Is Silksong DLC or a full sequel?
It is a full sequel to Hollow Knight, starring Hornet and set in the new kingdom of Pharloom.
When did it release, and where can I play it?
Silksong launched worldwide on 4 September 2025. Team Cherry’s release announcement pegged the launch time at 10 a.m. ET, and the recommended price is US $19.99. The game released simultaneously on Windows, macOS and Linux (via Steam and GOG), Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Xbox One and Series X|S. It is available day‑one on Xbox Game Pass for console and PC. See Release for store links and regional details.
How hard is it compared to Hollow Knight?
Enemies in Silksong are more varied and hit harder than in Hollow Knight. Hornet’s moveset is faster and more aerial, but healing requires commitment. There are 47 bosses in total and roughly twice as many benches as the original, reflecting the larger scale of Pharloom. Success hinges on learning safe punishes, choosing the right tools and crests, and managing your Silk economy.
Is there a “Silk Soul” or postgame difficulty?
Yes. Clearing the main story unlocks harder modes and optional gauntlets. Without spoiling names, expect a permadeath variant reminiscent of Hollow Knight’s Steel Soul, boss rush challenges and Act 3 versions of earlier fights. These are only accessible after finishing the narrative, so check dedicated pages once you see the credits.
Do I need to play Hollow Knight first?
No. Silksong is a self‑contained adventure set in a new kingdom with a new protagonist. Familiarity with Hollow Knight enriches some lore references and returning motifs, but it isn’t required to follow Hornet’s story.
How does healing work now?
Hornet collects Silk by striking enemies and uses it to Bind (heal). Holding the Bind button spends Silk to quickly regain a mask of health. You can Bind on the ground or in mid‑air, but the animation locks you in place, so bait an opening (after a lunge or slam) before healing. Collecting Spool Fragments increases your Silk capacity.
Is there a map vendor?
Yes. The wandering cartographer Shakra sells maps for each region along with a quill, compass, bench pins, Bellway pins and vendor pins. She first appears in The Marrow, then relocates to new areas as you discover them. If you lose track of her, ring the bell in Bone Bottom to summon her back.
Does the game support controllers and keyboard?
Yes. Both controller and keyboard layouts are supported on all platforms. Many players prefer a gamepad for analog movement, but choose whatever feels comfortable.
What happens if I die? Do I lose all my Rosaries?
When Hornet dies she drops her Silk and unbound Rosaries. Return to the site and break the cocoon to restore them. If you die again before recovering it, those beads are lost. To preserve your wealth you can craft or purchase Rosary Strings that bind beads into a recoverable item, or pause and save‑quit to respawn at the last bench with your current balance. Spending beads on maps, tools and upgrades is safer than hoarding.
How long is the game?
A casual playthrough takes roughly 20–30 hours depending on exploration and boss mastery. Completing Act 3, optional bosses, hunts and secret quests can easily double that time. Pharloom is larger than Hallownest, with three story acts and 47 bosses.
Are there multiple endings?
Yes. Defeating the Act 2 boss in The Cradle provides an initial ending. Unlocking Act 3 by collecting the three Melodies and completing the later regions leads to the true ending. Some side quests can influence variations on the final sequence.
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