After years of memes, speculation, and countless “Is Silksong real?” posts, the wait is finally over. Hollow Knight: Silksong is officially launching this Thursday, September 4, 2025, and yes—it’s hitting every major platform right out of the gate: PC, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. The price is set at a very fair $19.99 / €19.99 / ¥2300, which is refreshing considering how bloated game pricing has become lately.
As someone who’s been following Team Cherry since the original Hollow Knight, I can honestly say this moment feels surreal. And if you’re wondering when exactly you can jump in, let’s break down the official Hollow Knight: Silksong global release times.
When Does Hollow Knight: Silksong Unlock?
Team Cherry confirmed earlier this week that the game goes live at the same moment worldwide, but unlock times vary by region. Here’s when you can dive in:
- Los Angeles (PDT): 7 AM, Sept 4
- Mexico City (CST): 8 AM, Sept 4
- New York (EDT): 10 AM, Sept 4
- Buenos Aires (ART): 12 PM (noon), Sept 4
- London (BST): 3 PM, Sept 4
- Paris / Rome / Berlin (CEST): 4 PM, Sept 4
- Dubai (GST): 6 PM, Sept 4
- Tokyo (JST): 11 PM, Sept 4
- Sydney (AEST): 12 AM, Sept 5
- Wellington (NZST): 2 AM, Sept 5
And no—before you ask—there’s no early access trick this time. We’re all stepping into Hornet’s adventure together.
What’s New in Hollow Knight: Silksong?
Instead of following the same path as the Knight from the original game, Silksong puts you in control of Hornet, the fast, needle-wielding protector fans know well. This sequel takes everything Team Cherry nailed in the first game—tight platforming, tough-but-fair combat, atmospheric exploration—and cranks it up with new lands, new enemies, and plenty of mysterious lore.
The official reveal trailer shown at Gamescom gave us almost two minutes of fresh gameplay, and trust me, it’s packed. We saw Hornet dashing through swamps, crossing eerie graveyards, exploring a bustling city full of insectoid NPCs, and clashing with towering new bosses.
Among the standout moments was a fast-paced escape scene reminiscent of Ori’s dramatic sequences, showcasing how far Team Cherry has advanced its cinematic approach.
As a longtime fan, what excites me most isn’t just the new setting but how Silksong feels like a proper evolution of the Hollow Knight formula. This isn’t just a reskin; it’s a sequel with its own identity, ready to stand alongside the original rather than live in its shadow.
A Win for Switch Owners – Free Switch 2 Enhancements
One of the best surprises from Team Cherry’s announcement? If you’re playing on Nintendo Switch, you’ll automatically unlock enhanced features for free on Switch 2. That’s a massive win for Nintendo players who might be upgrading later this year. Instead of having to repurchase or pay for an upgrade, you’ll get the polished Switch 2 version without spending a dime.
This also makes Silksong one of the earliest titles to bridge the Switch and Switch 2 ecosystem—a move that could set the standard for how future releases handle cross-generation ownership.
First Hands-On Impressions
Now, here’s where things get interesting. Even though Team Cherry hasn’t released early review codes (a bold move in 2025), a select few outlets got hands-on previews at recent events. During a recent demo, it became clear how much more vibrant and dynamic Silksong is when stacked against the original.
I was particularly struck by the opening zone, Moss Grotto. Instead of the cold, cavernous corridors I remember from Hollow Knight, Silksong greeted me with lush greenery, subtle lighting details, and a soundtrack that built an eerie yet welcoming tone. It’s the kind of visual jump that instantly reminds you this is not just a DLC—it’s a full-scale sequel crafted to push the series forward.
The first real fight came against the Moss Mother, a deceptively simple flying bug. The battle wasn’t about brute force; it was about learning patterns, dodging carefully, and waiting for just the right moment to land a strike. If you’ve played Hollow Knight, you’ll immediately recognize that feeling: frustration and satisfaction bundled into one.
Must Read: Helldivers 2 Hits Xbox With Warbond Token Update to Fix Duplicate Purchase Issues
New Combat Depth
What caught my attention most was Hornet’s skill set. Instead of simply reusing the Knight’s move list, Hornet feels much faster, sharper, and more agile. Her aerial diagonal dive and silk-based energy gauge change the rhythm of combat entirely. Healing and spellcasting now draw from the same silk meter, which means you can’t just spam heals—you need to balance aggression with resource management.
In my run through Deep Docks, this system was put to the test. I stumbled upon a wave-based arena encounter where a bug armed with a cymbal shield forced me to rethink every move. Hitting its weak side with a dive strike wasn’t just flashy—it was necessary. I’ll admit, I died multiple times adjusting to the new silk mechanic, but that’s the thrill, isn’t it? Every death made me want to push harder.
The session ended with a boss fight against Lace, and let me tell you, she doesn’t mess around. I thought I wasn’t meant to win at first, but with careful observation and a bit of stubbornness, I finally nailed her attack pattern. That surge of victory? Pure Hollow Knight magic.
The Bigger Question: Can Silksong Live Up to the Hype?
Let’s be honest—Hollow Knight didn’t just succeed; it reshaped the modern metroidvania genre. Games in the same space, especially Nine Sols, have elevated what players now consider the benchmark. So, the real question is: can Silksong keep pace?
From what I’ve played, it doesn’t feel like Team Cherry is reinventing the wheel. Instead, they’re refining it. The art style pops more, the combat feels more deliberate, and the world design is bursting with personality. It’s a continuation of Hollow Knight’s DNA, not a revolution—and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
If you loved the original, you’ll feel right at home here. If you never clicked with it, Silksong probably won’t suddenly change your mind. And honestly, that’s okay—because the Hollow Knight fanbase has been waiting for exactly this.
Must Read: Hellblade 2 Comes to PS5: Microsoft Brings Its Xbox Hit “Home” to PlayStation
Final Thoughts
So here we are, just hours away from release. Hollow Knight: Silksong drops September 4, 2025, worldwide, for only $19.99—a steal considering the depth we’ve already seen. Whether you’re playing on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo’s handhelds, you’ll be jumping in at the same time as millions of other fans around the globe.
For me, this isn’t just another launch—it’s the end of a running joke, the payoff for years of patience, and the start of Hornet’s long-awaited journey. All that’s left is one question: are you ready to descend into the world of Silksong?
