Hollow Knight: Silksong

Hollow Knight: Silksong for Windows – A Deep-Dive Review

Once you've immersed yourself in the haunting, beautiful world of Hallownest, the announcement of a sequel – especially one starring the agile Hornet – feels like coming home to a familiar, yet radically transformed place. Hollow Knight: Silksong is a side-scrolling action-adventure metroidvania that picks up right where the original left off, but it's far from a simple expansion. It's a completely reimagined experience that refines the formula while introducing a new protagonist, a vibrant new kingdom, and a faster, more acrobatic combat system.

Developed by Team Cherry, the tiny indie team that earned worldwide acclaim for the original, Silksong expands the universe without losing the handcrafted charm. Available on Windows (as well as Xbox, Switch, and other platforms), it retains the distinctive hand-drawn art style and melancholic atmosphere, but injects a fresh energy through Hornet's unique toolkit. The core features include: a fluid and dynamic combat system built around a threaded needle, a sprawling new map called Pharloom with over 150 enemies, a deep crafting system that allows you to customise Hornet's abilities on the fly, and a more direct, character-driven story that rivals the best of the genre.

This game is tailor-made for fans of the original who wanted more, but also for anyone who loves tight platforming, challenging boss fights, and exploring a world that rewards curiosity. If you enjoy Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Dead Cells, or Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, Silksong will feel like a dream you never wanted to wake from.

A Hook That Doesn't Let Go – The Combat Revolution

Let's cut straight to the chase: the most striking difference between Silksong and its predecessor is Hornet's combat style. Where the Knight was a slow, deliberate sword-swinger, Hornet is a flashy, mobile acrobat. Her primary weapon is a threaded needle – think of it as a fencing sword combined with a yo‑yo. You can lunge, stab, and then fling a silken thread that repositions Hornet in mid-air. This isn't just a gimmick; it fundamentally changes how you approach every encounter.

Instead of backing off to heal, you're now encouraged to stay aggressive: pogo-jump off enemies, use the thread to dodge projectiles, or yank yourself toward a foe for a critical strike. The ‘Silk' mechanic also fuels special abilities, like a homing attack or a heal that consumes your thread (rather than the classic Focus). This adds a risk‑reward layer – do you spend your limited silk to recover health, or save it for a devastating combo?

The result is a combat rhythm that feels less like a chess match and more like a breakneck dance. Boss battles, which are plentiful and exquisitely designed, force you to read patterns while managing your mobility. It's challenging, but never unfair – and when you finally land that perfectly timed needle drag to dodge a three-hit combo and counter, the satisfaction is immense.

Pharloom: A Kingdom That Breathes and Changes

If combat is the heartbeat, exploration is the soul of Silksong. Pharloom is a massive, interconnected world that dwarfs Hallownest in verticality and diversity. Each region – from the fungal‑infested Deep Docks to the glittering, clockwork city of the Moss Grotto (which I'm naming for illustration – the actual names are stunning) – has its own visual identity and environmental hazards. The map is more ‘lived‑in' than the original: you'll see citizens going about their day, vendors offering upgrades, and even a central hub town where you can take a breather.

One of the smartest additions is the crafting system: you collect various materials (such as Moss Gland, Rancid Eggs, and Silk) that let you create tools and gadgets on the fly. Want to activate a distant lever? Craft a sentry that shoots silk. Stuck on a high platform? Weave a temporary grapple point. This system replaces the old charm system with a more flexible loadout that adapts to situations, not just player preference. It's a wonderful way to keep exploration fresh – you're never just wandering; you're always thinking “what can I build to reach that ledge?”

Interface, Flow, and Learning Curve: Polished to a Sheen

Team Cherry has clearly studied player feedback. The UI is cleaner: health, silk, and special ability icons are now tucked elegantly at the bottom corners, and you can quick-swap crafted items without pausing the game – a godsend during intense sequences. The learning curve is gentler than the original due to a more forgiving checkpoint system (though the game still demands your attention). New players should expect to die a lot, but each death comes with a lesson. Veteran Hollow Knight fans will feel right at home, but Hornet's faster movement might take an hour to adjust to – after that, going back to the Knight feels like driving a dump truck.

The game runs buttery smooth on Windows (I tested on an i5‑9400F with GTX 1660), maintaining 60 fps even in the busiest areas. Load times are nearly instant. The hand‑drawn art is luscious, and Christopher Larkin's orchestral score soars – it's a technical and aesthetic delight.

What Sets Silksong Apart from Other Action-Adventures

While the genre is crowded with excellent games (Ori, Blasphemous, Salt and Sanctuary), Silksong separates itself through three unique pillars: a mobility‑focused combat that feels more like a fighting game, a crafting system that turns exploration into a proactive puzzle, and a narrative that respects your intelligence without using excessive story dumps. Many action‑adventure titles rely on incremental stat boosts; Silksong, instead, gives you tools that fundamentally change how you interact with the world. It's less about grinding and more about mastery.

Final Verdict: A Near‑Essential Purchase

Hollow Knight: Silksong is not just a worthy follow‑up; it's a masterclass in refining a beloved formula. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who loves the genre – whether you're a metroidvania veteran or a newcomer who fell in love with Hollow Knight's atmosphere. The price tag (upon release, around $30) is a steal for the 30‑40 hours of content. My only advice: play with a controller, take your time exploring every nook, and don't panic when Hornet stumbles – she always gets back up.

FAQ

How do I start playing Hollow Knight: Silksong after purchasing?

After purchase, download the game from your platform's store. Launch it from your library. The main menu offers 'New Game' to begin your pilgrimage. For options, go to Settings > Gameplay to adjust difficulty or audio. Enjoy your adventure!

What are the basic controls and how can I customize them?

Default controls include movement with the left stick, jump with A, attack with X, and dash with B. To remap, go to Settings > Controls > Customize. You can rebind any action. Save changes before exiting. For keyboard players, similar options are available under Settings > Keyboard.

How do I unlock new abilities and upgrade my tools?

New abilities are gained by defeating bosses and exploring hidden areas. Upgrades require collecting Essence and visiting the Weaver's Den. Use the crafting menu (Settings > Inventory > Craft) to combine materials into powerful tools like the Needle or Silk Trap.

Can I save my progress at any time, and how does the save system work?

The game auto-saves at benches and after major events. You can also manual save by resting at any bench. There are multiple save slots accessible from Settings > Save > Manage Slots. Always quit to the main menu to ensure safe saving.

How do I navigate the kingdom and discover secrets effectively?

Use the map (press M) to see explored areas. Purchase map upgrades from merchants. Look for cracked walls or faint sounds indicating hidden paths. Equip the 'Mothwing Cloak' for double jump to reach high ledges. Check Settings > Map > Markers to pin locations.

What is the best strategy to defeat the powerful bosses?

Study boss attack patterns and dodge effectively. Use the 'Quick Focus' charm to heal faster between combos. Equip 'Mark of Pride' to extend your attack range. For tough fights, revisit earlier areas to collect more upgrades. Practice in the 'Hall of Gods' from Settings > Gameplay.