Team Cherry, the Australian developer behind the much-awaited Hollow Knight: Silksong, has confirmed that the sequel will still deliver “moments of steep difficulty.” At the same time, the team revealed a major design shift meant to give players a “higher level of freedom,” so they won’t feel trapped by a single punishing boss fight—a frustration many remember from the first game. The update comes from a rare interview with the creators.
Key Takeaways
- Hollow Knight: Silksong will have very difficult sections, much like the original game.
- The game is less linear, giving players more ways to move past tough bosses.
- Hornet, the new protagonist, is faster and more acrobatic than the Knight.
- This structure is meant to reduce frustration and help players keep going.
The original Hollow Knight, released in 2017, earned its reputation through hand-drawn art, a richly layered world, and famously tough combat. Its challenge was part of the appeal, but it also led some players to put the controller down for good. With Silksong, co-directors Ari Gibson and William Pellen say they want to keep that sense of challenge intact, but refine how it’s delivered.
One of the biggest changes comes down to structure. In the first game, progress could sometimes grind to a halt if a particular boss blocked a path forward. Until the boss was defeated, there was little else to do. Silksong aims to change that. The kingdom of Pharloom, the new setting, has been designed so that if a player finds a boss overwhelming, they can turn back, branch off elsewhere, and continue their journey without losing momentum.
“There are definitely moments of steep difficulty,” Pellen explained, though he added that players will now have other options when they hit a wall. The hope is that this freedom lets players regroup, discover new items or abilities, and return later better prepared.
Hornet’s presence as the protagonist also changes how the game feels moment to moment. Fans who fought her as a boss in the first game already know her speed and agility. Now, those abilities belong to the player. She’s taller, moves faster, and her acrobatics add a sharper rhythm to combat and exploration. The underlying loop of fighting, exploring, and uncovering secrets is still here, but Hornet’s mechanics reshape how those interactions play out.
Despite these insights, one big mystery remains: when the game will actually launch. Hollow Knight: Silksong was first announced in 2019, and anticipation has only grown since. A release date is still unconfirmed, though the game is expected to arrive on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox, with Xbox Game Pass support on day one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is Hollow Knight: Silksong a sequel?
A: Yes, Hollow Knight: Silksong is the sequel to the 2017 game Hollow Knight. It features a new protagonist, Hornet, in a new kingdom called Pharloom.
Q2: Will Silksong be harder than Hollow Knight?
A: The developers have said it will have “moments of steep difficulty,” suggesting the challenge will be comparable. However, the game’s structure allows players to explore other areas if they get stuck on a tough boss, which might make the overall experience feel less punishing.
Q3: Who is the main character in Silksong?
A: The main character is Hornet, a popular character and boss from the original Hollow Knight. She is known for her speed and skill with her needle and thread.
Q4: When is the release date for Hollow Knight: Silksong?
A: As of now, Team Cherry has not announced an official release date for Hollow Knight: Silksong.
Q5: What platforms will Hollow Knight: Silksong be available on?
A: Hollow Knight: Silksong is confirmed for release on PC (Windows, macOS, Linux), Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. It will also be available on Xbox Game Pass on day one.
