The Wait Is Finally Over: Team Cherry Delivers a Monumental Surprise for Hollow Knight: Silksong Fans

For nearly a decade, the gaming community has been in a state of perpetual anticipation, meme-fueled speculation, and, at times, sheer despair. The subject of this collective frenzy? Hollow Knight: Silksong, the highly anticipated sequel to one of the most beloved indie games of all time. After years of near-complete radio silence from developer Team Cherry, a new hope has emerged from the shadows. In a monumental and long-awaited announcement, the small Australian studio has not only provided a concrete update on the game’s development but has also given fans exactly what they have been waiting for. The long and arduous journey is finally coming to an end, as the release date has been officially announced, much to the jubilation of a fanbase that has waited with bated breath for years.

The Clowns Can Finally Go Home: A Release Date at Last

For years, Silksong fans have jokingly referred to themselves as “clowns” for holding out hope for an announcement that seemed to be forever out of reach. That joke has finally lost its punchline. In a surprise video premiere on their official YouTube channel, Team Cherry announced that Hollow Knight: Silksong will be released on September 4, 2025. This news, which comes just two weeks before the game is set to launch, is a testament to the studio’s desire to keep the focus on development and to deliver a polished and complete experience without the pressure of a lengthy marketing campaign. The game will be available on all major platforms, including PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and both the Nintendo Switch and the new Nintendo Switch 2, with day-one availability on Xbox Game Pass for subscribers. This multi-platform launch strategy is a clear signal that the game is ready for a massive audience and is poised to be one of the biggest indie launches in years.

Behind the Curtain: A Candid Look at Development

In addition to the official release date, a new interview with Team Cherry co-founders Ari Gibson and William Pellen has shed light on why the game’s development took so long. In a candid conversation with Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, the developers explained that the game was “never stuck” and that the primary reason for the delay was simply the small size of the team and their passion for the project. The developers stated that they were “having fun” making the game and that they continuously added new ideas, bosses, and areas to the point where they had to force themselves to stop. This is a rare and refreshing look into the development of a game, as it is a far cry from the more common stories of development hell and corporate interference. The developers also explained their infamous “radio silence,” stating that they felt providing frequent updates would only lead to a less satisfying experience for fans, as all they could ever really say was “we’re still working on it.” Their decision to stay quiet and focus on the game itself has paid off, as the game’s announcement has created an unprecedented level of hype and excitement.

What to Expect from a Polished Masterpiece

The new gameplay trailer and a recent hands-on demo at Gamescom 2025 have confirmed that the game will live up to the hype. The game puts players in control of Hornet, the princess-protector from the first game, as she explores a new kingdom known as Pharloom. The demo showcased her new abilities, including a powerful glide and a more agile combat system that focuses on speed and precision. The game will reportedly feature over 200 new enemies, 40 new boss fights, and a rich crafting system that will allow players to customize their playstyle. The game’s new quest system and the introduction of multiple towns are also new features that are designed to make the world feel more alive and to reward exploration. This is a game that is not just a sequel; it is a full evolution of the original, with new mechanics and a story that promises to be just as compelling and heartbreaking as its predecessor. For a fanbase that has waited for so long, the news is a welcome relief, a sign that their patience has been rewarded. The journey to Pharloom is about to begin, and it is a journey that will undoubtedly be worth the wait.