Hollow Knight: Silksong is the highly anticipated 2D Metroidvania sequel to the critically acclaimed Hollow Knight. Players take on the role of Hornet, the agile Princess-Protector of Hallownest, who has been captured and brought to the mysterious, haunted kingdom of Pharloom. The game follows her journey of ascension to the kingdom's shining Citadel, as she seeks to unravel the mystery of her capture and the 'song of silk' that ensnares the land. Building upon its predecessor's foundation, Silksong features a new, vibrant world, a faster and more acrobatic combat and traversal system centered on Hornet's needle and thread, and a vast roster of over 200 new enemies and 40 legendary bosses.
Hollow Knight: Silksong is the highly anticipated 2D Metroidvania sequel to the critically acclaimed Hollow Knight. Players take on the role of Hornet, the agile Princess-Protector of Hallownest, who has been captured and brought to the mysterious, haunted kingdom of Pharloom. The game follows her journey of ascension to the kingdom's shining Citadel, as she seeks to unravel the mystery of her capture and the 'song of silk' that ensnares the land. Building upon its predecessor's foundation, Silksong features a new, vibrant world, a faster and more acrobatic combat and traversal system centered on Hornet's needle and thread, and a vast roster of over 200 new enemies and 40 legendary bosses.
PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Game Pass
Multiplayer
Single-Player Only
Unique Feature
An immensely anticipated sequel to a beloved indie classic, featuring a new protagonist with a faster, more acrobatic moveset, and a vast new kingdom to explore.
info_outlineNote: OFFICIAL AND EXTRAPOLATED SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS for Hollow Knight: Silksong. This information is based on the official PC specifications from the game's Steam store page, adapted to the requested JSON structure. As a 2D action-adventure with a distinct art style, the game's requirements are very accessible. The 1440p and 4K tiers are extrapolated based on typical performance scaling for games of this type.
laptop_windowsLaptop Performance Note: Laptop versions of the listed desktop GPUs require comparable performance. Given the game's modest requirements, most modern laptops, including those with capable integrated graphics, should provide an excellent experience. For achieving high refresh rates, a discrete GPU is recommended.
info_outlineGPU TGP: TGP (Total Graphics Power) is not a major concern for this title, as even lower-power GPUs will comfortably run the game. However, a higher TGP will better support very high framerates (120+ FPS) on high-refresh-rate displays.
info_outlineCooling Thermals: The game is not expected to heavily stress most systems, but a good cooling solution will ensure consistent performance during long play sessions, especially on compact laptops.
info_outlineCPU Power Limits: A modern CPU with good single-core performance will ensure the game's fast-paced combat and platforming remain smooth and responsive, without frame drops in visually busy areas.
info_outlineMUX Switch Optimus: While not essential due to the light hardware demands, a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus can help minimize system latency, which is beneficial for the game's precise combat and platforming mechanics.
buildOptimization Note: Hollow Knight: Silksong does not natively support upscaling technologies like NVIDIA DLSS or AMD FSR, as they are unnecessary for its 2D art style and performance profile.
Performance will be primarily affected by the screen Resolution. Most modern systems will be able to run the game at maximum settings without issue. The main goal for high-end hardware will be to achieve a high and stable framerate to match the monitor's refresh rate.
tune Minimum – Max Settings, 1080p resolution, targeting 60 FPS.
memory
CPU:Intel Core i3-2100 or AMD FX-4350(Official minimum CPU from the Steam page. This is a very low requirement, accessible to PCs from the early 2010s.)
laptop_mac
Laptop CPU:Intel Core i5-7200U / AMD Ryzen 3 3200U or better.(Most modern laptop CPUs, including efficient U-series processors, will easily meet this requirement.)
developer_board
GPU:NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560 or AMD Radeon HD 7770(Official minimum GPU from the Steam page. A very low-end discrete GPU is sufficient.)
laptop_mac
Laptop GPU:NVIDIA GeForce MX350, Intel Iris Xe Graphics. (Future-proof: Any RTX 30/40/50 series laptop)(Modern integrated graphics are more than capable of running the game smoothly at 1080p.)
storage
RAM:4 GB(4GB RAM is the official minimum requirement, making the game very accessible.)
save_alt
Storage:9 GB (SSD Recommended)(An SSD is recommended for faster load times.)
tune Recommended (High Refresh Rate) – Max Settings, 1080p resolution, aiming for 120+ FPS.
memory
CPU:Intel Core i5-4460 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200(Official recommended CPU for a high-framerate experience.)
laptop_mac
Laptop CPU:Intel Core i5-10300H / AMD Ryzen 5 4600H or better.(A solid mobile CPU is needed to maintain a high and stable framerate in intense combat.)
developer_board
GPU:NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon RX 570(Official recommended GPU for a high-quality, high-framerate 1080p experience.)
laptop_mac
Laptop GPU:NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Laptop (4GB), RTX 4050 Laptop (6GB). (Future-proof: RTX 5050 Laptop)(An entry-level discrete laptop GPU will easily provide an excellent high-framerate 1080p experience.)
storage
RAM:8 GB(8GB RAM is the official recommended amount.)
save_alt
Storage:9 GB SSD(An SSD is strongly recommended for this tier.)
1440p
tune High (Targets 1440p, High settings, ~144+ FPS) – Max Settings, 1440p resolution, aiming for high framerates.
memory
CPU:Intel Core i5-10400F or AMD Ryzen 5 3600(A good mid-range CPU is recommended to ensure the system is not bottlenecked at 1440p high refresh rates.)
laptop_mac
Laptop CPU:Intel Core i7-11800H / AMD Ryzen 7 5800H or newer.(A strong laptop CPU will help maintain a consistent 144+ FPS for a super-smooth experience.)
developer_board
GPU:NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 (8GB) or AMD Radeon RX 6600 (8GB)(A modern entry-level desktop GPU will be more than sufficient for high-refresh-rate 1440p gameplay.)
laptop_mac
Laptop GPU:NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Laptop (4GB), RTX 4050 Laptop (6GB). (Future-proof: RTX 5050 Laptop)(A budget-friendly RTX laptop GPU is ideal for pushing high framerates at 1440p.)
storage
RAM:16 GB(16GB RAM is recommended for a comfortable experience with multitasking.)
save_alt
Storage:9 GB NVMe SSD(A fast NVMe SSD ensures the quickest possible load times.)
2160p
tune 4K Ultra (Targets 4K, High settings, ~120+ FPS) – Max Settings, 2160p (4K) resolution, targeting 120 FPS or higher.
memory
CPU:Intel Core i5-12600K or AMD Ryzen 5 7600X(A modern high-performance CPU is recommended to push very high framerates at 4K.)
laptop_mac
Laptop CPU:Intel Core i7-13650HX / AMD Ryzen 7 7745HX or newer.(High-end mobile CPUs are needed to ensure no bottlenecks affect the 4K high-refresh-rate experience.)
developer_board
GPU:NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (8GB) or AMD Radeon RX 7600 (8GB)(A modern mid-range GPU can easily handle Silksong at 4K with very high framerates.)
laptop_mac
Laptop GPU:NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop (8GB), RTX 3070 Laptop (8GB). (Future-proof: RTX 5060 Laptop)(A mid-to-high-range laptop GPU will provide a flawless 4K high-framerate experience.)
storage
RAM:16 GB(16GB of fast RAM is recommended to provide sufficient headroom at 4K.)
save_alt
Storage:9 GB NVMe SSD(A fast NVMe SSD is essential for the best possible experience at 4K.)
laptop_mac
Hollow Knight: Silksong Laptop Recommendations
MSI Pulse GL66 with RTX 3070 and i7 12th Gen more_vert
desktop_windowsDisplay: 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA / FHD+)
Meets criteria for tier: 2160p - 4K Ultra (Max Settings, 2160p resolution, targeting 120 FPS or higher.).
Core Requirements
desktop_windowsOperating System: Windows 10 / Windows 11 (64-bit Required)
A 64-bit version of Windows 10 is the minimum requirement. Windows 11 is also fully supported.
memoryDirectX: DirectX 11
The official requirement is DirectX 11. The game is built on the Unity engine, which is well-optimized for this API.
save_altStorage Note: 9 GB available space (SSD Recommended)
An SSD is recommended for faster loading times between areas, though not strictly required. The small file size makes it an easy fit on most drives.
settings_applications Optimization Notes:
Upscaling: Hollow Knight: Silksong does not natively support upscaling technologies like NVIDIA DLSS or AMD FSR, as they are unnecessary for its 2D art style and performance profile.
Key Settings: Performance will be primarily affected by the screen Resolution. Most modern systems will be able to run the game at maximum settings without issue. The main goal for high-end hardware will be to achieve a high and stable framerate to match the monitor's refresh rate.
map
Hollow Knight: Silksong: Map Size and Regions
The game is set in the vast, interconnected world of Pharloom. It is a handcrafted Metroidvania map featuring a wide variety of biomes, including mossy grottos, gilded cities, coral forests, and misted moors. The world is dotted with nearly 100 benches that serve as save points and fast travel locations.
Team Cherry is known for its extensive post-launch support with free content packs, and similar updates are expected for Silksong to address balance and add new content over time.
Progression is centered on Hornet's unique abilities. The Charm system is replaced by 'Crests,' which alter Hornet's playstyle and provide sockets for a wide array of craftable 'Tools' (sub-weapons). New 'Silk Skills,' powerful spells like Silk Spear and Threadstorm, are unlocked by finding Weaver sites. Health and Silk (healing resource) upgrades are found through exploration.
collections
Hollow Knight: Silksong: Game Editions
The game is available as a single standard edition for a modest price of $19.99. It was available day one on Xbox Game Pass.
Hollow Knight: Silksong is a single-player game, so cross-platform play is not applicable.
category
Hollow Knight: Silksong Specific Game Elements
security
Hollow Knight: Silksong Weapons
security
Needle and Thread (Primary Melee)
Hornet's signature weapon, used for fast, multi-directional melee attacks and acrobatic lunges.
security
Silk Skills (Spells)
Powerful abilities that consume silk, such as the 'Silk Spear' for piercing enemies or 'Threadstorm' for area-of-effect damage. These are unlocked at Weaver sites.
security
Tools (Sub-Weapons)
A wide array of craftable sub-weapons, such as stingshards (traps) and throwing stars. These are socketed into Crests and require Shell Shards to repair.
directions_car
Hollow Knight: Silksong Vehicles
directions_car
None (N/A)
The game is focused on on-foot, 2D platforming and exploration. There are no controllable player vehicles.
person
Hollow Knight: Silksong Characters
person
Hornet - Playable Protagonist (playable)
The agile and determined Princess-Protector of Hallownest. She is a skilled warrior who wields a needle and thread and is the main character of the story.
person
Lace - Rival / Boss
A mysterious and skilled adversary who appears to be a rival duelist to Hornet.
person
Shakra - Vendor / Cartographer
An essential NPC who sells mapping tools to help the player chart their progress through the vast kingdom of Pharloom.
Top 3 Characters:
person
Hornet
The playable protagonist. A swift, agile, and acrobatic warrior who wields a needle and thread. Unlike the previous protagonist, Hornet is a vocal character. 2. The Last Judge: A key boss in Act 1 whose defeat grants access to the Citadel. 3. Shakra, the Cartographer: An essential NPC who sells mapping tools like compasses, quills, and pins to aid exploration.
flag
Hollow Knight: Silksong Missions / Objectives
flag
Main Quest (Pilgrimage)
Objective: The main story is a pilgrimage that follows Hornet's ascent through the kingdom of Pharloom to reach the shining Citadel at its peak and uncover the mysteries of her capture.
flag
Side Quests
Objective: A new, more structured quest system where players can take on 'Gather,' 'Wayfarer,' 'Hunt,' and 'Grand Hunt' quests from NPCs and wishboards for various rewards.
Top 3 Missions/Objectives:
flag
Ascend
to the Citadel: The main story objective that drives Hornet's journey through the kingdom of Pharloom. 2. Complete Quests: A new, more structured quest system. Players take on 'Gather,' 'Wayfarer,' 'Hunt,' and 'Grand Hunt' quests from NPCs and wishboards. 3. Explore Pharloom: The core Metroidvania objective of exploring the vast, interconnected world to find new abilities, health/silk upgrades, and secrets that open up previously inaccessible areas.
group
Hollow Knight: Silksong Companions / Summons
group
None (N/A)
Ability: The game is designed as a solo experience focused on Hornet's personal journey. There are no companion or follower systems.
collections_bookmark
Hollow Knight: Silksong Collectibles
collections_bookmark
Mask Shards
Location/Use: Hidden throughout Pharloom. Collecting a certain number of these increases Hornet's maximum health by one mask.
collections_bookmark
Rosaries
Location/Use: Dropped by specific enemies and found in the world. The main currency used for purchasing items and services.
collections_bookmark
Shell Shards
Location/Use: Dropped by most enemies. A secondary currency used for crafting and repairing tools.
Top 3 Collectibles:
collections_bookmark
Crests
& Tools: The core of customization, replacing the Charm system. Crests define Hornet's playstyle, and Tools provide a wide range of tactical sub-weapons. 2. Rosaries: The main in-game currency used for purchasing items and services. 3. Shell Shards: A secondary currency used specifically for crafting and repairing tools.
shield
Hollow Knight: Silksong Armor
shield
None
Focus/Stats: The game does not feature an armor system. Hornet's survivability is determined by her total number of health masks and the player's skill in avoiding damage.
checkroom
Hollow Knight: Silksong Clothing / Appearance
checkroom
Default Attire
Details: Hornet's appearance is fixed. There is no cosmetic customization for her clothing.
more_horiz
Hollow Knight: Silksong Other Features & Info
label
Multiplayer Modes
The game is a strictly single-player experience and does not have any multiplayer or co-operative modes.
label
Story and Setting
The story follows Hornet, the agile Princess-Protector, after she is captured and taken to the new kingdom of Pharloom. Her journey is one of ascension, climbing from the depths of the kingdom to its shining Citadel to discover the reason for her capture. The narrative is a personal quest for self-discovery and transcendence, set in a vibrant world choked by silken threads.
label
Top 3 Gameplay Mechanics
1. Acrobatic Combat & Traversal: Hornet's moveset is significantly faster and more agile than the original Knight's. It features a powerful dash, a float ability, wall-climbing, and a new ledge grab mechanic, making both combat and platforming more fluid and dynamic. 2. Bind (Healing System): A new, faster healing mechanic. It consumes the entire silk gauge but can be initiated mid-air, encouraging a more aggressive playstyle where players must attack to regenerate silk for healing. 3. Crest & Tool System: A deep customization system that replaces Charms. Crests provide passive effects and alter Hornet's attacks, while a wide variety of craftable Tools (sub-weapons) are socketed into the Crests, allowing for diverse and strategic loadouts.
It is the direct sequel to the 2017 indie hit, Hollow Knight. It's a 2D Metroidvania featuring a new protagonist, Hornet, with a faster and more acrobatic moveset, and a vast new kingdom to explore.
help_outline Do I need to play the first Hollow Knight?
No, Silksong features a standalone story and is designed to be accessible to newcomers, though veterans will appreciate the connections and evolution of the gameplay.
help_outline Is the game harder than the original?
Yes, it is generally considered to be more challenging. The combat is faster, enemies are more complex, and platforming challenges appear earlier in the game.
help_outline Why did the game take so long to release?
It began as a DLC but its scope expanded dramatically into a full sequel. The small, three-person core team at Team Cherry took a dedicated, iterative approach to development, prioritizing quality and creative freedom over a rushed release.