Play Hollow Knight Silksong as the Knight with This New Mod
Hollow Knight: Silksong has finally arrived, and the sprawling, silk-bound kingdom of Pharloom is proving to be every bit as beautiful and treacherous as fans had hoped. While stepping into the needle-sharp shoes of Hornet offers a dazzlingly fast and acrobatic new way to play, some long-time fans of the series can't help but feel a pang of nostalgia for the silent, stoic protagonist of the first game. For those players missing the familiar weight of the Knight's Nail, the PC modding community has already delivered a brilliant solution.
A new mod for Hollow Knight: Silksong allows players to swap Hornet for the original Knight, bringing the iconic vessel to the unfamiliar lands of Pharloom. This impressive creation is more than just a simple cosmetic change; it aims to bring the classic gameplay feel of the first game into the sequel, offering a whole new way to experience Hornet's adventure. For veterans who spent hundreds of hours mastering the Knight's every move in Hallownest, this mod is a welcome return to form.
A Familiar Face in a New Kingdom
The core appeal of this mod is simple but powerful: it lets you explore the vast, vertical world of Pharloom as the character that started it all. Seeing the Knight leap and slash through entirely new environments, facing down a host of never-before-seen enemies, is a thrilling experience. It answers the "what if?" question that many players had, blending the new world of Silksong with the beloved mechanics and feel of the original Hollow Knight.
While Hornet's fluid, high-flying movements are the intended way to traverse Pharloom's great heights, the mod cleverly adapts the Knight's more grounded moveset. It provides a fascinating contrast in gameplay, forcing players to rethink how they approach the game's many platforming and combat challenges. It’s a testament to the passionate modding community that such a significant project was made available so quickly after the game's launch, showcasing a deep understanding of what makes both protagonists so special.
How Does the Knight Play in Pharloom?
Stepping into Pharloom as the Knight feels both fresh and familiar. Players will immediately notice the differences in pacing and combat strategy compared to playing as Hornet.
- Classic Combat: The Knight's methodical, nail-based combat returns. The timing and rhythm that were crucial for surviving Hallownest are once again front and center.
- Soul-Based Healing: Instead of Hornet's Bind ability, which uses Silk, the Knight relies on his classic Focus ability, gathering SOUL from striking enemies to heal. This changes the entire flow of boss battles, rewarding aggressive play in a different way.
- A Different Platforming Challenge: Hornet was designed to zip and grapple through Pharloom. The Knight, with his more limited aerial mobility, presents a unique challenge. Areas that are a breeze for Hornet may require more careful planning and precise platforming for the Knight, essentially creating a new difficulty layer for experienced players.
For some, Silksong's notorious difficulty can be a steep hill to climb, especially with Hornet's completely new toolset. This mod can serve as a bridge for those players, allowing them to tackle the game's tough-as-nails bosses and intricate platforming sections with a character and moveset they have already mastered.
The Power of the Modding Community
The release of this "Play as the Knight" mod is a shining example of the creativity and dedication within the Hollow Knight fan base. The speed at which modders have been able to deconstruct the new game and implement such a fundamental change is nothing short of astounding. It speaks to a community that is not only eager to consume new content but also to build upon it, creating new experiences for everyone to enjoy.
This is likely just the beginning of what we can expect from the Silksong modding scene. If the history of the original game's mods—which included randomizers, custom bosses, and entire new areas—is any indication, players on PC have a long and exciting future of fan-made content to look forward to.
Ultimately, while Hollow Knight: Silksong is unequivocally Hornet's story, this mod is a beautiful tribute to the journey that came before. It’s the perfect excuse for a second playthrough, offering a fresh perspective on an already incredible game and proving that the little Knight's legacy is as strong as ever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the "Play as the Knight" Silksong mod?
It is a fan-made modification for the PC version of Hollow Knight: Silksong that replaces the default protagonist, Hornet, with the Knight from the original Hollow Knight. It also adjusts gameplay mechanics to better reflect the Knight's abilities.
Does this mod change the story of Silksong?
No, the mod primarily focuses on gameplay and character aesthetics. The narrative, quests, and dialogue of Hollow Knight: Silksong remain unchanged and will still refer to the player character as Hornet.
Is it difficult to install mods for Hollow Knight: Silksong?
For PC players, installing mods for games like Silksong is typically a straightforward process. It usually involves using a dedicated mod manager program that handles the installation of the mod files into the correct game directory.
Why would someone want to play as the Knight instead of Hornet?
Players may choose this mod for several reasons: deep nostalgia for the first game, a preference for the Knight's specific combat and healing mechanics, or the desire for a different type of challenge when exploring the world of Pharloom.