It takes a special kind of game to keep players rabidly waiting through years of radio silence. Hollow Knight: Silksong is that game. As someone who’s lost count of how many times I’ve replayed the original, the 2025 release window finally announced during the Switch 2 reveal sent a jolt through the Metroidvania community. It’s the rare sequel that’s managed to become mythic-a mix of crushing delays and sky-high hope. With a playable demo coming in September and a day-one Xbox Game Pass launch, there’s finally real movement, and it’s time to dig into what this means for fans who’ve waited since 2019.
Team Cherry’s sequel isn’t just another Metroidvania-it’s the heir to one of indie gaming’s modern classics. Here’s why this new release window is a big deal, and what stands out most for those of us who’ve been watching every rumor and SteamDB update like hawks.
| Publisher | Team Cherry |
| Release Date | 2025 |
| Genres | Metroidvania, Action-Adventure, Platformer |
| Platforms | PC (Steam), Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S |
Before we break down what this means, check out the latest trailer—finally, something substantial to chew on after years of vaporware jokes:
Let’s get real: Silksong’s development saga has been a masterclass in both anticipation and frustration. After its 2019 reveal, Team Cherry essentially ghosted the internet—except for the odd “still working on it” reassurance. The stalling became a meme, and the infamous Microsoft Store placeholder date of 9998 felt like trolling. With nearly every major event (Summer Game Fest, Gamescom) passing without news, it’s hard not to be skeptical. But now, with ratings boards and store pages going live—and a legitimate release window—the end finally feels in sight.
What really sets Silksong apart isn’t just its pedigree. For Metroidvania diehards, it promises over 150 new enemies, a brand-new kingdom, and a protagonist—Hornet—who actually speaks. That last bit is huge: giving Hornet a voice could make the story more engaging, or risk losing some of the original’s mysterious charm. Team Cherry has also teased mechanics like Bind (fast healing with a cost), bomb items, and even more fluid platforming. If you’re worried about more of the same, these changes suggest they’re not just reskinning the original.
From a business angle, the day-one Game Pass launch is a massive win for Xbox players, and a big statement about how much indie games can now headline a subscription service. For a game with this much hype, it’s a smart way to get it in front of as many players as possible. Simultaneous launches on Switch 2, PlayStation, and PC mean almost nobody gets left out (sorry, mobile crew).
But let’s not ignore the risks. The original Hollow Knight earned its cult status with tight controls, atmospheric world-building, and an almost masochistic approach to exploration. Silksong’s extended development (and ballooned scope) means it faces enormous pressure: deliver more, but don’t break what made the first game special. The fact that Team Cherry has been so guarded with updates makes me hopeful they’re focused on quality, not rushing for a holiday release window. But after so many delays, it’s fair to wonder: is Silksong at risk of being crushed under the weight of its own legend?
For fans, though, the message is simple: start clearing your backlog. 2025’s Metroidvania renaissance is about to get its crown jewel. Whether you’re a returning Hallownest explorer or new to the genre, Silksong is shaping up to be the next big community obsession—speedruns, lore breakdowns, and theorycrafting included. The September playable demo at ACMI is the next big milestone (and, let’s be honest, will probably melt Twitter). If you’re on Game Pass, this is about as low-risk, high-reward as it gets. For everyone else, time to start plotting that day-one purchase.
Silksong’s 2025 release is finally real—and the wait looks justified. With ambitious new mechanics, a playable Hornet, and a Game Pass debut, Metroidvania fans have a lot to be excited for. The only question now: can Team Cherry stick the landing and deliver a sequel that lives up to the legend?
Source: Team Cherry via GamesPress