough boss fights return, requiring mastery of attack patterns.
What to expect from the gameplay?
Silksong stays true to the Metroidvania formula: explore a connected world, defeat enemies, unlock abilities, and revisit older areas to open new paths. Alongside classic exploration and boss battles, the game introduces a quest system. Hornet can now take on quests directly – unlike the first game, where side content was more hidden. The sense of discovery, however, remains central.
Another change is the currency: instead of Geo, Hornet collects Shards and Rosaries, with the latter acting as temporary currency. Some items may be lost on death. There are also small creatures to rescue again – this time fleas, which let you build your own flea circus.
What happens after release?
Team Cherry has hinted at post-launch content, possibly expansions. While details are scarce, the developers remain ambitious. They’ve made it clear that launch is just the beginning – the Hollow Knight universe has much more to come.
Hollow Knight: Silksong – System Requirements
Minimum Requirements:
- OS: Windows 10 version 21H1 (build 19043) or newer
- Processor: Intel Core i3-3240, AMD FX-4300
- Memory: 4 GB RAM
- Graphics: GeForce GTX 560 Ti (1GB), Radeon HD 7750 (1GB)
- DirectX: Version 10
- Storage: 8 GB available space
Recommended:
- Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
- OS: Windows 10 version 21H1 (build 19043) or newer
- Processor: Intel Core i5-3470
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: GeForce GTX 1050 (2GB), Radeon R9 380 (2GB)
- DirectX: Version 10
- Storage: 8 GB available space
