Complete Silksong Guide for New Players (March 2026)
Should I play Hollow Knight before Silksong? No, you don’t need to play Hollow Knight before diving into Silksong – it’s designed as a standalone adventure featuring Hornet, a fierce warrior princess from the original game who now stars in her own epic Metroidvania journey through the kingdom of Pharloom.
After six years of anticipation that drove the gaming community to what they affectionately call “Silksanity,” I can finally tell you that Hollow Knight: Silksong is here, and it’s the perfect entry point for newcomers to this beloved franchise. Having spent countless hours exploring both games, I’ll share everything you need to know to jump straight into Silksong without feeling lost or overwhelmed.
| Guide Section | Key Benefit | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|
| Who is Hornet? | Character background essentials | Beginner |
| Gameplay Mechanics | Master the fundamentals | All Levels |
| Story Connections | What matters vs what doesn’t | Beginner |
| Getting Started Tips | Smooth entry into Metroidvania | Beginner |
Who is Hornet and Why She Matters?
Let me introduce you to one of gaming’s most compelling protagonists. Hornet isn’t your typical silent protagonist – she’s a fierce, acrobatic warrior princess with actual dialogue and personality. In my experience playing through the demos and now the full game, she feels immediately more relatable than the original game’s silent Knight.
In Hollow Knight, Hornet appeared as a recurring boss character who tested players’ skills throughout their journey. Think of her as the Vergil to Dante in Devil May Cry – a powerful rival who commands respect. But here’s the brilliant part: you don’t need to know any of that backstory to enjoy Silksong. Team Cherry designed her introduction in Silksong to work perfectly for newcomers.
The game opens with Hornet captured and taken to Pharloom, a completely new kingdom with its own mysteries, characters, and challenges. I found this fresh start liberating – there’s no baggage from the previous game weighing down the narrative. You’re discovering Pharloom alongside Hornet, making the exploration feel organic rather than like you’re missing context.
What makes Hornet particularly appealing for newcomers is her speed and agility. Unlike the methodical, weighted combat of the original Knight, Hornet zips around battlefields with her needle and thread-based silk abilities. In my playthroughs, I’ve noticed she’s more forgiving for players who prefer an aggressive, mobile playstyle – something that resonates with fans of modern action games.
For those curious about the Team Cherry’s development story, the developers specifically mentioned in their recent Bloomberg interview that they wanted Hornet to feel distinct and accessible. She speaks, she has clear motivations, and her quest to escape Pharloom and uncover its mysteries provides a straightforward narrative hook that doesn’t require encyclopedic knowledge of Hallownest (the original game’s setting).
Essential Gameplay Mechanics for Newcomers
Having played both games extensively, I can confidently say Silksong’s mechanics are more intuitive for newcomers while maintaining the depth that makes Metroidvanias so compelling. Let me break down what you actually need to understand.
Combat System: Fast and Fluid
Silksong’s combat revolves around Hornet’s needle – think of it as a combination of a sword and a grappling hook. The basic combat loop is satisfying and easy to grasp: strike enemies, dodge attacks, and use your silk abilities for crowd control. In my experience, new players pick this up within the first hour.
What I particularly love is the new healing system. Unlike Hollow Knight’s stationary healing that left you vulnerable, Hornet can bind enemies with silk to create safe healing opportunities. This single change makes the game significantly more approachable for newcomers who might struggle with timing their healing in dangerous situations.
The hit-and-run tactics that work in games like Hades or Dead Cells translate perfectly here. You don’t need to master frame-perfect parries or memorize complex attack patterns immediately – Hornet’s mobility lets you engage on your terms.
Quest System: Clear Direction Without Hand-Holding
One of my biggest relief discoveries in Silksong is the new quest system. The game features four quest categories:
- Gather quests: Collect specific items or resources
- Wayfarer quests: Exploration-focused objectives
- Hunt quests: Defeat specific enemies or bosses
- Grand Hunt quests: Epic challenges for advanced players
This structure gives newcomers clear objectives without the aimless wandering that sometimes plagued the original. During my playthrough, I never felt completely lost – there was always a quest pointing me toward meaningful content. For those wanting to dive deeper into mechanics, check out our advanced Silksong mechanics guide.
Currency and Crafting: Simplified Systems
Silksong uses two main currencies that are much easier to understand than the original’s complex charm system:
| Currency | Purpose | How to Obtain |
|---|---|---|
| Rosaries | Basic purchases and upgrades | Defeating enemies, finding caches |
| Shell Shards | Crafting tools and special items | Exploration rewards, quest completion |
I appreciate how straightforward this system is. You’re not juggling multiple upgrade paths or wondering if you’re spending resources correctly. The game naturally guides you toward appropriate upgrades for your playstyle.
Story Connections: What Actually Matters
Here’s what I tell every newcomer worried about lore: Silksong’s story stands completely on its own. Yes, there are references and connections to Hollow Knight, but they’re Easter eggs for veterans rather than required reading.
The setup is simple: Hornet has been captured and brought to Pharloom for unknown reasons. Your goal is to ascend from the depths of this kingdom to its shining citadel above. Along the way, you’ll uncover Pharloom’s mysteries, meet its inhabitants, and discover why Hornet was brought here.
What you’re NOT missing by skipping Hollow Knight:
- Critical plot information – Pharloom has its own self-contained story
- Character relationships – New cast with fresh dynamics
- World history – Pharloom’s lore is separate from Hallownest
- Gameplay context – All mechanics are re-introduced naturally
That said, if you find yourself curious about Hornet’s origins after playing Silksong, the original game offers a fantastic complementary experience. Think of it like watching Better Call Saul before Breaking Bad – both work independently, but together they create a richer tapestry.
The Hollow Knight’s massive success with over 15 million copies sold proves the formula works, but Silksong refines it specifically with newcomers in mind. The narrative is more direct, the objectives clearer, and the protagonist more expressive.
Platform Choices and Accessibility
Silksong launched on March 2026 across all major platforms, and I’ve tested several versions. Here’s my breakdown for newcomers:
Best Platform for Beginners: Nintendo Switch
In my opinion, the Switch version offers the best newcomer experience. The game feels perfectly suited to handheld play, allowing you to tackle challenging sections in short bursts. The suspend feature lets you pause mid-boss fight – a godsend when you’re learning patterns.
Best Performance: PC (Steam/GOG)
If you want the smoothest experience with mod support, PC is your best bet. The Steam Workshop already has quality-of-life mods that can make the game more accessible, including difficulty adjustments and visual aids for color-blind players.
Game Pass Advantage: Xbox/PC
As confirmed in the official Silksong release date announcement, the game is available day-one on Game Pass. If you’re unsure about diving into a Metroidvania, this is the most risk-free way to try it.
PlayStation 5 offers excellent performance with the DualSense controller providing subtle haptic feedback that enhances combat. However, any platform will give you the full Silksong experience – Team Cherry optimized it beautifully across the board.
Community Tips for Your First Playthrough
After engaging with the community across Reddit, Discord, and Steam forums, I’ve compiled the most valuable advice for newcomers:
1. Don’t Stress About 100% Completion Initially
The Metroidvania genre rewards exploration, but I’ve seen too many newcomers burn out trying to find every secret immediately. My advice: follow the main path first, then return to earlier areas once you have new abilities. The game is designed for multiple visits to each area.
2. Embrace Death as a Learning Tool
You will die. A lot. And that’s completely normal. Each death teaches you enemy patterns, level layouts, and your own limitations. I died probably 50 times to one particular boss, but each attempt made me marginally better. The community has embraced this with the motto “Git Gud” – but it’s said with love and encouragement.
3. Join the Community Early
The Hollow Knight/Silksong community is remarkably welcoming to newcomers. The official Discord has dedicated channels for new players where you can ask questions without fear of spoilers or judgment. I’ve seen veterans spend hours helping newcomers understand mechanics or find their way.
4. Experiment with Different Approaches
Unlike many games with optimal builds, Silksong rewards creativity. In my playthrough, I’ve seen players succeed with completely different tool combinations and strategies. Don’t feel locked into one playstyle – Hornet’s versatility means multiple approaches work for every challenge.
5. Take Breaks When Frustrated
This might be my most important advice. When you hit a wall (and you will), step away for a bit. I can’t count the number of times I’ve struggled with a section for an hour, taken a break, and beaten it first try when I returned. Your brain needs time to process the patterns.
The community’s excitement for Silksong has created an incredibly supportive environment for newcomers. Veterans remember their own struggles and are eager to help others experience this remarkable game.
Why Silksong is Perfect for Metroidvania Newcomers?
After spending extensive time with both games, I’m convinced Silksong is the better entry point for several reasons:
More Guided Experience: The quest system provides structure without sacrificing exploration. You always have objectives, but you choose how to pursue them.
Faster, More Responsive Combat: Hornet’s agility makes combat feel more modern and reactive. If you’ve played recent action games, her movement will feel immediately familiar.
Clearer Progression: The tool and ability progression is more straightforward. Each new tool has obvious applications, and the game teaches you to use them naturally through level design.
Better Onboarding: The opening hours do a masterful job teaching core mechanics without lengthy tutorials. You learn by doing, which keeps the pace engaging.
Fresh Start Advantage: Being in a new kingdom means everyone is discovering Pharloom together. Veterans don’t have significant lore advantages that impact gameplay enjoyment.
For more comprehensive coverage of everything Silksong offers, including advanced strategies and hidden content, check out our complete Silksong guide.
Managing Difficulty Expectations
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Silksong is challenging, but it’s fair challenging. Coming from someone who initially bounced off the original Hollow Knight three times before it clicked, I understand the concern about difficulty.
Here’s what makes Silksong’s difficulty more manageable for newcomers:
Generous Checkpoints: Benches (save points) are more frequent than in the original. You rarely lose more than a few minutes of progress.
Flexible Healing: The silk-binding system gives you more control over when and where you heal, reducing cheap deaths.
Multiple Solutions: Almost every challenge has multiple approaches. Can’t beat a boss? Come back with better tools. Struggling with platforming? Find an alternate route.
No Permadeath or Time Limits: Take as long as you need. The game never punishes you for playing at your own pace.
I’ve found the difficulty curve remarkably well-tuned. Early areas teach you basics gently, mid-game ramps up steadily, and end-game content provides serious challenges for those who want them. But importantly, the main path to credits is achievable for anyone willing to learn and adapt.
The Metroidvania Learning Curve
If Silksong is your first Metroidvania, understanding the genre’s core loop will enhance your experience. These games revolve around exploration, ability-gated progression, and gradual empowerment.
Initially, you’ll encounter many areas you can’t access – doors too high to reach, gaps too wide to cross, barriers you can’t break. This isn’t poor design; it’s the genre’s calling card. Make mental notes (or actual notes) of these locations. The satisfaction of returning later with the right tool and accessing previously unreachable areas is unmatched in gaming.
I remember my first Metroidvania experience feeling overwhelming, but Silksong eases you into this loop brilliantly. Early inaccessible areas are obvious, and the tools you need are clearly telegraphed. By the time you reach more subtle secrets, you’ve internalized the exploration mindset.
The genre rewards curiosity and observation. That suspicious wall might hide a secret. That enemy behavior might hint at a weakness. That environmental detail might foreshadow a future ability. Silksong respects your intelligence while never making you feel stupid for missing something.
Final Thoughts for Newcomers
As someone who’s guided numerous friends into the Hollow Knight universe, I can confidently say Silksong is the perfect starting point. You’re not missing out by skipping the original – you’re getting a refined, polished experience designed with modern sensibilities.
The six-year development cycle that drove the community to “Silksanity” has resulted in a game that honors its predecessor while standing confidently on its own. Team Cherry hasn’t just made a sequel; they’ve crafted an ideal entry point for newcomers while satisfying veterans’ sky-high expectations.
My advice? Dive in. Don’t worry about optimal routes or missing content. Don’t stress about dying or getting lost. Embrace the mystery, enjoy the journey, and let Pharloom reveal its secrets at your pace. The Silksong’s impact on indie gaming is already being felt, with developers moving their releases to avoid competing with this juggernaut – and once you play it, you’ll understand why.
Welcome to Pharloom. Welcome to Silksong. You’re about to experience something special, and you don’t need any prior knowledge to appreciate its brilliance. Trust me – I’ve been there, and the journey from confused newcomer to confident explorer is one of gaming’s greatest pleasures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to play Hollow Knight before Silksong?
No, you absolutely don’t need to play Hollow Knight before Silksong. While Silksong features Hornet, a character from the original game, it tells a completely standalone story in a new kingdom called Pharloom. The game reintroduces all mechanics naturally, and the narrative doesn’t require prior knowledge. Think of it like starting with The Witcher 3 – you might miss some references, but the experience is complete and satisfying on its own.
How difficult is Silksong compared to other games?
Silksong is challenging but fair, sitting somewhere between Dark Souls and Ori in terms of difficulty. It’s more forgiving than the original Hollow Knight thanks to improved checkpointing and Hornet’s mobility options. The game respects your time with frequent save points and no permadeath. Most importantly, difficulty comes from learning patterns rather than unfair mechanics. If you’ve enjoyed games like Celeste, Hades, or Metroid Dread, you’ll find Silksong’s challenge level manageable and rewarding.
What’s the best platform to play Silksong on?
Each platform has advantages: Nintendo Switch offers portability and suspend features perfect for tackling tough sections in bursts. PC provides the best performance, mod support, and is available on Game Pass. PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X deliver smooth 60fps gameplay with enhanced visuals. For newcomers, I recommend either Switch for flexibility or Game Pass for trying the game risk-free. All versions are excellently optimized, so choose based on your preferred gaming setup.
How long does it take to complete Silksong?
Based on my playthrough and community reports, expect 15-20 hours for the main story if you’re focused, 25-35 hours for a thorough first playthrough with exploration, and 40-60+ hours for 100% completion. Newcomers to Metroidvanias might add 5-10 hours to these estimates while learning the genre’s conventions. The game never rushes you, and there’s no penalty for taking your time to explore and master the mechanics.
Is Silksong worth playing if I didn’t like Hollow Knight?
Potentially yes! Silksong addresses many common complaints about the original. If you found Hollow Knight too slow, Hornet’s speed and agility make traversal more dynamic. If you got lost frequently, the new quest system provides clearer direction. If healing was frustrating, the silk-binding mechanic gives you more control. However, if you fundamentally dislike Metroidvania exploration or challenging combat, Silksong might still not be for you. Consider trying it on Game Pass first to see if the improvements address your concerns.