The wait for Hollow Knight: Silksong has been a long one, but Team Cherry’s sequel to the hit Hollow Knight is finally dropping soon. First pitched as extra content back in 2019, it grew into a full game that’s got everyone hyped. Here’s everything about the game including release date, gameplay and fan reactions.

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Release Information: When and Where to Play

After a bunch of delays and some quiet periods from Team Cherry, Hollow Knight: Silksong is set to launch on September 4, 2025. You’ll be able to play it on tons of platforms: PC (via Steam), Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, plus Linux and macOS. If you’ve got Xbox Game Pass, you’re in luck—it’s dropping there day one, so no need to buy it outright.

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The release is timed for a global rollout:

  • 7:00 AM PT (Pacific Time)
  • 10:00 AM ET (Eastern Time)
  • 3:00 PM BST (British Summer Time)
  • 4:00 PM CEST (Central European Summer Time)
  • 11:00 PM JST (Japan Standard Time)

It’s priced at a wallet-friendly $19.99 USD, €19.99, or ¥2,300. Nintendo fans get a sweet deal: buy it on the original Switch, and you can upgrade to a sharper version for the Switch 2 for free.

Development wasn’t all smooth sailing. Team Cherry needed extra time to polish things up since the game got way bigger than planned. A recent gameplay trailer at gamescom 2025 got fans pumped, and there’s even talk of physical copies for collectors. PC players don’t need a beastly rig either—it’ll run on older setups.

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On X, fans are losing it. People are replaying the first game, sharing cool character designs, and betting Silksong could be a Game of the Year contender. Some devs are even pushing their own releases back to avoid going head-to-head with it.

Gameplay Features: A Faster, Fiercer Adventure

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This time, you’re playing as Hornet, the quick and deadly princess from the first game. She’s got a totally different feel compared to the Knight—way faster, with slick moves like lunges, claw attacks, spins, and grapples that let you zip around and chain combos.

Here’s what’s new:

  • Crafting System: You can make your own tools and gear, which mixes up exploration and lets you tweak your setup.
  • Silk Binding Healing: Hornet heals by wrapping herself in silk, but you’ve got to time it right in fights.
  • Expanded World: Pharloom’s a creepy new kingdom with over 150 new enemies, tough bosses, and winding paths to explore, all in that gorgeous hand-drawn 2D style.
  • Quests and NPCs: There’s a bounty board for side quests, plus quirky NPCs who add story and help you out.

Gameplay demos, like one showing Hornet facing off against a tricky boss named Lace, highlight tight dodging, quick strikes, and using the environment to your advantage. It’s still a metroidvania at heart—think open-ended exploration, unlocking new areas with abilities, and tough-as-nails challenges—but it’s built around Hornet’s speedy style.

Previews and Anticipated Reviews: High Praise from Hands-On Sessions

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No full reviews yet since the game’s not out, but early hands-on sessions from gamescom 2025 are getting people excited. Writers say it’s faster, looks better, and kicks up the difficulty compared to Hollow Knight while keeping its moody charm.

Here’s what some outlets are saying:

  • IGN: A 20-minute demo felt polished, with smooth combat and exploration that’s hard to fault.
  • Screen Rant: Loves how easy it is to jump into, especially on the Switch 2 with its upgraded visuals.
  • The Gamer: Calls it a dream game, saying the wait was worth it.
  • Eurogamer: Notes it’s tougher and quicker but wonders if it breaks enough new ground, though it’s still top-notch.
  • Rock Paper Shotgun: Sees it as a safe but stunning sequel with tight mechanics.
  • MonsterVine: Highlights the challenging enemies and Hornet’s fresh journey.

Fans on X are just as stoked, with some calling it a potential classic. A few worry it might not top the original, but most think it’s going to be a big deal.

Conclusion: A Worthy Successor on the Horizon

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Hollow Knight: Silksong is dropping at a time when expectations are sky-high after years of buildup. With slick gameplay, a huge new world, and early praise, it’s shaping up to be a hit for both old fans and new players. As the release date hits, it’s not about whether Silksong will be good—it’s about how much it’ll stand out among other indie gems. Whether you’re brushing up on Hollow Knight or going in blind, Pharloom’s ready for you.