Hollow Knight: Silksong, Five Years Later

Moving On From the Wait for Hollow Knight: Silksong

Despite its initial announcement years ago, Hollow Knight: Silksong remains one of the most eagerly awaited indie games. Originally planned as DLC for the acclaimed Hollow Knight, featuring Hornet as a playable character, it soon evolved into a standalone sequel. Announced in 2019, the game has yet to be released, and the prolonged development has tested the patience of its fans, including myself.

The Rollercoaster of Anticipation

When Silksong was first revealed as a standalone title, it seemed to be progressing well. E3 2019 showcased a substantial portion of the game, including a playable demo that fueled our excitement. However, since then, communication from Team Cherry has been sparse. A brief teaser in 2022 offered a glimmer of hope, but updates have been minimal, and the game has avoided major gaming events, leaving fans in limbo.

The excitement for Silksong was immense back in 2019, as promotional materials promised a game that could potentially surpass its predecessor. The anticipation was reignited with the 2022 teaser, suggesting a release within the year. Yet, as years passed with little to no information, my enthusiasm has been tempered. The 2023 delay, pushing the release to an unspecified date, has only added to the uncertainty.

While I'm confident that Silksong will be worth the wait, I've decided to approach any future announcements with cautious optimism. The cycle of hope and disappointment has overshadowed other exciting game releases, and it's clear that fixating on Silksong updates won't hasten its arrival.

Exploring Alternatives to Fill the Void

In the meantime, several indie metroidvanias have emerged that channel the spirit of Hollow Knight and might just fill the void. Bo: Path of the Teal Lotus, for example, showcases gameplay mechanics reminiscent of Hollow Knight, offering both familiar and fresh elements that make it an engaging experience for fans.

On the other hand, Nine Sols diverges from the Hollow Knight formula with a combat system more akin to Sekiro. Its unique approach offers a refreshing contrast to the Dark Souls-like mechanics of Hollow Knight, making it an interesting alternative for those craving something different.

Both Bo and Nine Sols have been fully released during a period of scarce Silksong updates and are worth exploring. Additionally, titles like Ender Lilies: Quietus of Knights and Animal Well—which may not resemble Hollow Knight directly—offer intriguing experiences that highlight the enduring influence of Hollow Knight on the metroidvania genre.

Awaiting the Inevitable Surprise

While I remain hopeful for the eventual release of Hollow Knight: Silksong, I'm choosing to temper my expectations. The frustration of waiting for updates, especially after the game's prominent showcase in 2019, has made it clear that managing my hopes is the best approach. I'll welcome the game's announcement as a pleasant surprise when it comes and won’t be holding my breath.

For now, I’m embracing other games that continue to push the metroidvania genre forward, enjoying the wealth of experiences available rather than focusing solely on Silksong’s elusive release.