After years of anticipation, speculation, and countless delays, Hollow Knight: Silksong is finally set to launch on September 4. Developed by Team Cherry, the Australian indie studio behind the critically acclaimed Hollow Knight (2017), Silksong has grown from a planned DLC into a full-fledged sequel—and arguably one of the most anticipated indie games of the decade.
Fans of the original Hollow Knight have been waiting patiently for this moment since the game was first teased in early 2019. Now, with a confirmed release date and a $19.99 price tag, the wait is nearly over. Even more exciting is the news that Silksong will launch day-one on Xbox Game Pass, giving subscribers immediate access to the game across Xbox and PC platforms.
Silksong follows a new protagonist, Hornet, a fast and agile warrior who played a supporting role in the first game. Unlike the original’s slower-paced Knight, Hornet brings a completely different energy to the gameplay, with acrobatic combat, faster movement, and a much more vocal and story-driven presence. Players will explore a sprawling new kingdom called Pharloom, a haunted and mysterious land filled with strange creatures, intricate architecture, and countless secrets waiting to be uncovered.
While the core of the Metroidvania formula remains intact—tight platforming, brutal boss fights, and atmospheric exploration—Silksong introduces new systems and a more ambitious design. The game promises over 150 new enemies, an expanded crafting system, and quest-driven progression that emphasizes exploration and replayability. Hornet will collect materials, upgrade her tools, and interact with a wide cast of NPCs as she uncovers the secrets of the kingdom and her own place within it.
One of the biggest talking points surrounding Silksong is its tone. While still haunting and mysterious, Silksong appears to be more vibrant and varied in its visual presentation. The environments are brighter, more diverse, and filled with dynamic, insectoid life. From decaying cities to bioluminescent caverns, Pharloom is shaping up to be a world every bit as rich and detailed as Hallownest, if not more so.
Team Cherry’s commitment to quality is a large part of why Silksong took so long to release. Over the years, the studio has stayed mostly quiet, offering only occasional trailers or development updates. This secrecy has only fueled community speculation and excitement, turning the game into something of a legend within indie gaming circles. Now, with the release date locked in, players can finally see if the long wait was worth it.
The indie gaming scene has evolved dramatically since Hollow Knight debuted, but Silksong is poised to once again raise the bar. With its sharp combat, emotional storytelling, and intricately designed world, Silksong isn’t just a sequel—it’s a statement.
As the September 4 launch draws near, fans new and old are ready to dive back into the beautifully brutal world that Team Cherry has crafted. If early impressions are anything to go by, Silksong could very well be the crown jewel of indie gaming in 2025.