Hollow Knight: Silksong is almost here. After seven long years of development, fans will finally get to experience the highly anticipated sequel on September 4, 2025. What surprised many players, however, was the reason behind such an extended timeline.
Unlike troubled game projects stuck in “development hell,” Team Cherry revealed that Silksong’s delay came from something much more refreshing: passion, creativity, and perfectionism.
From DLC to Full Sequel
When first announced, Hollow Knight: Silksong was meant to be a DLC expansion for the original 2017 indie hit. But as development continued, the project’s scope ballooned into a full-fledged sequel—complete with brand-new hub areas, a larger world, and more complex systems than before.
This kind of expansion is common for big AAA franchises like Assassin’s Creed Mirage or Dying Light: The Beast, but it’s far rarer in the indie space. For Team Cherry, however, Silksong became too ambitious to remain “just an add-on.”
A Joyful 7-Year Process
In a recent interview with Bloomberg, co-founders Ari Gibson and William Pellen explained why Hollow Knight: Silksong took seven years to develop.
“It was never stuck or anything. It was always progressing. It’s just the case that we’re a small team, and games take a lot of time,” Gibson said. “I remember at some point I just had to stop sketching… You realize, ‘If I don’t stop drawing, this is going to take 15 years to finish.’”
Rather than frustration, the team actually enjoyed stretching out development. Each new idea inspired more content, and polishing every detail became part of the fun.
A Promise of Quality
Silksong’s development is proof of Team Cherry’s perfectionist approach. The sequel is set to be even bigger than the first Hollow Knight, boasting multiple hub areas, expanded questlines, and refined combat mechanics.
For fans, that dedication should inspire confidence. Instead of a rushed launch, Silksong is arriving as a game shaped by genuine creativity and care.
What’s Next After Launch?
Interestingly, Gibson hinted that if he hadn’t stopped, development could have gone on even longer. This suggests the possibility of future DLC expansions—a thrilling prospect for the Hollow Knight community.
For now, players can look forward to finally diving into Hollow Knight: Silksong on September 4, 2025, for PC and consoles.