Hollow Knight: Silksong, A Difficult but Rewarding Journey

Written By Ryan Hayden

Introduction

After years of anticipation, Hollow Knight: Silksong finally launched in September 2025. Team Cherry’s follow-up to the beloved Hollow Knight quickly became one of the year’s most acclaimed titles, earning a Metacritic score of 90 based on 44 critic reviews and a user score of 8.9 from over 5,800 ratings (Metacritic, 2025).

Gameplay and Design Philosophy

Unlike traditional Metroidvanias, Silksong emphasizes multiple valid paths rather than a single linear progression. Critics noted its faster pace, expanded combat mechanics, and more varied exploration compared to the original (IGN, 2025).

  • Combat: Hornet’s needle and acrobatic move set make battles faster and more precise.

  • Exploration: Verticality and mobility are central, with new traversal abilities.

  • Atmosphere: Rich environments and painterly art direction continue the series’ tradition.

Personal Reflections

I played Silksong immediately after finishing Hollow Knight, and the difference was striking. Silksong felt harder, faster, and more varied than its predecessor.

  • The beautiful environments captivated me, each area distinct and atmospheric.

  • NPCs were memorable, adding depth and intrigue to the world.

  • Boss fights were fun yet challenging, demanding precision and rewarding persistence.

  • Hidden paths and secrets made exploration endlessly engaging, rewarding curiosity at every turn.

For me, Silksong was not just a sequel; it was a more intense, more dynamic experience that tested my skills while offering moments of awe and discovery.

Community Reception

On Steam, Silksong has received “Very Positive” reviews, with players praising its difficulty, art style, and soundtrack while noting its demanding boss fights and punishing exploration loops (Steam Community, 2025).

The Game Awards 2025

Silksong was nominated for five categories at The Game Awards 2025, including Game of the Year, Best Art Direction, Best Score & Music, Best Independent Game, and Best Action/Adventure Game (Engadget, 2025; Polygon, 2025). Competing against titles like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Hades II, and Death Stranding 2, its nominations highlight how an indie studio of just three developers can stand alongside industry giants.

Conclusion

Hollow Knight: Silksong delivers on years of anticipation, offering a fresh yet familiar experience that expands the Hollow Knight universe. Personally, it was a harder, faster, and more varied journey than the original, a game that challenged me deeply while rewarding exploration and persistence. With strong reviews on Metacritic, positive community feedback on Steam, and multiple nominations at The Game Awards, Team Cherry has ensured that Hallownest’s legacy will continue to resonate with players for years to come.

References

 

Ryan Hayden
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