Few indie sequels have carried as much weight on their delicate, silk-threaded shoulders as Hollow Knight: Silksong. After years of speculation, delays, and feverish fan theories, Team Cherry’s follow-up to their 2017 masterpiece has finally emerged from its cocoon. The result? A dazzling, punishing, and deeply rewarding journey through the haunting kingdom of Pharloom – one that not only honors its predecessor but sharpens its edges into something uniquely its own.
A New Kingdom, A New Heroine
In Silksong, you step into the nimble shoes (or rather, needlepoint boots) of Hornet, the fierce rival-turned-ally from the original Hollow Knight. Her mission is as mysterious as the land she traverses: escape captivity, ascend to the shining citadel at Pharloom’s peak, and uncover the truth behind a realm “haunted by Silk and Song.”
From the moment you take control, Hornet feels different. She’s faster, more acrobatic, and far more vocal than the silent Knight of the first game. Her needle-and-thread weapon isn’t just a blade – it’s a grappling hook, a pogo stick, and a lifeline in the treacherous verticality of Pharloom. This agility changes the rhythm of exploration entirely, making movement feel like a dance between danger and elegance.
Pharloom: Beauty Wrapped in Thorns
If Hallownest was a melancholy warren of decay, Pharloom is a sprawling tapestry of contrasts. Team Cherry has crafted biomes that feel alive, each with its own mood, hazards, and secrets:
- • 🌿 Mosshome – lush, overgrown forests teeming with hidden alcoves.
- • 🌊 Bilewater – stagnant, maggot-infested pools that reek of danger.
- • ⚙️ Deep Docks – industrial furnaces glowing with molten menace.
- • 🏰 The Citadel – a gilded cage of opulence masking rot beneath.
Every screen is a painting in motion. Layered parallax backgrounds, subtle animations, and a masterful use of color make Pharloom feel tangible. The sound design is equally rich – wistful strings, eerie chimes, and the distant hum of unseen machinery weave an atmosphere that’s both inviting and oppressive.
Combat: Grace Under Pressure
Hornet’s combat style is a study in precision and momentum. Her diagonal dive slash and aerial pogo attacks demand accuracy, but once mastered, they turn encounters into thrilling ballets of steel and silk.
The Silk Meter replaces the Knight’s Soul system, letting you heal or unleash special abilities. It’s a risk-reward mechanic – do you spend silk to recover health mid-battle, or save it for a devastating skill?
Boss fights are where Silksong truly bares its fangs. From the graceful Cogwork Dancer to the brutal Last Judge, each encounter is a multi-phase spectacle that tests reflexes, pattern recognition, and endurance. These aren’t quick skirmishes – they’re drawn-out duels where patience is as vital as aggression.
Exploration and Progression
Like any great Metroidvania, Silksong thrives on interconnected world design. New abilities – wall jumps, gliding cloaks, grappling threads – open previously unreachable paths, encouraging constant backtracking and discovery.
The quest system adds structure to exploration. Side missions range from rebuilding towns to hunting rare enemies, and they often reward you with crests and tools that customize Hornet’s playstyle. Want to focus on mobility? Equip crests that boost dash speed and wall cling. Prefer raw power? Stack damage buffs and silk regeneration.
Difficulty: The Sweet Sting
Let’s be clear – Silksong is not here to coddle you. Even minor enemies can deal two masks of damage early on, and environmental hazards are merciless. Save points (benches) aren’t always conveniently placed, meaning some boss attempts require long, hazard-filled treks – the infamous “walk of shame.”
Yet, for those who embrace the challenge, the payoff is immense. Every victory feels earned, every shortcut unlocked a small triumph. The game’s difficulty isn’t just about reflexes – it’s about learning the language of Pharloom, reading its tells, and adapting to its cruelty.
Technical Polish and Value
For a game of this scope and artistry, Silksong’s $20 price tag feels almost criminally generous. The campaign can easily stretch past 20 hours, with completionists pushing far beyond that. Performance is smooth across platforms, and the game is already Steam Deck Verified for portable play.
Final Verdict
Hollow Knight: Silksong doesn’t reinvent the genre – it perfects it. It’s a game of contrasts: beauty and brutality, grace and grit, silence and song. Team Cherry has delivered a sequel that respects its roots while giving us a heroine and a world that stand proudly on their own.
If you have the patience for its punishing difficulty and the curiosity to explore every shadowed corner, Silksong will reward you with one of the most memorable adventures in recent gaming history.
Score: 9.5 / 10 – A Silken Symphony of Challenge and Wonder
