Hollow Knight: Silksong’s Launch Has Me Feeling Like a Kid Again

The gaming world has a new masterpiece to celebrate. After a development cycle that spanned nearly seven years, the legendary wait for Hollow Knight: Silksong is finally over. The highly anticipated sequel to Team Cherry’s 2017 indie hit launched on September 4, 2025, and for many players, it has been more than just a new release—it has been a return to the purest form of gaming joy. From the moment the game started, a sense of wonder, challenge, and pure exploration washed over me, a feeling I haven’t experienced in years. In a landscape filled with open-world games and live service titles, Silksong reminds us of the magic of a meticulously crafted Metroidvania.

A Masterclass in Exploration and Atmosphere

The first Hollow Knight was revered for its haunting atmosphere and interconnected world, and Silksong takes this to another level. As Hornet, the nimble protagonist, you are captured and brought to the brand-new kingdom of Pharloom. This new world is a stark contrast to the desolate Hallownest. Pharloom is a land of vivid colors, from the sunlit Moss Grotto to the treacherous Deep Docks. The environments feel alive, teeming with new creatures, ancient mysteries, and a pervasive sense of history. Every corner of the map feels deliberate and meaningful, a testament to Team Cherry’s commitment to creating a cohesive and believable world. The joy of uncovering a hidden passage, discovering a new NPC with a compelling story, or finding a secret upgrade is simply unmatched. It’s the kind of exploration that feels like a real adventure, not just a series of waypoint markers on a map.

The new musical score by Christopher Larkin is a major contributor to this feeling. It is a stunning, orchestral work that perfectly captures the melancholy and grandeur of Pharloom. The sound design is also impeccable, from the clinking of metal in the Deep Docks to the subtle hum of insects in a forgotten cavern. Every element of the game’s presentation works in perfect harmony to create an immersive experience that pulls you in and doesn’t let go.

Combat That Feels Both Familiar and Fresh

One of the most significant changes in Silksong is its combat system. While the core DNA of the original game is present, Hornet feels fundamentally different to play than the Knight. She is an acrobatic fighter, capable of a range of nimble moves, including flips, dashes, and lunges that make her a true force of nature. This increased mobility opens up new avenues for combat and traversal. The new mechanics, such as the ability to instantly heal three health nodes on the move using Silk, encourage a more aggressive and fluid playstyle. While some players have found the game to be more difficult than its predecessor—with a greater number of enemies and bosses capable of doing double damage—this added challenge is a core part of the game’s appeal. It forces you to master Hornet’s moveset, to pay attention to enemy tells, and to use your tools strategically. The combat is a beautiful, deadly dance, and the satisfaction of taking down a powerful boss after multiple attempts is a feeling that only a few games can deliver.

A Beacon of Indie Gaming Excellence

The launch of Hollow Knight: Silksong is a victory for indie game developers everywhere. Team Cherry, a small team of three, has demonstrated that with passion, dedication, and a clear artistic vision, it is possible to create a game that rivals and, in many cases, surpasses the quality of AAA titles. The fact that they priced the game at a modest $19.99, despite its massive scope and years of anticipation, is a sign of their commitment to making their games accessible to as many people as possible. This consumer-friendly approach, combined with the game’s day-one availability on Xbox Game Pass, is a refreshing change of pace in an industry often dominated by microtransactions and high price tags.

Silksong is not just a game; it’s an event. It’s a reminder of what we all love about gaming: the feeling of true discovery, the thrill of overcoming a difficult challenge, and the joy of getting lost in a world that feels both vast and intimate. It has lived up to its monumental hype and has cemented its place as one of the most important game releases of the year. For every fan who has waited patiently, the journey into Pharloom is finally here, and it is every bit as magical as we dreamed it would be.