After an extensive development period and concerns about its potential cancellation, Hollow Knight: Silksong is finally set to launch on September 4. For players eager to dive in immediately, developer Team Cherry has released the precise global unlock schedule for this highly anticipated Metroidvania title. The game will be available starting at 7 AM PT on September 4.
Hollow Knight: Silksong Launch Times
September 4
- 7 AM PT
- 10 AM ET
- 4 PM CEST
- 11 PM JST
As previously revealed, Silksong will be priced at $20 across all platforms. Owners of the original Switch version will also receive a free upgrade for the Switch 2.
What is Hollow Knight: Silksong?
Hollow Knight: Silksong serves as the much-anticipated follow-up to Team Cherry`s critically acclaimed 2017 title, Hollow Knight, which sold over 15 million copies. Initially conceived as downloadable content (DLC) for the first game, Silksong`s ambition expanded significantly, leading Team Cherry to develop it as a complete, standalone experience. In Silksong, players control Hornet within a sprawling 2D platforming environment, encountering numerous new enemy types and formidable bosses. The `Greymoor` region is noted as one of the largest areas ever designed by Team Cherry.
Why did Hollow Knight: Silksong take so long to come out?
Team Cherry`s co-founders, Ari Gibson and William Pellen, clarified that Silksong`s prolonged development was not due to being trapped in `development hell.` The immense success of their previous game, released in 2017, provided the Australian studio with the freedom to develop the sequel without external pressure.
Gibson explained to Bloomberg, “It was always progressing. It`s just the case that we`re a small team, and games take a lot of time.” He emphasized that there were no major controversies delaying the project. The initial concept for Silksong as an expansion pack for Hollow Knight also contributed to its extended development timeline.
Regarding their silence on development updates over the years, Gibson stated that the team chose not to communicate frequently because their only consistent message would have been, “We`re still working on it.” Pellen echoed this, suggesting their priority was simply to focus on the game`s creation rather than constantly engaging with the public.
Although Silksong was once slated for a pre-June 2023 release, a date Pellen admitted the team “genuinely believed” was achievable, it ultimately wasn`t met. The development process, which allowed for rapid iteration and implementation of ideas, also posed challenges. Gibson recounted a moment when he realized he had to limit his creative input: “Everything I`m drawing here has to end up in the game. That`s a cool idea, that`s in… If I don`t stop drawing, this is going to take 15 years to finish.”
Is Hollow Knight: Silksong on Game Pass?
Hollow Knight: Silksong will be accessible to Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers from day one. Alternatively, players can purchase the game directly for $20.