Hollow Knight: Silksong is the highly anticipated sequel to 2017’s Hollow Knight, developed and published by Australian indie studio Team Cherry. Scheduled to release on 4 September 2025, the game will launch across multiple platforms including Linux, macOS, Windows, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Built in Unity and scored once again by composer Christopher Larkin, Silksong continues the studio’s vision of delivering a richly atmospheric Metroidvania adventure.

In this sequel, players step into the role of Hornet, a character familiar to fans of the first game as both a rival and ally. The story begins with Hornet captured and taken to Pharloom, a mysterious kingdom described as being “haunted by silk and song.” From there, she embarks on a pilgrimage to the kingdom’s peak, battling her way through interconnected environments while uncovering secrets tied to her past and her nature. Hornet’s faster, more acrobatic style, combined with her needle-based combat, creates a gameplay experience that feels distinct yet faithful to the original.

Silksong expands on Hollow Knight’s mechanics with a quest system that encourages exploration and rewards curiosity. Quests fall into four categories—Gather, Wayfarer, Hunt, and Grand Hunt—while new items, currencies, and crafting systems deepen progression. Players can expect over 200 enemies, 40 bosses, and nearly 100 benches scattered throughout Pharloom, making it even larger in scope than Hallownest. These additions aim to blend fluid movement, challenging combat, and rewarding exploration into a seamless experience.

The game was initially conceived as downloadable content for Hollow Knight but quickly outgrew its scope. Team Cherry officially announced Silksong as a standalone title in 2019, and its development has been marked by long stretches of silence as the small team focused on polish and refinement. Co-directors Ari Gibson and William Pellen explained that their vision expanded over time, leading to a more ambitious world than originally planned. Despite the lengthy wait, previews have highlighted the studio’s dedication to detail and quality.

Over the years, Silksong has earned a reputation as one of the most anticipated indie games ever made, fueled by its extended development cycle and devoted fan base. Playable demos at events like E3 2019 and Gamescom 2025 have been praised for their fluidity, challenging design, and stunning visuals. With its official release date now set, Hollow Knight: Silksong is poised to deliver a worthy sequel that refines and expands upon the beloved foundations of its predecessor.