What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
You’ll get more context by playing Hollow Knight first, but Team Cherry’s official information does not establish that you have to finish it before starting Hollow Knight: Silksong. Play the original if you want the earlier game’s story and world before following Hornet; if you’re eager to begin the sequel, you can start there without treating the first game as a confirmed prerequisite.
What does Hollow Knight add before Silksong?
Silksong is a full-scale sequel to Hollow Knight, with Hornet as its protagonist. Team Cherry has described the sequel as Hornet’s adventure in a new land: the project began as DLC, but grew too large and distinctive for that plan. Its official descriptions focus on new lands, powers, foes, quests, and mysteries. Team Cherry’s announcement therefore establishes a connection to the first game as well as a new setting; it does not say that players must complete the original first.
Starting with Hollow Knight is the better fit if you want to encounter the series’ earlier story and world before seeing Hornet lead her own game. The available official descriptions do not spell out how much a newcomer will miss, so it would be too strong to promise either that every story detail stands alone or that you will be lost without the original.
Choose a play order that fits you
Play Hollow Knight first for context
Choose this order if you prefer to meet the series through its earlier release and want whatever context it provides for Hornet and the world. You do not need to turn that choice into a completionist task: the reviewed sources do not establish that you must see every ending, clear optional content, or master the original before moving on.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →#1 Best Overall
- Classic side-scrolling action, with all the modern trimmings. Dodge, dash and slash your way through even the most deadly adversaries.
- Tightly tuned 2D controls. Dodge, dash and slash your way through even the most deadly adversaries.
- Forge your own path! The world of Hallownest is expansive and open. Choose which paths you take, which enemies you face and find your own way forward.
- An enormous cast of cute and creepy characters all brought to life with traditional 2D frame-by-frame animation.
- Leap into minds with the Dream Nail. Uncover a whole other side to the characters you meet and the enemies you face.
Start with Silksong if you want the newer game now
If you are most interested in Silksong or simply want to play it first, the official materials reviewed do not state that finishing Hollow Knight is required. Go in expecting a sequel with a new setting and its own mysteries, while allowing that the original may offer context you will not have yet.
How different is Silksong to play?
Familiarity with the first game may orient you to the series, but it is not a substitute for learning Silksong’s systems. In a post-launch comparison, PlayStation Blog describes faster, resource-limited healing, more acrobatic movement for Hornet, and a menu for tracking quests. These changes make the sequel a distinct game to learn, whether or not you have played the original.
Rank #2
![Hollow Knight - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51nXCF+sf5L._SL160_.jpg)
- Classic side-scrolling action, with all the modern trimmings.
- Forge your own path! The world of Hallownest is expansive and open. Choose which paths you take, which enemies you face and find your own way forward.
- Evolve with powerful new skills and abilities! Gain spells, strength and speed. Leap to new heights on ethereal wings. Dash forward in a blazing flash. Blast foes with fiery Soul!
- Equip Charms! Ancient relics that offer bizarre new powers and abilities. Choose your favorites and make your journey unique!
- An enormous cast of cute and creepy characters all brought to life with traditional 2D frame-by-frame animation.
Silksong release and platforms
Silksong launched on September 4, 2025, according to its Steam listing. Team Cherry currently lists PC, Mac, Linux, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S on its game catalog. Availability can differ by local storefront, so check the listing for your region and platform.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
![HOLLOW KNIGHT [E10]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51gHoLA9kNL._SL160_.jpg)
- Includes four giant bonus content packs: Hidden Dreams, The Grimm Troupe, Lifeblood, and Godmaster
- Classic side-scrolling action, with all modern trimmings
- Tightly tuned 2D controls. Dodge, dash, and slash your way through even the most deadly adversaries
- Explore a vast interconnected world of forgotten highways, overgrown wilds, and ruined cities
- Forge your own path. The world of Hallownest is expansive and open. Choose which paths you take, which enemies you face, and find your own way forward
Rank #3
![Hollow Knight: Silksong Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51mOgOC8xEL._SL160_.jpg)
- Discover the fallen insect kingdom of Pharloom! Explore mossy grottos, gilded cities and misted moors as you ascend to the shining citadel at the top of the world.
- Engage in lethal acrobatic action! Wield a huge suite of deadly moves as you dance between foes in swift, beautiful combat.
- Craft powerful tools! Master an ever-expanding arsenal of weapons, traps, and mechanisms to vanquish your enemies and explore new heights.
- Solve shocking quests! Hunt down rare beasts and solve ancient mysteries to grant the wishes of the downtrodden and restore the kingdom’s hope.
- Face over 200 ferocious foes! Beasts and hunters, monsters and knights. Defeat them all with bravery and skill!
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Recommended Free Tools
