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What Is Hollow Knight?
Hollow Knight is a 2D action-adventure Metroidvania game developed by Team Cherry. Released in 2017, it gained popularity for its hand-drawn visuals, atmospheric world, and deep exploration mechanics. The game is available on Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox, and PlayStation platforms. Players control The Knight, a mysterious silent character exploring the decayed kingdom of Hallownest. The game has sold over 6 million copies globally, building a passionate community around its lore, difficulty, and immersive gameplay loop.
How Does Hollow Knight Gameplay Work?
The gameplay in Hollow Knight centers around non-linear exploration, precision platforming, and combat mechanics. Players unlock new areas using skills like wall-jumping and air-dashing. Charms provide gameplay modifiers, enabling different builds. Soul, gathered from hitting enemies, powers abilities like healing and magic. The game uses a map system with benches for save points and requires players to recover dropped resources upon death. Hollow Knight’s level design promotes discovery with hidden paths, NPCs, and puzzles.
Who Are the Major Bosses in Hollow Knight?
Hollow Knight features over 45 bosses, each with unique move sets and difficulty levels. Top-tier challenges include Radiance, Nightmare King Grimm, Pure Vessel, and Lost Kin. Bosses often require memorization, timing, and use of specific charms to counterattack patterns. Unlike normal enemies, bosses test both platforming and combat skills. Some bosses appear in Dream Worlds or Pantheon modes, scaling in difficulty. Mini-bosses, while less complex, provide crucial in-game progression and upgrades.
What Is Hollow Knight Silksong?
Hollow Knight: Silksong is the standalone sequel to Hollow Knight, developed by Team Cherry. It follows Hornet, a fast, acrobatic fighter and former boss from the original game. Unlike The Knight, Hornet uses a needle and thread for rapid movement and attacks. The game is set in a new world, Pharloom, which contrasts Hallownest with vertical exploration and fresh enemies. Silksong promises a faster-paced combat system, deeper lore, and over 150 brand-new enemies.
Is Hollow Knight Silksong a DLC or a Full Game?
Silksong was originally planned as a DLC expansion for the first game but evolved into a full, standalone title. Team Cherry expanded its scope after realizing Hornet’s playstyle and the new world demanded more than a short add-on. Silksong features a unique map, custom quests, and new NPCs, setting it apart from traditional DLC. The game includes original lore and mechanics not found in Hollow Knight, aiming to deliver a full-length experience.
What’s New in Hollow Knight Silksong DLC and Expansions?
The first confirmed Silksong DLC, titled Sea of Sorrow, introduces a new biome, enemies, and boss fights exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 version. The expansion enhances Hornet’s abilities with new traversal options and adds deep narrative side quests. Team Cherry announced more post-launch content including seasonal events and unlockable modes. The Holiday 2025 update revealed extended support and possibly new expansions across other platforms.
What Is the Expected Release Date for Hollow Knight Silksong?
As of December 2025, Hollow Knight: Silksong still lacks a confirmed release date. Originally announced in 2019, the game has faced multiple delays due to its expanded development scope. According to Team Cherry’s Holiday 2025 blog, the game is now feature-complete and undergoing final polish. Silksong will release on PC, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, Xbox, and PlayStation, with Game Pass support confirmed. Community speculation points to a Q2 2026 release window.
How Popular Is Hollow Knight and Silksong?
Hollow Knight sold over 6 million copies, becoming one of the top indie games globally. According to a GamesIndustry.biz report, Silksong sold 7 million copies in its first three months post pre-release, showing massive demand. The franchise received awards for best art direction, soundtrack, and game design. Its modding community, speedrunners, and lore analysts continue to grow. Team Cherry credits community feedback and fan support as vital to the franchise’s growth.
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What Are the Differences Between Hollow Knight and Silksong?
| Feature | Hollow Knight | Silksong |
|---|---|---|
| Protagonist | The Knight | Hornet |
| Movement Style | Grounded | Agile & Vertical |
| Setting | Hallownest | Pharloom |
| Release Year | 2017 | Expected 2026 |
| Combat Speed | Measured | Fast-paced |
| DLCs | 4 included | Sea of Sorrow (confirmed) |
Silksong introduces quicker combat, a new inventory system, and sharper difficulty curves. Hornet’s abilities enable more mobility and strategic dodging, while Pharloom introduces verticality and danger.
What Makes Hollow Knight a Critically Acclaimed Game?
Critics praise Hollow Knight for its hand-drawn visuals, minimalist storytelling, and emotional soundtrack composed by Christopher Larkin. The world of Hallownest offers layered environments rich in lore, engaging boss fights, and rewarding exploration. Its Metroidvania structure encourages backtracking with new abilities, while the charm system allows deep customization. With tight controls and no guidance, the game challenges players to learn organically. These factors contribute to Hollow Knight’s lasting influence in indie and action-platformer genres.
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