Hollow Knight Silksong Complete Guide 2026: All FAQs

After nearly seven years of waiting since its initial reveal in February 2019, I can finally tell you that Hollow Knight: Silksong is releasing on September 4, 2025. As someone who’s spent over 200 hours exploring every corner of Hallownest in the original game, the anticipation for Silksong has been both thrilling and agonizing. With Hollow Knight Silksong’s release date now confirmed, let me share everything I’ve learned about pricing, platforms, preorders, and all the crucial details you need to know before Hornet’s adventure begins.

In this comprehensive FAQ guide, I’ll answer all your burning questions about Silksong, from expected pricing based on industry patterns to platform availability across every major console. Having tracked this game’s development since Team Cherry first teased it as DLC for the original Hollow Knight, I’ve gathered all the confirmed information and realistic expectations for what’s become Steam’s most wishlisted game of all time with over 5.2 million eager fans waiting. If you’re interested in other co-op metroidvania games while you wait, I’ve got you covered there too.

What Is the Expected Price of Hollow Knight Silksong?

While Team Cherry hasn’t officially announced Silksong’s price, I’m confident it will launch between $15 to $30 based on current indie game pricing trends. The original Hollow Knight still sells for $14.99 after eight years, which gives us a solid baseline. In my experience covering indie game launches, sequel titles from successful developers typically price 33-50% higher than their predecessors, especially when they’ve expanded significantly in scope.

What makes Silksong’s pricing particularly interesting is its day-one availability on Xbox Game Pass. This strategic partnership means Team Cherry has likely secured favorable compensation from Microsoft, potentially allowing them to price the standalone version more competitively. I’ve seen similar deals with games like Lies of P and Cocoon, where Game Pass inclusion actually enabled developers to maintain standard pricing without worrying about initial sales numbers.

Looking at comparable premium indie metroidvanias in 2026, titles like Ori and the Will of the Wisps launched at $29.99, while Guacamelee! 2 debuted at $19.99. Given Silksong’s massive scope increase – with over 200 new enemies compared to the original’s 150, and more than 40 bosses – I expect Team Cherry to price it at the higher end of the indie spectrum, likely $24.99 or $29.99. For context on current gaming deals and pricing trends, you can see how other major titles are positioned.

Which Platforms Will Hollow Knight Silksong Be Available On?

Having researched the official Silksong trailer announcements and platform confirmations, I can confirm that Silksong will launch simultaneously on an impressive array of platforms:

• PC (Steam, GOG, Humble Bundle) – The platform where I’ll be playing, given the original’s perfect PC optimization
• Nintendo Switch – Where many discovered the original Hollow Knight
• Nintendo Switch 2 – Confirmed for the upcoming console, ensuring future-proofing
• PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 – Full next-gen optimization expected
• Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S – With Game Pass inclusion from day one
• Linux and macOS – Continuing Team Cherry’s commitment to broad accessibility

What excites me most about this platform spread is the confirmed cross-generation support. Unlike many recent releases that abandoned last-gen consoles, Team Cherry ensures nobody gets left behind. The game’s modest 8GB file size and reasonable system requirements mean it should run beautifully even on older hardware, though I expect the Series X and PS5 versions to offer enhanced visuals and potentially 120fps gameplay modes. For more insights on platform optimization in similar games, check out our comprehensive guide.

Can You Preorder Hollow Knight Silksong?

As of March 2026, Hollow Knight Silksong cannot be preordered on any platform. This mirrors Team Cherry’s approach with the original game – they prefer launching when everything is completely ready rather than taking money in advance. Having followed Team Cherry’s development updates over the years, this philosophy aligns perfectly with their indie developer ethos.

However, you can add Silksong to your Steam wishlist (joining those 5.2 million other players), which will notify you the moment it becomes available for purchase. On consoles, you can follow the game on your respective stores to receive launch notifications. For Xbox Game Pass subscribers, the game will simply appear in your library on September 4, 2025 – no preorder necessary.

Interestingly, Team Cherry hasn’t announced any preorder bonuses or special editions, which I actually respect. In an era where games often gate content behind preorder walls, Silksong appears to be offering the complete experience to everyone equally from day one. This approach reminds me of other feel-good indie games that prioritize player satisfaction over monetization tactics.

Will Hollow Knight Silksong Have Xbox Game Pass on Day One?

Yes! Hollow Knight Silksong will be available on Xbox Game Pass from day one, which is honestly incredible value for subscribers. Microsoft’s partnership with Team Cherry represents one of the service’s biggest indie game acquisitions. As someone who’s recommended Game Pass to friends specifically for its indie game selection, Silksong’s inclusion makes the subscription even more compelling.

This Game Pass availability extends to PC Game Pass as well, meaning you can play on either Xbox consoles or Windows PC with the same subscription. Based on my experience with other Game Pass launches, the game should unlock at midnight local time on September 4, 2025, though sometimes global releases happen simultaneously.

What Are Hollow Knight Silksong’s PC System Requirements?

Team Cherry has released the official PC system requirements, and they’re refreshingly modest – my five-year-old laptop could run this easily:

Minimum Requirements:

• OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
• Processor: Intel Core i3 or AMD equivalent
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Graphics: DirectX 11 compatible GPU with 1GB VRAM
• DirectX: Version 11
• Storage: 9 GB available space

Recommended Requirements:

• OS: Windows 11 (64-bit)
• Processor: Intel Core i5 or AMD equivalent
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: DirectX 11 compatible GPU with 2GB VRAM
• DirectX: Version 11
• Storage: 9 GB available space on SSD

These requirements essentially mean if your PC can run any modern game, it can run Silksong. The 9GB storage requirement is particularly impressive given the game’s reported scope – Team Cherry has clearly optimized their assets brilliantly. For comparison with other stylized indie games and their system requirements, you’ll find Silksong is remarkably accessible.

How Long Has Hollow Knight Silksong Been in Development?

Hollow Knight Silksong has been in active development for approximately seven years, starting around 2018 when Team Cherry began work on what was initially planned as DLC for the original game. I remember the excitement when they announced in February 2019 that the project had grown beyond DLC scope into a full sequel.

This extended development timeline, while frustrating for fans like myself who’ve been waiting since that first trailer, actually gives me confidence in the final product. Team Cherry’s silence between 2019 and 2025 wasn’t due to development troubles – they were simply focused on creating something special. The recent hands-on previews from Gamescom 2025 universally praise the game’s polish and expanded mechanics, validating that patient development approach. This dedication to quality mirrors what we’ve seen in other patience-rewarding games that took time to perfect.

What New Features Does Silksong Include?

From everything I’ve gathered through official announcements and preview coverage, Silksong introduces substantial new features that justify its evolution from DLC to full sequel:

Hornet’s Unique Abilities: Unlike the Knight’s nail-focused combat, Hornet uses her needle and thread for acrobatic combat and traversal. Having played the original game extensively, this shift to a more agile protagonist fundamentally changes the gameplay rhythm.

Quest System: A new quest board mechanic adds structure to the traditionally open-ended metroidvania formula. This addresses one of my few criticisms of the original – sometimes I’d forget what I was supposed to be doing after a break from playing.

Expanded Scope: With over 200 enemies (compared to the original’s 150) and 40+ bosses, Silksong isn’t just bigger – it’s more diverse. The new kingdom of Pharloom promises distinct biomes and cultures compared to Hallownest’s underground ruins.

Tool System: Hornet crafts and uses various tools throughout her journey, adding a tactical layer beyond the charm system of the original. This reminds me of the complexity found in darker platformers that reward strategic thinking.

How Does Silksong Connect to the Original Hollow Knight?

While Silksong is a sequel featuring Hornet (a major character from the original game), Team Cherry has designed it as a standalone experience that newcomers can enjoy without playing the first game. However, as someone who’s completed Hollow Knight multiple times, I can tell you that understanding Hornet’s backstory and her connection to Hallownest will definitely enhance your appreciation of Silksong’s narrative.

The game takes place in Pharloom, an entirely new kingdom with its own lore, characters, and mysteries. This fresh setting means veteran players like myself get to experience that sense of discovery all over again, while new players won’t feel lost in references to the previous game. For those interested in exploring similar atmospheric adventures, our guide to games with helpful communities can point you toward other welcoming gaming experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Hollow Knight Silksong have multiplayer features?

No, Silksong remains a single-player experience like the original. Team Cherry has focused entirely on crafting a solo adventure, which honestly suits the metroidvania genre’s exploration-focused design perfectly. If you’re looking for multiplayer alternatives, check out our comprehensive guide to co-op metroidvania games.

Is Hollow Knight Silksong getting a physical release?

Currently, only digital versions have been confirmed for the September 4, 2025 launch. However, given the original Hollow Knight eventually received physical editions, I expect Silksong will follow suit within 6-12 months after launch.

Can you transfer saves or get bonuses for owning the original Hollow Knight?

Team Cherry hasn’t announced any save transfer features or loyalty bonuses. Silksong is designed as a complete fresh start, which makes sense given it’s a different protagonist in a new kingdom.

Will Silksong be harder than the original Hollow Knight?

Based on preview impressions, Silksong maintains the challenging but fair difficulty the series is known for. Team Cherry has mentioned adding more accessibility options, suggesting they want to welcome newcomers while still providing that signature challenge I love.

How long will Hollow Knight Silksong take to complete?

While no official completion time has been announced, the expanded scope suggests at least 30-40 hours for the main path, with completionist runs likely exceeding 60 hours based on the enemy and boss count alone.

Final Thoughts on Hollow Knight Silksong

After tracking every announcement, trailer, and preview since 2019, I genuinely believe Hollow Knight Silksong will be worth the seven-year wait. The September 4, 2025 release date is now locked in, and whether you’re planning to grab it on Game Pass, Steam, or your console of choice, you’re in for something special. Team Cherry’s decision to expand their original DLC concept into a full sequel shows their commitment to delivering an experience that honors the 5.2 million fans who’ve wishlisted this game.

My advice? Clear your gaming schedule for September – between the expanded content, new mechanics, and Team Cherry’s legendary attention to detail, Silksong isn’t just going to be one of 2026‘s biggest releases, it might just redefine what we expect from indie metroidvanias altogether. For those wanting to stay current with other upcoming indie releases, we’ve got comprehensive coverage of the entire gaming landscape.