The Sequel Everyone Is Waiting For

Hollow Knight: Silksong is the follow-up to Team Cherry's acclaimed 2017 Metroidvania, Hollow Knight. Originally announced in 2019 as a full standalone sequel (it began as DLC), Silksong has become one of the most discussed and meme-worthy "unreleased games" in the community. Here's everything we actually know — and a realistic look at why the wait has been so long.

What Has Been Confirmed

  • Protagonist: Hornet, the compelling secondary character from the original game, is now the playable lead.
  • New world: Silksong takes place in an entirely new kingdom called Pharloom, with new enemies, environments, and characters.
  • New mechanics: Hornet controls differently from the Knight — she's faster and uses a needle-and-thread combat style. New tools, traps, and movement abilities have been shown.
  • Over 165 new enemies: Team Cherry confirmed this figure in early developer updates.
  • Boss rush mode: A dedicated challenge mode was confirmed, featuring the game's many bosses.
  • Platforms: PC and Nintendo Switch were originally confirmed; the game was also included in an Xbox Game Pass showcase, suggesting Xbox release as well.

Why Has It Taken So Long?

Team Cherry is a very small studio — at its core, just three people. Making a full sequel to one of the most critically praised indie games ever, while presumably trying to meet or exceed the original's quality, is an enormous undertaking for a tiny team. Scope expansion is the most likely culprit: what started as DLC grew into a full game, and full games take time.

The studio has also been notably quiet about updates, which has fueled speculation. The silence is frustrating for fans, but it's also a sign that Team Cherry isn't releasing half-finished content for engagement — they're building something they believe in.

What Makes Silksong So Anticipated

The original Hollow Knight is widely regarded as one of the best indie games ever made. Its combination of atmospheric world-building, tight combat, deep lore, and enormous content for the price set a new standard for the genre. Silksong inherits massive expectations:

  • Fans of the original want more of that dense, atmospheric world-building.
  • Hornet is a beloved character with a distinct personality — players are genuinely excited to inhabit her perspective.
  • The new setting promises fresh environmental storytelling in the tradition of the original.

The "Silksong Meme" Phenomenon

The lengthy wait has spawned its own corner of gaming culture. "Silksong release date" jokes, fake leak memes, and community speculation have taken on a life of their own. Every Nintendo Direct or gaming showcase now comes with genuine community speculation that Silksong might finally appear. It's a testament to how much goodwill Team Cherry built with the original game — even after years of waiting, the community's interest remains intense.

What to Expect When It Does Arrive

Based on everything shown in trailers and developer updates, Silksong looks to be a tighter, more refined game than its predecessor — faster combat, more elaborate boss encounters, and a protagonist with a distinct moveset that rewards mastery. Whether it lives up to years of expectation is impossible to predict, but Team Cherry has earned the benefit of the doubt.

When it finally arrives, Silksong will be one of the most closely watched indie releases in recent history. SerGamer will have full coverage the moment it drops.