Hollow Knight: Silksong
Best if you want precision-focused combat and exploration that rewards skillful play with a steeper challenge curve than its predecessor, set in vast interconnected kingdoms demanding both reflexes and map mastery.
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Why We Recommend This Game
Silksong elevates the Metroidvania formula with faster, more aggressive gameplay compared to the original Hollow Knight. Playing as Hornet means adapting to a completely different combat rhythm—she's quicker, more mobile, and demands tighter execution. Where the Knight encouraged cautious, defensive play, Hornet thrives on aggressive momentum and precise timing. The learning curve is steep but rewarding. Early hours require mastering Hornet's needle-and-thread combat style, understanding when to parry versus evade, and managing her unique silk-based abilities. The game doesn't hold back: enemy patterns are complex, boss encounters test both mechanical skill and adaptability, and environmental hazards punish careless exploration. Expect to die frequently while learning, but death serves as education rather than frustration if you're willing to analyze what went wrong. Exploration feels purposeful thanks to intelligent world design that gates progress behind skill checks rather than arbitrary locks. You'll constantly discover shortcuts that make you feel clever, uncover optional challenge areas that test your mastery, and gradually unlock movement abilities that transform how you navigate. Sessions can range from focused 30-minute boss attempts to hours-long exploration binges as you piece together the map's interconnected structure. The pacing balances intense combat gauntlets with quieter exploration segments, though the overall tone skews more combat-heavy than the original. Replayability comes from multiple difficulty modifiers, extensive optional content, and the sheer satisfaction of replaying areas with improved skills. Veterans of the first game should expect familiar design philosophy but don't assume identical difficulty—Silksong stands as its own challenge. This is a game that respects your time by never padding content, but demands your full attention when you're playing. It's not background-friendly gaming; it requires focus, pattern recognition, and the patience to improve through repetition. Perfect for players who loved Hollow Knight and want a more aggressive, technically demanding sequel. And greatly received by critics.
Best For
- Players who loved Hollow Knight and want a more aggressive, technically demanding sequel
- Metroidvania enthusiasts seeking tight combat paired with intricate world design
- Action fans who enjoy mastering challenging movesets and testing their skills against punishing encounters
Not For
- Players seeking a relaxing or casual exploration experience
- Those frustrated by frequent deaths or steep difficulty curves
- Gamers who prefer guided progression over self-directed exploration
Multiplayer & Game Modes
Hollow Knight: Silksong does not support crossplay.
Features
Play Modes
Single Player
Additional Details
No multiplayer features are listed on the Steam store page or PCGamingWiki entry; the game is specified as single-player only (no online, local, or LAN modes).
Edition and Platform Information
Important details about which version to buy and where to play.
Accessibility Features
Features customizable difficulty modifiers and button remapping. Fast-paced combat with precise timing requirements may challenge players with motor control limitations. Visual clarity in dark environments and quick enemy telegraphs require strong visual processing.
Screenshots
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Games Similar to Hollow Knight: Silksong
If you enjoyed Hollow Knight: Silksong, you'll love these similar games. We've handpicked titles based on gameplay style, difficulty, atmosphere, and what players like you are enjoying. Whether you're looking for something with a similar vibe, more challenge, or the same multiplayer features, these recommendations have you covered.
More Accessible
2More accessible alternatives to Hollow Knight: Silksong with streamlined mechanics, intuitive controls, and beginner-friendly onboarding.
A polished metroidvania with welcoming pacing, clear objectives, and frequent checkpoints—keeps exploration flowing while still delivering stylish combat and platforming.
Bright, readable brawling metroidvania with generous saves and snappy traversal upgrades—easy to hop into, progress quickly, and enjoy constant movement variety.
Darker & Grittier
2Mature, atmospheric alternatives to Hollow Knight: Silksong featuring darker themes, grittier visuals, and more serious storytelling.
A grim, oppressive metroidvania where exploration and boss fights lean into bleak imagery and weighty combat—great if you want a more punishing, macabre journey.
Melancholic 2D action-adventure with haunting areas and methodical boss battles; its somber tone and cursed world scratch the darker side of metroidvania exploration.
More Challenging
2For players who mastered Hollow Knight: Silksong and want to test their skills against harder difficulty, punishing mechanics, and unforgiving gameplay.
Fast, lethal combat with relentless enemies and high skill ceiling; repeated runs demand sharper reactions and build decisions while still rewarding exploration instincts.
A Souls-like metroidvania with harsh deaths, stamina-driven fights, and tricky bosses; mastery comes from learning patterns and committing to deliberate builds.
Similar Vibe, Bigger Scope
2Expansive alternatives to Hollow Knight: Silksong featuring larger worlds, deeper progression systems, and extended campaigns for players seeking more content.
A large, gear-and-ability packed castle to conquer with loads of optional rooms, builds, and bosses—ideal if you want a metroidvania with more content breadth.
A sprawling, upgrade-driven world packed with secrets and backtracking routes; exploration-first progression and tool-based traversal feel like a bigger map to unravel.
Precision Action
2Skill-based action games that reward precision, timing, and mechanical mastery like Hollow Knight: Silksong.
Tight, exacting platforming built around consistent movement tech; quick retries and clear mastery arcs make it perfect if you crave precision over sprawling exploration.
One-hit deaths and razor-sharp combat rooms demand perfect timing; short, intense encounters reward clean execution and quick restarts for skill-focused play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this game answered by our team.
How hard is Silksong compared to the original Hollow Knight?
Generally considered more challenging due to faster combat pacing and more aggressive enemy design. Hornet's mobility offers more options but demands tighter execution. Expect a steeper initial learning curve.
Do I need to play Hollow Knight first?
No. While playing the original enriches the experience with context, Silksong is designed as a standalone adventure with its own systems, mechanics, and world. New players can jump in directly.
How long does it take to complete?
Main story takes 15-25 hours depending on skill and exploration. Completionists seeking all secrets and challenges can expect 35-50+ hours. Individual session length is flexible.
Is this good for Metroidvania beginners?
Not ideal as a first Metroidvania. The difficulty and reliance on precise combat make it better suited for players with genre experience or high tolerance for challenge-driven gameplay.
What's different about playing as Hornet?
Hornet is faster and more aggressive than the Knight. Her needle combat emphasizes parrying and momentum, silk abilities offer unique traversal options, and her moveset encourages offensive play over defensive tactics.