Hollow Knight: Silksong - Anatomy of a Hype Phenomenon Still Awaiting Debut

Last Updated: October 20, 2025

More than five years after its announcement, Hollow Knight: Silksong remains one of the most anticipated video games in the world. Despite the prolonged silence from its developer, Team Cherry, the sequel to the critically acclaimed 2017 Metroidvania has cultivated a level of fervent expectation and community dedication rarely seen in the industry. While there are no sales figures to report—as the game has not yet been released—its enduring presence at the top of wishlists and in gaming discourse tells its own remarkable story of success.

The Enduring Appeal of the Hollow Knight Universe

To understand the unprecedented hype for Silksong, one must first look to its predecessor. The original Hollow Knight, released in 2017, became a benchmark for independent game development. Team Cherry, a small Australian studio, crafted a sprawling, intricate world in Hallownest that captivated players globally. It garnered universal acclaim for its beautiful hand-drawn art style, challenging-yet-fair combat, profound lore, and a somber, evocative atmosphere.

Selling over 2.8 million copies by 2019 and likely millions more since, Hollow Knight proved that a small team could deliver an experience rivaling the scope and quality of the largest studios. This foundation of excellence created a massive and dedicated fanbase. This community, known for its passion for exploration, lore dissection, and speedrunning, has been waiting patiently for the chance to dive back into Team Cherry's world, creating a tidal wave of built-in interest for the announced sequel.

From DLC to a Full-Fledged Sequel

Initially conceived as a DLC expansion for the original game, Silksong stars Hornet, a beloved rival character from Hollow Knight. The project’s scope grew so ambitious that Team Cherry announced in February 2019 that it would become a full-fledged sequel. Players will trade the ruined kingdom of Hallownest for the haunted lands of Pharloom, controlling the faster, more acrobatic Hornet as she ascends to a citadel at the kingdom's peak.

Trailers and gameplay demos have showcased a new world, new enemies, and a revamped combat system built around Hornet's silk-based abilities. This promise of a familiar-yet-fresh experience has been more than enough to keep the community's excitement at a fever pitch.

The Power of Anticipation and Steam's Pivotal Role

In the absence of a release date, Steam has become the primary metric for Silksong's immense popularity. For years, the game has consistently ranked as one of the most-wishlisted titles on the platform, often sitting at or near the very top spot. This sustained interest, even through long periods with no new information, is a testament to the trust players have in Team Cherry's ability to deliver another masterpiece.

Steam's wishlist feature serves as a powerful indicator of pre-release demand. For a title like Silksong, this data is invaluable, showcasing a massive, guaranteed audience ready on day one. It highlights a continuing trend where the PC community, and specifically Steam's ecosystem, acts as a crucial barometer for a game's potential market impact long before its launch.

The Long Wait and Official Updates

The journey to Silksong's release has been a long one. After its 2019 announcement, information has been scarce. A major gameplay reveal came during the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase in June 2022, which confirmed the game would be coming to Xbox consoles and, crucially, would be a day-one launch on Game Pass. At the time, Xbox stated that all games shown were expected to be released within the next 12 months.

However, in May 2023, Matthew Griffin, who handles marketing and publishing for Team Cherry, provided a rare update. He confirmed the game had been delayed past the first half of 2023, stating, "We're excited by how the game is shaping up, and it's gotten quite big, so we want to take the time to make the game as good as we can." Since then, official news has once again fallen silent.

Looking Ahead: A Guaranteed Contender

As the wait continues, Hollow Knight: Silksong has achieved a legendary status before it has even been released. It is confirmed for PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. Its inclusion on Game Pass on day one ensures it will reach a massive audience immediately upon launch.

The sustained excitement surrounding Silksong sends a powerful signal to the industry about the immense value of artistic integrity and a well-earned reputation. It demonstrates that a developer's commitment to quality can generate years of goodwill and anticipation that no marketing budget can buy. Whenever it does arrive, Hollow Knight: Silksong is poised to be not just a major commercial success, but a defining cultural moment for independent games. The triumph is no longer a question of if, but simply when.