The wait is over! Silksong’s Arrival marks the highly anticipated global release of Hollow Knight: Silksong, the sequel to the critically acclaimed Metroidvania, Hollow Knight. After years of eager anticipation from fans worldwide, the game developed and published by Australian independent studio Team Cherry is now available across multiple platforms, starting today, September 4, 2025.
A Dream Realized: The Launch of Hollow Knight: Silksong
The official launch of Hollow Knight: Silksong culminates a development period of approximately seven years. Initially conceived as downloadable content (DLC) for the original Hollow Knight, the project’s scope expanded significantly, leading Team Cherry to develop it as a full standalone sequel. This decision reflects their commitment to delivering a complete and enriching experience, as stated by the development team.
Who Brought Silksong to Life?
Hollow Knight: Silksong is the creation of Team Cherry, a small independent developer. The core team comprises Ari Gibson and William Pellen, who served as designers, and William Pellen and Jack Vine as programmers. Ari Gibson also handled the game’s art, while Christopher Larkin composed the music. Players will step into the role of Hornet, the nimble princess-protector of Hallownest and a prominent character from the original game. The release has been met with immense excitement from a dedicated global fanbase.
Gameplay and Features
Silksong promises a faster, more challenging experience compared to its predecessor. Players will navigate the mysterious new land of Pharloom as Hornet, encountering unique enemies, intricate environments, and challenging bosses. Team Cherry has implemented several new features to enhance the gameplay experience.
- Quest System: A structured system to guide players through the expansive world of Pharloom.
- Enhanced Combat: Combat mechanics are focused on Hornet’s agility and needle-based attacks, providing a more dynamic and responsive feel.
- Reworked Healing: A silk-based healing system encourages offensive play, rewarding players for aggressive tactics.
Release Details: When and Where to Play
Hollow Knight: Silksong was released today, Thursday, September 4, 2025. Specific unlock times vary by region, with releases scheduled as follows:
- 7 AM PT
- 10 AM ET
- 3 PM BST
- 4 PM CEST
- 11 PM JST
The game is available globally on a wide array of platforms, including:
- PC (Windows, Linux, macOS)
- PlayStation 4
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox One
- Xbox Series X|S
- Nintendo Switch
- Nintendo Switch 2
Notably, Hollow Knight: Silksong is also available day one on Xbox Game Pass.
The Long Road to Release: Why the Wait?
The extended development cycle of Silksong, spanning roughly seven years, stemmed from the project’s ambitious growth. What began as a DLC concept for Hollow Knight evolved into a much larger, standalone title. Team Cherry, a lean team, prioritized creating a rich experience over adhering to a strict timeline or providing constant public updates. According to Team Cherry, they opted to let the game’s quality speak for itself.
Impact and Reception
The launch of Hollow Knight: Silksong is a monumental event for the gaming community, marking the culmination of years of anticipation and speculation. The game is priced at $19.99 / €19.99 / ¥2300, a price point that many fans and critics consider excellent value given the expected depth and content, especially in an era of rising game prices. Furthermore, Team Cherry has confirmed a free upgrade path for Nintendo Switch owners to access “enhanced” features on the Nintendo Switch 2, demonstrating a commitment to player-friendly practices. The release is expected to drive significant player engagement and critical discussion as fans finally delve into Hornet’s new adventure.
Commitment to Enhanced Features
Team Cherry’s decision to offer a free upgrade path to Nintendo Switch 2 owners showcases their dedication to providing the best possible experience for their players. This move addresses concerns about hardware limitations and ensures that fans can enjoy Silksong with enhanced features on the latest Nintendo console.
Conclusion
Hollow Knight: Silksong’s release marks the end of a long wait and the beginning of a new chapter for fans of the Metroidvania genre. With its enhanced gameplay mechanics, intricate world design, and commitment to player-friendly practices, Silksong is poised to be a major success and a testament to Team Cherry’s dedication to quality and innovation.
