Hollow Knight: Silksong - Worth Every Painful Second of the Wait

Jan 2026 - After an agonizing wait that tested the patience of even the most seasoned Metroidvania fans, Team Cherry finally unleashed Hollow Knight: Silksong upon the gaming world on September 4, 2025. Let’s not mince words: this wasn't just "highly anticipated"—it broke the internet. Steam servers buckled, the Nintendo Switch eShop felt the strain, all under the sheer demand from a fanbase starved for a return to Pharloom. We've spent significant time traversing its treacherous paths, and our verdict is in: Silksong isn't just a worthy sequel; it’s a masterclass in evolving an indie darling into an outright legend, setting a new benchmark for the genre.

The Saga of Anticipation: A Lesson in Patience (and Surprise Drops)

For veterans of the indie scene, the development cycle of Silksong became almost mythical. First announced way back in 2019, then slated for a 2023 release, the ensuing silence was palpable. Unlike some other high-profile titles that have languished in development hell only to disappoint, Team Cherry—a small, three-person outfit from Adelaide, Australia—chose a different path. They remained tight-lipped until a mere two weeks before launch. This surprise drop was a risky play, but it paid off spectacularly, cultivating a fever pitch of excitement that few games ever achieve. It proved that sometimes, focused development and a deep understanding of your audience can trump endless marketing cycles, especially when the product delivers a knockout punch.

This is a rare feat in an industry often plagued by over-promising and under-delivering. For those of us who recall the initial buzz around the original Hollow Knight, witnessing Silksong evolve from a planned DLC to a full-fledged, internet-shattering sequel is nothing short of incredible.

Genre Refined: Metroidvania Evolved

Silksong doesn't just adhere to the core tenets of the Metroidvania genre; it elevates them. We’re talking about:

• Precision 2D Platforming: Every jump, dash, and wall cling is deliberate, demanding precise execution.
• Sprawling, Interconnected Maps: Exploration isn't merely encouraged; it's essential, with each new ability or tool opening up previously inaccessible areas and rewarding keen observation.
• Robust Progression: A deep well of upgradeable weapons, unlockable abilities, and intricate lore threads that reward careful investigation and a completionist mindset.
• Punishing, Yet Fair, Boss Fights: These are the brutal gatekeepers that define the genre, and Silksong delivers some of the most creative and challenging encounters we’ve seen in years. They are tough, but conquering them provides an unparalleled dopamine hit.

The game doesn't simply "do the genre justice"; it sets a new bar. The exploration loop is addictive, the combat mechanics are razor-sharp, and the sense of discovery is perpetually enticing. This is a Metroidvania for players who crave depth, a true test of skill, and a world worth getting lost in.

Hornet Takes Center Stage: A Game Changer

The decision to swap out the stoic, mute Knight for Hornet, the formidable NPC from the original, was nothing short of brilliant. This isn't just a cosmetic change; it fundamentally alters the gameplay experience, offering veterans a fresh challenge and new ways to engage with the world of Pharloom. We see it as a strategic design choice that invigorates the meta of movement and combat from the ground up.

Hornet's Unique Playstyle:

• Nimble & Agile: Hornet feels inherently quicker and more fluid, with buttery-smooth jumps and dashes that make traversing the world a distinct pleasure.
• Expressive Personality: Unlike the silent protagonist of the original, Hornet is a character rich in personality, adding a layer of narrative engagement that was subtly missed before.
• Distinct Combat & Healing Mechanics: While core abilities like wall-jumping remain, Hornet's special attacks and healing mechanics are entirely her own. For instance, her angled dive attack demands a complete re-learning of common platforming maneuvers for veterans, especially when bouncing across deadly spike traps or navigating intricate enemy patterns. It’s a subtle tweak that forces adaptation and prevents muscle memory from making the early game feel too familiar.

Team Cherry understood that simply giving us "more Hollow Knight" wasn't enough; they needed to evolve the core loop, and Hornet’s inclusion achieves this with elegant precision. She's a tough cookie, and controlling her feels fantastic.

Content & Challenge: The Endless Allure

One of the most surprising and enduring qualities of the original Hollow Knight was its sheer content volume. Silksong not only continues this trend but expands upon it exponentially. We're talking about:

• Fleas to rescue and collect, adding a whimsical layer to exploration.
• Terrifying beasts to hunt, each with unique attack patterns and weaknesses.
• Expansive new maps to uncover, each zone distinct in its environmental storytelling.
• Unique tools and crests to find and equip, leading to powerful build options and strategic choices.
• Deep lore threads woven throughout the world, inviting completionists and story enthusiasts alike to unravel Pharloom's mysteries.

This isn't just busywork; every discovery feels meaningful, contributing to the rich world of Pharloom. The game respects your time by constantly offering something new to chase, ensuring that even after dozens of hours, there’s always another secret just around the corner.

And let's be clear: this game is tough. The boss fights, in particular, are exquisitely designed gauntlets that will test your reflexes, pattern recognition, and sheer grit. From foes that ambush from ceilings to those that burrow underground or leap from watery depths, each encounter is a unique puzzle. The satisfaction of finally overcoming a particularly nasty boss is an unparalleled triumph—a hallmark of superior game design.

Audiovisual Masterclass: Pharloom's Grandeur

Visually, Silksong is a significant step up, even from its already stunning predecessor. The 2D side-scrolling format benefits from an incredible sense of depth, with dynamic foreground elements, intricate character models, and lavish backdrops that breathe life into every area. The color palette is richer, the layers more complex, pushing the boundaries of what hand-drawn 2D animation can achieve. It’s breathtaking.

Composer Christopher Larkin has once again outdone himself. Building upon the iconic score of the original, Silksong's soundtrack is an S-tier masterpiece. Each track perfectly captures the emotional weight and atmosphere of its corresponding area or character. This isn't just background noise; it's a vital component of the game's identity, the kind of music you'll want to listen to even when you're not playing. Kudos, Maestro.

The Verdict: An Outstanding Entry

Despite our review arriving a little later than some (we believe in taking our time to truly experience a game before delivering our final thoughts), our stance is clear: Hollow Knight: Silksong is an absolute triumph. Team Cherry has pulled off the near-impossible: crafting a sequel that feels both intimately familiar and exhilaratingly fresh. It retains the core DNA that made the original a bestseller while introducing enough innovation through Hornet's gameplay to stand tall as its own powerhouse.

This isn't a game for the faint of heart; it's a difficult outing that demands patience and skill. But if you’re a fan of challenging platformers, sprawling interconnected worlds brimming with secrets, and boss fights that push you to your limits, then you owe it to yourself to experience Hollow Knight: Silksong. It's not just a contender for game of the year; it's a new benchmark for the genre and an instant classic.

The Author is a Senior Editor at In Game News with over two decades of experience dissecting the gaming industry and its most pivotal releases.