Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Replay Hollow Knight Before Silksong Arrives
It’s Always a Good Time to (Re)play Hollow Knight
After queuing early to grab a Switch 2, the first game I jumped into wasn’t the usual Mario Kart or boosted Nintendo titles. Instead, I dove back into Hollow Knight, the 2017 indie Metroidvania that’s captured hearts with its mysterious insect kingdom and challenging gameplay. Why? Because rumors about its sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, have been buzzing, and this time, things feel real.
- Why Hollow Knight stands out among Soulslikes
- What makes its narrative and gameplay unique
- How time and experience changed my approach to the game
- The upcoming Silksong and its platform availability
- Why now is a great moment to revisit Hollow Knight
A New Glimpse of Silksong Sparks Excitement
Just days after the Switch 2 launch, the Xbox Game Showcase teased Silksong with a brief gameplay clip, promoting the ROG Xbox Ally portable. Scheduled for release in 2025, Silksong will hit all major platforms and be available on day one via Xbox Game Pass. For fans and newcomers alike, this sequel’s announcement has renewed interest in the original.
Watch the Silksong gameplay teaser here:
Hollow Knight: A Soulslike with Its Own Soul
Hollow Knight isn’t your typical Soulslike. It stars a beetle-like warrior armed with a sharp nail, exploring a haunting, decaying world filled with insects. The game offers minimal guidance—few NPCs, scarce dialogue—focusing instead on raw exploration and perseverance. Its narrative is subtle, hinting at a fallen kingdom through ruins and cryptic lines rather than explicit storytelling.
Unlike many Soulslikes, Hollow Knight demands a more measured, patient approach. It’s tough, sometimes brutally so, with enemies and bosses that require learning patterns and timing your strikes carefully. Dying doesn’t mean the end; your spirit lingers, ready to reclaim lost currency, but even then, your ghost turns hostile, adding an extra layer of tension.
The Challenge and Charm of Hallownest
One memorable character, Hornet, embodies the game’s complex tone. She’s graceful and honorable yet opposes your progress, warning you to stop. This dynamic creates a compelling push-pull narrative that drives you forward despite the odds. The insect world is a fascinating microcosm, offering a fresh change from typical fantasy settings.
Why I Couldn’t Beat It Back Then
Back in 2017, I tried multiple times but never finished Hollow Knight. Despite being hooked, the difficulty was overwhelming. I had experience with Dark Souls and Bloodborne, but Hollow Knight’s style was different—it rewarded patience over aggression. The game’s scarcity of checkpoints and relentless enemies often left me frustrated and stuck.
Coming Back Stronger
Fast forward nearly ten years and after playing several FromSoftware titles, I’m finally ready. The bosses that once halted me for days now feel like challenges to overcome. I’ve learned patience, restraint, and the value of studying enemy moves. Progress comes slowly but steadily, fueled by a mix of frustration and determination.
Even though some design choices, like sparse checkpoints, still feel harsh, I’ve made more progress in a few weeks on the Switch 2 than in years before. Letting go of frustration has been key. Deaths are still frequent, but they now serve as motivation rather than defeat.
Perfect Timing for a Replay
Had I completed Hollow Knight earlier, the uncertainty around Silksong’s release might have been more frustrating. Now, with the sequel in sight and confirmed for multiple platforms, the timing couldn’t be better to revisit Hallownest. The Switch 2’s battery handles the game smoothly, making it an excellent portable option, but the game is great on any platform.
For anyone curious or waiting for Silksong, it’s a perfect moment to dive into or return to Hollow Knight. The world of insects and mystery awaits, challenging your skills and patience every step of the way.
