The indie gaming world has been holding its breath for years, and finally, the moment has arrived. Team Cherry, the Australian development studio behind one of the most beloved metroidvania games of all time, has officially confirmed that Hollow Knight: Silksong will launch in 2024. For fans who have been waiting since the game’s initial announcement in 2019, this news feels like a dream come true—a light at the end of a very long, very dark tunnel.
But what makes this announcement so monumental? Why has the gaming community been so invested in this sequel? And what can players expect when they finally get their hands on Silksong? Let’s dive deep into everything you need to know about this highly anticipated title, from its origins to its gameplay innovations, and explore why it’s poised to become one of the defining indie games of this generation.
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The Legacy of Hollow Knight: Understanding the Phenomenon
Before we can fully appreciate what Silksong represents, we need to understand the cultural impact of its predecessor. When Hollow Knight first released in 2017, it entered a crowded marketplace of indie games, many of which were vying for attention in the metroidvania genre. Yet this hand-drawn masterpiece managed to cut through the noise and capture the hearts of millions.
Created by just three developers at Team Cherry—Ari Gibson, William Pellen, and Jack Vine—Hollow Knight demonstrated what passion, creativity, and meticulous attention to detail could achieve. The game transported players to Hallownest, a vast underground kingdom filled with mystery, melancholy, and danger. Its haunting atmosphere, coupled with tight platforming mechanics and challenging combat, created an experience that felt both familiar and refreshingly unique.
The art style alone set it apart. Every frame of Hollow Knight looked like it could be hung in a gallery, with its gothic aesthetic and beautifully animated insect inhabitants. The music, composed by Christopher Larkin, became instantly iconic, with tracks that ranged from hauntingly beautiful to pulse-poundingly intense. But beyond the aesthetics, Hollow Knight offered something deeper—a world that felt alive, mysterious, and worth exploring.
Players spent dozens of hours navigating the twisting caverns of Hallownest, uncovering secrets, battling formidable bosses, and piecing together a story that was as cryptic as it was compelling. The game didn’t hold your hand; it trusted players to explore, experiment, and discover its mysteries on their own terms. This respect for player intelligence and the willingness to let the world speak for itself became one of Hollow Knight’s defining characteristics.
The success was undeniable. What began as a Kickstarter project transformed into a phenomenon that sold millions of copies across multiple platforms. It garnered critical acclaim, won numerous awards, and established Team Cherry as one of the most promising indie studios in the industry. More importantly, it created a passionate fanbase that eagerly awaited whatever the studio would do next.
The Birth of Silksong: From DLC to Full-Fledged Sequel
The story of Silksong’s development is almost as legendary as the game itself. When Team Cherry first announced the project in February 2019, it came as a surprise to many. The reveal happened during a Nintendo Indie World presentation, and fans initially expected news about downloadable content for the original game. What they got was something far more ambitious.
Silksong began its life as a DLC expansion, intended to add new content and adventures to Hollow Knight. However, as development progressed, Team Cherry realized that their vision for the project had grown beyond the scope of simple additional content. The world they were creating, the mechanics they were implementing, and the story they were telling deserved to stand on its own. The decision was made to transform the expansion into a full sequel, complete with new gameplay systems, a massive new kingdom to explore, and a different protagonist taking center stage.
That protagonist is Hornet, a character who played a crucial role in the original Hollow Knight. Fans fell in love with her mysterious nature, her graceful combat style, and her connection to the game’s deeper lore. She appeared as both an antagonist and ally throughout the Knight’s journey, and her own story remained tantalizingly unexplored. Silksong would finally give players the chance to step into her role and experience the world through her eyes.
The announcement trailer showcased stunning new environments, introduced glimpses of fresh enemy designs, and confirmed that Silksong would take place in an entirely new kingdom called Pharloom. The excitement was immediate and overwhelming. Social media exploded with reactions, theories, and celebrations. Finally, fans would get more of the world they had come to love, with the added bonus of playing as one of the original game’s most compelling characters.
But then came the waiting. And the waiting. And more waiting.
The Great Silence: Years of Anticipation and Hope
If you’ve been following Silksong’s development journey, you know that patience has been the name of the game. After the initial announcement in 2019, updates from Team Cherry became increasingly sparse. Months would pass without news. Then years. The studio maintained their characteristic tight-lipped approach to development, preferring to work quietly rather than provide constant updates.
This silence, while frustrating for eager fans, was actually consistent with Team Cherry’s philosophy. The developers have always prioritized quality over speed, preferring to release their work when it meets their exacting standards rather than rushing to meet arbitrary deadlines. It’s a approach that stands in stark contrast to the modern gaming industry’s tendency toward premature announcements, aggressive marketing campaigns, and sometimes disappointing launches.
Nevertheless, the lack of information turned Silksong into something of a legend within gaming communities. Every major gaming event—whether it was a Nintendo Direct, an Xbox showcase, or The Game Awards—became an opportunity for fans to hope for news. Online communities developed elaborate theories about potential release dates, analyzed every tiny detail from the original announcement, and created countless memes about the game’s seemingly mythical status.
The phrase “Is Silksong real?” became a running joke. Some fans compared the wait to that of Half-Life 3, the legendary sequel from Valve that has become synonymous with vaporware. Others created elaborate countdown timers and prediction threads, only to be disappointed again and again when events came and went without any Silksong news.
But Team Cherry’s silence wasn’t due to development troubles or corporate interference. It was simply a small team taking the time they needed to create something special. Game development, particularly for indie studios, is an unpredictable process filled with challenges, iterations, and unexpected obstacles. Unlike massive AAA studios with hundreds of employees and vast resources, Team Cherry operates on a much smaller scale. Every aspect of the game—from art to programming to sound design—requires careful attention and considerable time.
The decision to remain quiet until they had something substantial to share is, in retrospect, admirable. In an era where games are often overpromised and underdelivered, where hype cycles can set unrealistic expectations, Team Cherry chose a different path. They chose to let their work speak for itself when the time was right.
2024: The Wait Finally Ends
And then, finally, the announcement came. Team Cherry confirmed that Hollow Knight: Silksong would release in 2024, providing a concrete timeframe after years of speculation. The reaction from the gaming community was nothing short of euphoric. Social media platforms lit up with celebrations, reaction videos went viral, and longtime fans expressed a mixture of relief, excitement, and disbelief.
For many, it felt like emerging from a long dream. The game that had existed primarily in the realm of anticipation and imagination would finally become reality. Forum threads exploded with discussions about what to expect, how to prepare, and what the release might mean for the indie gaming landscape. Content creators immediately began planning their coverage strategies, knowing that Silksong would be a cultural moment in gaming.
The announcement also included confirmation of the platforms that would support Silksong at launch. The game will be available on PC through both Steam and GOG, ensuring that players across different storefronts can access it. Console players won’t be left out either—Silksong will launch simultaneously on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. Perhaps most exciting for Xbox users is the confirmation that Silksong will be available on Xbox Game Pass from day one, allowing subscribers to jump into the adventure at no additional cost.
This multi-platform approach demonstrates Team Cherry’s commitment to making Silksong accessible to as many players as possible. Whether you prefer gaming on PC, enjoy the portability of the Switch, or play primarily on PlayStation or Xbox, you’ll be able to experience Hornet’s adventure on your platform of choice.
Meet Hornet: A New Protagonist with a Different Approach
One of the most significant changes in Silksong is the shift in protagonist. While the original Hollow Knight featured the silent, mysterious Knight as its playable character, Silksong puts players in control of Hornet. This isn’t just a cosmetic change—it fundamentally alters the gameplay experience in exciting ways.
Hornet is a character of grace, agility, and lethality. She’s faster than the Knight, more acrobatic, and brings an entirely different combat philosophy to the table. Where the Knight’s approach felt measured and defensive, Hornet’s style is aggressive and fluid. She darts across the battlefield with incredible speed, striking quickly and evading with equal precision. This shift promises to make Silksong feel distinctly different from its predecessor, even while maintaining the core elements that made Hollow Knight so compelling.
Her primary weapon is a needle—a fitting choice given the game’s insect-themed world. This needle isn’t just for show; it’s integral to both combat and traversal. Hornet uses it to slash at enemies, thread silk for various abilities, and interact with the environment in ways that the Knight never could. The needle feels like an extension of Hornet herself, perfectly suited to her quick, darting combat style.
But perhaps the most interesting mechanical change is how Hornet manages her resources. In Hollow Knight, the Knight collected Soul, which could be used for healing or casting spells. Hornet, however, relies on Silk, a different resource that functions in unique ways. This silk-based system adds new layers of strategy and resource management to the gameplay. Players will need to think carefully about when to use their silk for offensive abilities versus defensive maneuvers, creating a risk-reward dynamic that promises to keep combat engaging and tense.
Hornet’s personality also sets her apart. Unlike the Knight, who was entirely silent, Hornet has a voice and a distinct character. She speaks, reacts to the world around her, and has clear motivations driving her forward. This shift toward a more vocal protagonist allows for different storytelling opportunities and gives players a stronger connection to the character they’re controlling.
A Brand New Kingdom: Welcome to Pharloom
Silksong doesn’t just offer a new protagonist—it introduces an entirely new world to explore. While Hollow Knight took place in the fallen kingdom of Hallownest, Silksong transports players to Pharloom, a kingdom that promises to be even larger and more diverse than its predecessor.
From the glimpses we’ve seen in trailers and promotional materials, Pharloom appears to be a kingdom ascending rather than descending. Where Hallownest felt like a place of ruins and melancholy, Pharloom seems more vibrant, more alive, and potentially more dangerous. The kingdom stretches upward, with Hornet’s journey taking her higher and higher through various biomes and regions.
The diversity of environments promises to be staggering. Early footage has shown lush gardens filled with hostile flora, gleaming citadels that hint at a still-functioning society, and mysterious temples that undoubtedly hide secrets and challenges. Each area appears to have its own distinct visual identity, ecosystem, and set of hazards. This variety ensures that exploration will remain fresh and exciting throughout the entire adventure.
Team Cherry has confirmed that Silksong features over 150 brand-new enemies. That’s an astounding number, suggesting a world teeming with life and danger at every turn. These aren’t just reskins of familiar foes from Hollow Knight; they’re entirely new creatures with unique attack patterns, behaviors, and designs. Players will need to learn each enemy’s tactics, identify their weaknesses, and develop strategies to overcome them.
The kingdom’s verticality also introduces new possibilities for level design and traversal. Where Hallownest often felt like descending into deeper and deeper depths, Pharloom’s upward structure suggests a different kind of progression. As Hornet climbs higher, the challenges will likely intensify, the secrets will become more obscure, and the stakes will continue to rise.
New Gameplay Systems: Evolution and Innovation
While Silksong maintains the core metroidvania formula that made Hollow Knight successful, it also introduces several new gameplay systems that promise to expand and deepen the experience.
One of the most notable additions is a crafting system. Throughout her journey, Hornet will be able to collect various materials and resources scattered throughout Pharloom. These materials can then be used to create tools, items, and equipment that aid in her quest. This system adds a new layer of progression and customization that wasn’t present in the original game.
The crafting system isn’t just about creating consumables or temporary buffs. It’s integrated into the core gameplay loop, encouraging players to explore thoroughly, experiment with different combinations, and adapt their toolkit to match their playstyle. Some tools might help with traversal, allowing Hornet to access previously unreachable areas. Others might provide combat advantages or defensive capabilities. The variety and flexibility of this system should give players meaningful choices in how they approach challenges.
Quest tracking represents another significant upgrade. While Hollow Knight deliberately kept things mysterious and often left players to figure out objectives on their own, Silksong incorporates a more robust quest system. This doesn’t mean the game will hold your hand—Team Cherry is still committed to maintaining that sense of discovery and exploration. Rather, it provides tools to help players keep track of the various characters they’ve met, the tasks they’ve undertaken, and the mysteries they’re working to unravel.
The inclusion of more developed NPCs and storylines also suggests a richer narrative experience. Hollow Knight told much of its story through environmental storytelling, item descriptions, and cryptic dialogue. Silksong appears to build on this foundation while also providing more direct narrative threads. Players will encounter numerous unique characters throughout Pharloom, each with their own stories, motivations, and quests. These interactions promise to make the world feel more alive and reactive to Hornet’s presence.
The Challenge Factor: Not for the Faint of Heart
Anyone who played Hollow Knight knows that it wasn’t an easy game. It challenged players with tough platforming sections, punishing boss fights, and areas that demanded precision and patience. Silksong appears ready to continue that tradition while potentially raising the bar even higher.
The faster pace of Hornet’s combat means encounters will be more intense and demanding. Enemies won’t simply wait for you to attack—they’ll be aggressive, coordinated, and relentless. The increased speed of both your character and your foes means split-second decisions will often mean the difference between victory and defeat.
Boss battles, a highlight of the original game, are expected to be even more spectacular in Silksong. Team Cherry has a proven track record of creating memorable, challenging boss encounters that test every skill players have developed. These aren’t just stat checks or pattern memorization exercises—they’re carefully designed challenges that require understanding mechanics, reading tells, and executing strategies with precision.
The verticality of Pharloom also introduces new platforming challenges. Moving upward requires different skills than descending, and Team Cherry will undoubtedly design sections that push players to master Hornet’s movement capabilities. Expect sequences that demand perfect timing, creative use of abilities, and maybe a few deaths before you figure out the proper approach.
But challenge doesn’t mean unfairness. Hollow Knight was difficult but fair, and Silksong appears to follow the same philosophy. When you fail, it’s because you made a mistake or need to improve, not because the game cheated. This kind of fair challenge creates incredibly satisfying moments when you finally overcome an obstacle that’s been blocking your progress.
Preparing for Silksong: How to Get Ready
With 2024 upon us and Silksong’s release approaching, now is the perfect time for both veterans and newcomers to prepare for Hornet’s adventure.
If you’ve never played Hollow Knight, there’s no better time to start. The original game is available on all major platforms and frequently goes on sale at reduced prices. Playing through Hallownest’s story will give you essential context for understanding Silksong’s world, mechanics, and lore. You’ll meet Hornet, understand her relationship with the Knight, and get a feel for Team Cherry’s design philosophy.
The time investment is substantial—Hollow Knight can take anywhere from 30 to 60 hours depending on how thoroughly you explore—but it’s time well spent. The game has aged beautifully, and experiencing it before Silksong launches will only enhance your appreciation for the sequel.
For those who have played Hollow Knight but want to refresh their memory, consider doing another playthrough or watching lore videos. The Hollow Knight community has produced incredible content analyzing every aspect of the game’s story, characters, and world-building. Channels like Mossbag have become famous for their deep dives into the game’s mysteries, and watching these videos can uncover details you might have missed during your own playthrough.
Following Team Cherry’s official channels is also wise. While they’re not frequent communicators, when they do share information, it’s usually significant. Their website and social media accounts will likely be the first places to announce an exact release date, share new trailers, or provide important updates.
Finally, consider connecting with the Hollow Knight community. Subreddits, Discord servers, and fan forums are filled with enthusiastic players who love discussing theories, sharing fan art, and celebrating all things Hollow Knight. These communities have kept the excitement alive during the long wait for Silksong, and they’ll be incredible resources when the game finally launches.
Why Silksong Matters: More Than Just Another Sequel
In an industry increasingly dominated by live service games, aggressive monetization, and flashy marketing campaigns that often overshadow substance, Silksong represents something different. It’s a reminder of what games can be when they’re made with passion, patience, and artistic vision.
Team Cherry isn’t a massive corporation chasing quarterly earnings reports. They’re a small group of developers who care deeply about their craft. They’re not rushing Silksong to market to capitalize on hype or meet investor expectations. They’re taking the time to create something worthy of the Hollow Knight legacy, something that will resonate with players and stand the test of time.
This approach is increasingly rare in modern game development, where the pressure to release quickly often results in unfinished products, day-one patches, and disappointed fans. Silksong’s extended development time is a feature, not a bug. It’s evidence of a studio that prioritizes quality over everything else.
The game also represents the continuing vitality of the metroidvania genre. While the template has been around for decades, games like Hollow Knight prove that there’s still room for innovation, creativity, and fresh takes on familiar formulas. Silksong promises to push the genre forward while honoring the traditions that make it special.
Moreover, Silksong is a testament to the power of indie games. When Hollow Knight first released, it competed against AAA titles with budgets hundreds of times larger. Yet it held its own, not through expensive marketing or cutting-edge graphics, but through superior design, atmosphere, and heart. Silksong continuing that tradition shows that great games can come from anywhere, that a team of three can create experiences as compelling as those from studios of three hundred.
The Final Countdown: What Comes Next
As we move through 2024, the anticipation for Silksong will only intensify. While we don’t yet have a specific release date, most signs point toward a mid-to-late year launch. Team Cherry will likely announce the exact date a few months in advance, giving fans time to clear their calendars and prepare for the journey ahead.
When that day finally arrives, it will be a momentous occasion for the gaming community. Silksong isn’t just another game release—it’s the culmination of years of waiting, hoping, and believing. It’s the reward for a community that remained passionate and supportive even through long periods of silence. It’s proof that good things come to those who wait.
The legacy of Hollow Knight sets high expectations, but everything we’ve seen suggests that Team Cherry is ready to meet and exceed them. A new protagonist with fresh mechanics, an entirely new kingdom to explore, innovative gameplay systems, and that signature Team Cherry polish—all the ingredients are there for another masterpiece.
So sharpen your needle, prepare your silk, and get ready to ascend through the kingdom of Pharloom. Hornet’s adventure awaits, and if it’s anything like the Knight’s journey through Hallownest, we’re in for something truly special. The wait has been long, but the destination promises to be worth every moment of anticipation.
Welcome to Silksong. Welcome to the next chapter of one of indie gaming’s greatest success stories. The kingdom of Pharloom is calling, and 2024 is the year we finally get to answer.