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Yes—you can start Hollow Knight: Silksong without playing the original Hollow Knight first. It is a sequel, but its official description introduces a new setting and Hornet’s own journey. Playing the first game is optional for context, not an established prerequisite.
Is Hollow Knight required before Silksong?
No official store or developer description reviewed says you must own or finish Hollow Knight to play Silksong. Team Cherry calls it “the sequel to the award-winning action-adventure,” while its Steam listing sets up a new situation: Hornet is taken to the unfamiliar kingdom of Pharloom and begins a journey through new lands. Those descriptions support starting with Silksong, though they do not promise that every connection or lore reference will be clear to newcomers.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
![Hollow Knight: Silksong Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51mOgOC8xEL._SL160_.jpg)
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Hollow Knight: Silksong Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] | $19.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Hollow Knight (Nintendo Switch) | $38.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![Hollow Knight - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51nXCF+sf5L._SL160_.jpg)
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Hollow Knight - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] | $14.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Fangamer Hollow Knight for NINTENDO SWITCH REGION FREE JAPANESE VERSION | $44.77 | Buy on Amazon |
Team Cherry’s official game page and the Steam listing both identify the game as a sequel. The Steam listing gives its release date as September 4, 2025.
Should you play Hollow Knight first?
That depends on what you want from the series. Starting with Silksong gets you straight into Hornet’s adventure; playing Hollow Knight first gives you familiarity with the franchise before its sequel. The official descriptions establish the sequel relationship and the new setting, but do not specify how much prior knowledge improves the story or how many callbacks a newcomer might miss.
#1 Best Overall
- 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!
- Start with Silksong if it is the game you want to play now. The available official descriptions do not list the original game as a requirement.
- Play Hollow Knight first if you would rather experience the series in release order or get its earlier context before the sequel.
Where can you play Silksong?
Team Cherry lists Silksong for PC, Mac, Linux, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Platform availability and storefront features may vary by region. The US PlayStation listing identifies PS4 and PS5 versions and says offline play is enabled.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 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.
Rank #3
- 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.
Rank #2
- Classic side-scrolling action, with all the 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.
- 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 favourites and make your journey unique!.An enormous cast of cute and creepy characters all brought to life with traditional 2D frame-by-frame animation..
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.
