Silksong is the sequel in the series, but the available official descriptions do not say whether its story happens before or after a specific event or ending in Hollow Knight. It follows Hornet on a journey through the unfamiliar kingdom of Pharloom. Calling it a sequel establishes the games’ franchise order, not a precise in-world timeline.
What “sequel” tells us—and what it doesn’t
Team Cherry first introduced Hornet’s adventure as planned downloadable content for Hollow Knight, then expanded it into a standalone game set in a new land. Team Cherry later described Silksong as a sequel. Those descriptions establish it as the follow-up game in the series, but do not specify when its story falls relative to Hollow Knight’s events. Team Cherry’s announcement and post-E3 update do not identify a particular ending as its starting point.
Where Hornet’s story takes place
Silksong centers on Hornet in Pharloom, described by Nintendo as a vast, unfamiliar world. The setting is distinct from Hollow Knight’s Hallownest, but a change of kingdom alone does not establish whether the journey occurs before or after the first game. Nintendo’s game page describes Hornet’s setting and adventure.
Does Silksong follow a particular Hollow Knight ending?
The official material cited here does not connect Silksong to a specific Hollow Knight ending. That matters because Hollow Knight has multiple possible endings: “sequel” should not be taken as confirmation that Silksong follows one particular outcome.
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- 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.
Team Cherry co-director Ari Gibson was reported as saying Silksong was intended to “stand alongside Hollow Knight,” with the games complementing one another. That is a description of the developers’ design approach, not a canonical timeline statement. PC Gamer’s report does not establish a date for Hornet’s story.
What Mister Mushroom’s return can establish
Mister Mushroom appears in both games, and each has related epilogue or quest material. This supports continuity between the games, but a recurring character does not by itself prove the order of events or which Hollow Knight ending, if any, Silksong follows. The Hollow Knight Wiki’s Mister Mushroom entry documents the character’s appearances.
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.
So, is Silksong a prequel or a chronological sequel?
The most accurate answer is that Silksong is officially the sequel as a game, while its exact chronology relative to Hollow Knight is not clearly specified in the cited official sources. The evidence here does not confirm that it is a prequel, nor does it pin the story to a point after a specific event or ending in the original.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
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- 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.
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- 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!
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