Summary
After over six years in development,Hollow Knight: Silksongis reportedly on track for a 2025 release. Officially confirmed during the April 2 Nintendo Direct, Team Cherry dropped a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it teaser of unseen footage, showcasing Hornet ledge-grabbing and sliding across the slope-heavy terrain of Pharloom. As such, although earlier views on what to expect fromHollow Knight: Silksongin 2025were cautiously optimistic, it appears that the community may look forward once again with renewed hope.
While it’s exciting news that Team Cherry’s highly anticipated sequel has a release window, no exact date has been pinpointed. Nintendo reaffirmed in an X post (formerly Twitter) thatHollow Knight: Silksongwould debut this year, but with no details, fans may still have ample time until the game’s release. Fortunately, for those seeking similarly compelling titles with challenging mechanics, unique art styles, and story-rich narratives, there is no shortage of games to explore in the meantime.
The Best Games To Try While Waiting for Hollow Knight: Silksong
Titles marked with an asterisk are classified as Metroidvanias, similar to bothHollow KnightandHollow Knight: Silksong.
The originalHollow Knightis well-known as a precision platformer with intense boss fights, while also delivering a meaningful and deeply layered narrative. So far, not much is known about Hornet’s struggle inthe Kingdom of Pharloom, but fans are already privy to the knowledge that this takes place after the events of the first game, and outsider bugs have kidnapped her. After escaping, Hornet embarks on a quest to ascend to the kingdom’s peak, which may sound familiar to fans ofCeleste, as Madeline once undertook her own arduous platforming journey to the top of Celeste Mountain.
Similarly, finishing games likeAnimal Well,Dead Cells,Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights,Nine Sols, andRain Worldcan yield multiple endings, much like how the choices and ventures made inHollow Knightcan result in different outcomes. Additionally,Glimmer in Mirroris still in early access and doesn’t have a perfect English translation yet; its striking imagery and engaging story are worth exploring if players are intrigued byHollow Knight’s story. Furthermore, while all the games on this playlist share equally vibrant artistic direction,Ori and the Will of the Wispsstands out for its hand-painted visuals, carefully selected color palettes, and Studio Ghibli-inspired landscapes.
For those looking for a more puzzle-oriented title,Animal Wellis an excellent choice for thinking outside the box. In contrast, games likeHaiku the Robotdraw clear inspiration fromHollow Knight, which may appeal to fans of the franchise while offering more forgiving mechanics.Sheepy: A Short Adventureis another noteworthy, albeit free-to-play title, with less intensive mechanics. It offers speed-running achievements, a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, and a lovable, fluffy sheep protagonist, which seems reminiscent of many aspects of Team Cherry’s game.
WithHollow Knight: Silksongdue any day this year, the above games should be worthwhile investments during the wait. However, for those who’ve found that they’ve played all, or the majority of these titles, there’s still one more journey worth taking. Now might be theperfect time to revisitHollow Knightand relive the Knight’s adventure from the very beginning, immersing oneself once more in the world of Hallownest and its complex lore.
Each game in the playlist is published by an indie developer, though some were backed by larger publishers.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
WHERE TO PLAY
Play as Hornet, princess-protector of Hallownest, and adventure through a whole new kingdom ruled by silk and song! Captured and brought to this unfamiliar world, Hornet must battle foes and solve mysteries as she ascends on a deadly pilgrimage to the kingdom’s peak.Hollow Knight: Silksong is the epic sequel to Hollow Knight, the award winning action-adventure. As the lethal hunter Hornet, journey to all-new lands, discover new powers, battle vast hordes of bugs and beasts and uncover ancient secrets tied to your nature and your past.
