After Six Years of Silence and Hype, Is Hollow Knight: Silksong Worth the Wait?

The Long-Awaited Return to Hallownest: A Quick Look at Silksong’s Journey

After six years of near silence and mounting hype, Hollow Knight: Silksong has finally landed in 2025, much to the delight of fans worldwide. Announced in 2019 as the sequel to the indie masterpiece Hollow Knight, this game has been one of the most anticipated Metroidvania titles in recent memory. With its release confirmed at Gamescom 2025 and a surprise launch date of September 4, 2025, Silksong has sparked intense excitement—and some apprehension—among gamers wondering if the wait was truly worth it.

What Makes Silksong So Special? The Foundations of Its Hype

Silksong isn’t just a sequel; it’s a bold evolution of everything that made Hollow Knight a beloved classic. Developed by Team Cherry, an Australian indie studio, Silksong places players in the role of Hornet, a nimble and fierce protagonist distinct from the original’s silent Knight. The game expands on the Metroidvania formula with new mechanics, a sprawling interconnected world, and a deeper narrative.

The original Hollow Knight set a high bar with its challenging gameplay, atmospheric world, and haunting soundtrack. Silksong has been teased to push these elements further, promising:

New combat styles and abilities tailored to Hornet’s agility and silk-based powers.
A larger, more vibrant world with diverse biomes and secrets.
Challenging boss fights that test precision and strategy.
Integration with Xbox Game Pass from day one, making it accessible to a vast audience across multiple platforms, including PlayStation, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.

The Wait: A Blessing or a Curse?

Waiting six years for a game can be a test of patience, and Silksong’s development cycle was no exception. The long silence after the initial announcement led to a passionate fan community that filled the gap with memes, theories, and “silkposting,” turning anticipation into a social experience. While some worried the game might never materialize, Team Cherry’s rare updates and the eventual release trailer in August 2025 reignited hope.

Interestingly, this extended wait contributed to a unique gaming nostalgia. Some players report that Silksong rekindled memories of classic platformers like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night and Super Metroid, reminding them why they fell in love with the genre. This emotional connection adds weight to the game’s impact beyond just its gameplay.

Gameplay Experience: Challenging But Fair

One of the hot topics post-release is the game’s difficulty. Silksong is widely regarded as harder than its predecessor, demanding patience, precision, and mastery of its mechanics. But unlike some punishing games that frustrate, Silksong encourages players to slow down and savor the journey. The difficulty curve is steep yet fair, rewarding perseverance and strategic thinking.

Players have noted that while some boss fights can be brutal, the game’s design fosters a sense of accomplishment rather than frustration. This approach aligns with Team Cherry’s philosophy to challenge players without overwhelming them, making it a game that respects your time and skills.

Visuals and Sound: A Feast for the Senses

Silksong features beautifully hand-drawn 2D art that expands on the dark, atmospheric aesthetic of Hollow Knight. The world feels alive with intricate details and fluid animations that bring Hornet’s silk-based combat to life. The environmental variety keeps exploration fresh, with each new area offering unique visual and gameplay elements.

The soundtrack complements this atmosphere perfectly, blending haunting melodies with dynamic tracks that intensify during combat. This synergy of art and music creates an immersive experience that pulls players deeper into Silksong’s mysterious world.

Platform Accessibility and Launch Impact

Silksong’s launch on multiple platforms—including PC via Steam, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Nintendo Switch 2—means it’s widely available. Its inclusion on Xbox Game Pass from day one also lowered the barrier to entry for many players.

However, the sudden announcement just two weeks before release caused a shakeup in the indie game scene, with some developers delaying their games to avoid being overshadowed. Despite this, Silksong’s launch was a massive success, with servers briefly crashing due to overwhelming demand on digital stores like Steam.

Is Silksong Worth the Wait?

After six years of anticipation, the answer is a resounding yes. Silksong not only lives up to the legacy of Hollow Knight but builds upon it in meaningful ways. Its challenging gameplay, exquisite art, and heartfelt homage to classic Metroidvania titles make it a must-play for fans of the genre and newcomers alike.

The wait might have felt long, but it allowed Team Cherry to refine the experience into something both nostalgic and fresh—capturing the spirit of the original while forging its own identity. For those who cherish exploration, skill-based combat, and immersive storytelling, Silksong is a rewarding journey worth every moment of patience.

Are you ready to dive into Hallownest once again with Hornet? Don’t miss out on one of 2025’s most anticipated gaming experiences—available now on multiple platforms. Check out Silksong on Steam or your preferred console’s store to begin your adventure today!