Hollow Knight: Silksong

Hollow Knight: Silksong is the sequel to the indie metroidvania Hollow Knight, which redefined the genre when it was released in 2017. In this title, developed by Team Cherry, you control Hornet, someone the Knight encountered in the first installment. This self-proclaimed protector of the ruins of Hallownest is initially imprisoned in a unique subterranean world and has to battle her way to the surface. The title expands on everything that made its predecessor great, including the environmental narrative, where the story is told through small details in the setting, the detailed level design, and a unique, melancholic atmosphere.

A new world: Pharloom

The action takes us from Hallownest to Pharloom, an unexplored kingdom that has fallen into darkness, with the same kind of magic and decadence. Hornet awakens after being captured and, from there, her journey takes her from the depths of the kingdom to the very top, in an ascent riddled with mystery, betrayals, and unexpected alliances. Pharloom features richly detailed settings, including golden ruins, forgotten temples, moss-ridden jungles, insect villages, and gloomy catacombs. You find all kinds of creatures and enemies that will put your skills to the test in every setting.

Gameplay and combat

Traveling through the settings is different here than in the first installment. Hornet is much more agile than the Knight, capable of running, climbing, performing acrobatic pirouettes, and taking advantage of her needle and silk threads to attack, dodge, and create strategic traps. The vertical approach is also seen in settings where most paths take you upwards through precise jumps. Shortcuts can also be found, but you must pay close attention to find them.

More enemies and rivals in this release

There are way more enemies in Hollow Knight: Silksong than in the first installment, as it features more than 200 different enemies and more than 40 bosses with unique moves, patterns, and ways to defeat them. To take them down, you will have to study their routines and have good reflexes to react to their attacks, as well as use your silk to your advantage. The silk replaces the soul from the first release, allowing you to heal quickly and activate special abilities.

Weapons available in Hollow Knight: Silksong

The weapons and tools at Hornet's disposal allow you to approach combat in different ways. For example, there are aggressive melee battles and other opponents that you will have to defeat by using traps, zone control, or throwing objects. As you play the game, you will find various components to upgrade your arsenal and make tools that open hidden routes.

Side missions, tasks and narrative

Hollow Knight: Silksong deepens the environmental narrative and side stories through a series of quests that offer great variety and expand the game's universe. In these missions, you will have to save inhabitants and travelers in distress, as well as merchants, hermits, and enemies turned allies, who will propose alternative challenges and collectable quests that reward you for exploration and experimentation. Each secondary line of missions offers new insights into the kingdom's history, enriching it without resorting to long explanatory dialogues.

Smooth movements and neat artwork

The hand-drawn art is one of the studio's unmistakable hallmarks. Each setting is different and bursting with life and personality, with light effects and animated details that add to Pharloom's dreamlike and decadent aura. Each character has movements and studied animations to convey charisma and personality. As for the soundtrack, once again composed by Christopher Larkin, there are orchestral pieces adapted to each level to offer greater immersion.

Get Hollow Knight: Silksong and enjoy one of the pinnacles of the metroidvania genre, featuring free exploration, challenging combat, atmospheric storytelling, and a world that dazzles both in terms of difficulty and beauty.