Hollow Knight: Silksong

Hollow Knight: Silksong is a 2025 Metroidvania action-adventure game developed and published by the small Australian indie studio Team Cherry. The long-awaited sequel to 2017’s Hollow Knight finally launched on September 4, 2025, for PC (Steam, GOG, Windows, Linux, macOS), Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S—with day-one availability on Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass. Priced at a modest $19.99, it delivers a bigger, more acrobatic take on the beloved bug-filled world, praised for its punishing yet rewarding depth, stunning hand-drawn art, and masterful platforming.

Core Story

You play as Hornet, the fierce warrior princess and daughter of the Pale King from the original game. Captured and taken to the haunted kingdom of Pharloom—a decaying realm ruled by silk and song—Hornet must escape her captors, uncover ancient mysteries, and confront the forces threatening this new land. The narrative stands mostly alone (with light ties to Hollow Knight), unfolding through environmental storytelling, cryptic lore, and emotional encounters as Hornet unravels secrets of a fallen sovereignty. It’s a tale of captivity, resilience, and hidden power in a beautifully eerie insect world.

Gameplay and Features

Silksong refines the Metroidvania formula with Hornet’s nimble, acrobatic combat and movement—faster and more agile than the original Knight. Key elements include:

• Vast, interconnected kingdoms to explore with new abilities, tools, and skills that open paths.
• Fluid platforming challenges, intense boss fights, and enemy encounters that reward precision.
• Quests, hidden secrets, and a deep upgrade system for weapons, charms, and movement.
• Gorgeous 2D hand-drawn visuals, atmospheric music, and a hauntingly beautiful world full of wonder and danger.

It’s a single-player experience with roughly 20–40+ hours for the main story and far more for full completion and 100% runs. A major free/paid expansion is already confirmed for 2026, adding even more content.

PC Version (2025)

The PC launch is the most customizable and high-performance option. It supports ultrawide (21:9), 16:10 (Steam Deck optimized), uncapped frame rates (up to 165 Hz+ or fully unlocked), and runs buttery smooth on modest hardware—minimum specs are forgiving (Intel i5-3470 / GTX 1050 / 8 GB RAM). Even low-end PCs without a dedicated GPU can hit 100+ fps at 1080p. It shines on high-end rigs for 4K/144Hz+ play, with excellent particle effects and visuals that pop on modern displays. Keyboard & mouse (or controller) feel precise for Hornet’s agile combat and platforming. A perfect choice for sharp visuals, mods (via community tools), or handheld play on Steam Deck.

Console Versions

• Nintendo Switch & Switch 2 (2025): Both versions launched at release (with a free Switch 2 upgrade path for original Switch owners). The original Switch delivers solid 60 fps performance in a portable package. The Switch 2 Edition is a clear step up: higher resolution (1080p handheld / enhanced docked), locked 120 fps (with smoother motion and no drops), shorter load times, and crisper overall visuals. Ideal for on-the-go bug-slaying—praised in comparisons for feeling transformative on Nintendo’s newer hardware.
• PS4 / PS5 & Xbox One / Series X|S (2025): Excellent console optimizations with strong frame rates, quick loading, and big-screen immersion. PS5 and Series X leverage their power for the smoothest experience (with haptics on PS5), while older hardware still performs well. Day-one Game Pass access makes it an instant pickup for Xbox players.

Quick Comparison

• PC → Best for ultrawide, uncapped high frame rates, and tweaking—definitive if you want the sharpest image or Steam Deck portability.
• Switch 2 → Top pick for smooth 120 fps portability and Nintendo ecosystem convenience.
• Original Switch / PS5 / Xbox → Great accessible options; Switch for hybrid play, consoles for couch comfort and Game Pass value.

Hollow Knight: Silksong is a triumphant sequel that lives up to the hype—an unforgettable Metroidvania masterpiece of exploration, precision platforming, and haunting beauty. Whether threading silk across Pharloom on PC, Switch 2, or another platform, Hornet’s journey is pure indie magic: “Ascend the haunted kingdom… silk and song await.”