Game Overview, How to Use This Guide, and Story Background Explained
Game Overview
Hollow Knight: Silksong is the long-awaited sequel to Team Cherry’s award-winning indie classic Hollow Knight. Released on September 4, 2025, it transports players to the haunted kingdom of Pharloom, where you take control of Hornet, a swift, acrobatic fighter who played a central role in the first game.
Developer/Publisher: Team Cherry
Platforms: PC (Steam, GOG, Humble), Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, macOS, Linux
Genre: Action platformer / Metroidvania
Scope: Over 200 enemies and over 40 bosses, structured side quests, and a massive new world to explore
Silksong builds on the original’s platforming and combat while introducing new systems that reshape progression. Hornet crafts and repairs Tools with Shell Shards, equips Crests to tailor builds, and manages Rosaries with Rosary Strings for smart risk–reward. You will also take on structured side objectives through Wishes, making Pharloom feel both vast and detailed.
How to Use This Guide
This walkthrough is designed for a first playthrough. It keeps the route straightforward and spoiler-light, pointing out only the upgrades and side content that matter for story progression. Optional diversions are clearly marked so you can decide whether to pursue them.
Main Story Walkthrough Hub: chapter-by-chapter route from first bench to credits
Boss Guides Hub: full list of bosses with strategies you can jump to at any time
Essential Systems Hub: focused pages on maps, currency, benches, upgrades, and healing
Each chapter page includes:
Overview of the area
Objectives to complete
Route with step-by-step instructions
Boss Strategy where relevant
Key Items and upgrades on the path
Quick Tips and a summary of rewards
Spoiler Policy
Headings are kept spoiler-light. Major reveals are hidden behind a clear spoiler tag in the body text. You can safely read up to your current chapter without risking late-game details.
Formatting and Icons
Throughout this guide, we use consistent labels so you can scan quickly.
Objective – main task to progress
Route – step-by-step instructions
Boss Strategy – moves, patterns, and counterplay tips
Key Item – important upgrades on the path
Bench – rest or respawn point
Shortcut – unlocks that save time later
Optional – helpful but not required
Warning – pitfalls or common mistakes
Guide Connections
This walkthrough is part of a larger guide set for Hollow Knight: Silksong. When a chapter introduces a new system, we provide a short explanation and a link to the detailed page in the Essential Systems Hub. Bosses are covered in the walkthrough where you encounter them, but you can also jump to the Boss Guides Hub for a standalone breakdown.
The Appendices section at the end collects reference material such as item checklists, repair materials, fast travel stations, and codes. These sections are designed for quick lookups during cleanup or replays.
Story Background Explained (Do You Need to Play Hollow Knight First?)
Silksong is a sequel, but it works as a standalone adventure.
Hornet’s Role: In Hollow Knight, Hornet was both an ally and a recurring boss. In Silksong, she takes centre stage as the protagonist.
New Setting: The original was set in Hallownest. Silksong shifts to Pharloom, a new kingdom with its own rulers, quests, and dangers.
Continuity: You do not need to know Hallownest’s multiple endings to enjoy Silksong. The story starts fresh with Hornet’s capture and climb.
Recommendation: You can jump straight into Silksong if this is your first Hollow Knight game. Returning players will notice callbacks and connections, but nothing essential is locked behind the first title.
What to Read Next
If you are ready to dive in, start with Getting Started in Hollow Knight: Silksong for controls, early survival tips, and essential upgrades.
Want to skip ahead? Check the Main Story Walkthrough Hub to begin Chapter I in Moss Grotto.
Browse the Boss Guides Hub if you are here for a specific fight.
Explore the Essential Systems Hub for focused guides on maps, currency, upgrades, and healing.