Hollow Knight: Silksong does not have native multiplayer in the setups covered here. Multiplayer is provided by separate community mods. For the broadest combination of Steam, LAN, direct-IP play, matchmaking, co-op features and PvP settings, use SSMP. For a Steam-only PvP experience, use SilksongPVP. For co-op with documented enemy synchronization, use Silksong Online Co-op Multiplayer.
This guide reflects the documented versions and features available on August 7, 2026.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Which Silksong multiplayer mod should you use?
| Mod | Best for | Important limitations |
|---|---|---|
| SSMP | General-purpose multiplayer, Steam invites, LAN, direct IP, matchmaking, teams and configurable PvP | Save files are not synchronized; skin support is incomplete |
| SilksongPVP | Steam-only competitive play and public lobbies | Synchronizes players, not items or enemies; non-Steam support is not implemented |
| Silksong Online Co-op Multiplayer | Direct co-op with documented enemy synchronization | Connection setup relies on local IP addresses or Radmin VPN; documentation is less specific about room-number joining |
For most groups, SSMP is the best starting point because it supports Steam networking without port forwarding, LAN play, direct-IP connections, a matchmaking browser and both co-op and PvP-oriented settings.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
SSMP installation
The current Thunderstore release is SSMP 0.3.1, uploaded July 13, 2026. All players should install the same SSMP version.
#1 Best Overall
![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!
Option 1: Thunderstore Mod Manager
- Install compatible Thunderstore client software, such as Thunderstore Mod Manager.
- Open the Silksong game profile in the manager.
- Install SSMP and its required BepInExPack for Silksong.
- Launch Silksong through the mod manager.
Thunderstore’s Install button requires compatible manager software. If clicking it does nothing, install a manager or select Download and install the files manually.
Option 2: Manual installation
- Install the BepInExPack for Silksong.
- Extract SSMP.
- Place the mod DLL files directly in:
Hollow Knight SilksongBepInExpluginsSSMPDo not leave an extra directory between SSMP and the DLL files. For example, a structure such as pluginsSSMPSSMP*.dll can prevent the mod from loading.
Start the game. A successful installation adds Start Multiplayer to the main menu.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →How to host and join with SSMP
Steam hosting: the easiest option
- Select Start Multiplayer > Steam.
- Choose the save file when SSMP prompts you.
- Invite friends through the Steam overlay or type
/invitein the SSMP chat. - Friends join through the Steam Friends list or by accepting the invitation.
Steam-hosted SSMP sessions do not require port forwarding or manual IP entry. The host and clients should still be using the same SSMP version.
Matchmaking and public lobbies
SSMP includes a public-lobby browser through its Matchmaking Service (MMS). MMS provides NAT hole-punching for direct peer-to-peer connections in most cases. Open the multiplayer menu and use its matchmaking options to browse or create a public lobby.
LAN play
For players on the same local network, use SSMP’s LAN option. LAN play does not require additional setup.
Rank #2
- Hollow Knight: Silksong is the epic sequel to Hollow Knight, the award winning action-adventure.
- Journey to all-new lands, discover new powers, battle vast hordes of bugs and beasts and uncover secrets tied to your nature and your past.
Direct Internet play
Direct Internet hosting requires the host to forward the configured port and give clients the correct external IP address. SSMP’s current documented default port is:
26960If you change the port, clients must connect to the matching port. Players on different networks can also use VPN software such as Hamachi to simulate a LAN.
Do not confuse SSMP’s current port 26960 with 45565, an older SilklessCoop value. They belong to different projects and instructions.
Save files and progression
When hosting or joining, SSMP asks each player to select a save file. That save is used locally and is not synchronized with the server. Multiplayer therefore does not automatically make every player share the host’s story progress, inventory or world state. Choose the intended save before joining and back up important saves if you are experimenting with mods.
SSMP chat commands and settings
Press the default Y key to open SSMP chat. You can change the key binding in the mod’s key-bind configuration.
Everyday commands
/help
/list
/invite
/inv
/addon <enable|disable|list> [addon(s)]
/set <setting name> [value]
/skin <skin ID>
/team <None|Moss|Hive|Grimm|Lifeblood>
/debugAdministrator and access-control commands
/announce <message>
/kick <auth key|username|ip address>
/ban <auth key|username>
/unban <auth key>
/banip <auth key|username|ip address>
/unbanip <ip address>
/whitelist on
/whitelist off
/whitelist add [name|auth key]
/whitelist remove [name|auth key]
/whitelist clear [prelist]
/auth <name|auth key>
/deauth <name|auth key>/announce, /kick, /ban, /unban, /banip and /unbanip are administrator commands. The /copysave <from> <to> command is currently disabled.
Rank #3
- 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..
How to enable PvP, teams and player damage in SSMP
Enable or disable PvP
/set IsPvpEnabled true
/set IsPvpEnabled falseThe shorter alias is:
/set pvp trueSSMP setting names are case-insensitive. Relevant settings and aliases include:
| Full setting | Alias | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
IsPvpEnabled |
pvp |
Player damage |
TeamsEnabled |
teams |
Team rules |
AlwaysShowMapIcons |
globalmapicons |
Map visibility |
OnlyBroadcastMapIconWithWaywardCompass |
compassicon |
Compass-related icon visibility |
DisplayNames |
names |
Player names |
AllowSkins |
skins |
Skin availability |
Use teams
With teams enabled, players on the same team cannot damage one another. Select a team from the client settings menu or use:
/team None
/team Moss
/team Hive
/team Grimm
/team LifebloodChange player damage
/set NeedleDamage 1
/set NeedleStrikeDamage 2Aliases include needledmg. For example:
/set needledmg 1SSMP’s skin command is /skin <skin ID>, but the repository describes the skin system as incomplete, so skin changes may not work correctly.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsRunning the SSMP standalone server
SSMP provides a standalone server for Windows, Linux and macOS. The current server requires the .NET 9.0 runtime.
Start it from the server directory with:
./SSMPServer [port]The port is optional. The documented default is 26960:
./SSMPServer
./SSMPServer 26960The server creates or reads:
consolesettings.jsonfor console defaults, including the default portserversettings.jsonfor server settings
The documented fullSynchronisation setting currently has no effect. Standalone-server console commands include:
Rank #4
![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.
exit
log [log level(s)]SilksongPVP: a separate Steam-only PvP mod
SilksongPVP Multiplayer Mod is not an SSMP add-on. Its current Nexus version is 1.1, last updated January 26, 2026. It supports Windows and macOS, requires Steam, and provides public lobbies for up to 20 players.
Its current lobby labels are:
- Invite to Lobby
- Join Public Lobby
Players must be Steam friends to use Steam invitations. The mod also includes lobby chat.
SilksongPVP installation on Windows
- Install BepInEx for Silksong.
- Extract
SilksongPVPWindows.zipand copy its folder to the Silksong game root. - Alternatively, extract
SilksongPVPRaw.zipand copy the DLL to:
Hollow Knight SilksongBepInExpluginsSilksongPVP.dllSilksongPVP installation on macOS
- Install BepInEx for Silksong.
- Place the DLL at:
Hollow Knight Silksong/BepInEx/plugins/SilksongPVP.dllAfter launching, the top-left of the game should show the player’s name and a leave button. If those controls do not appear, verify that BepInEx is loading and that the DLL is not inside an extra nested folder.
SilksongPVP implements nail slash types, crest support, player map icons, pogoing with Hunter’s Crest and silk skills that deal two masks. Red tools are intentionally disabled. It synchronizes players, but does not synchronize items or enemies, so it is not a full co-op world-state synchronization mod. Its optional configuration manager can control the chat key, lobby display and related settings.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Silksong Online Co-op Multiplayer
Silksong Online Co-op Multiplayer is a separate mod, currently version 1.6 and last updated August 6, 2026. It is described as being in active development and includes enemy synchronization, direct hosting, direct joining by IP and lobby room numbers.
Same-network setup
- The host selects Host Direct.
- Other players select Join Direct.
- Each client enters the host’s local IP address.
Different-network setup with Radmin VPN
- Install Radmin VPN on every computer.
- Have every player join the same Radmin VPN network.
- The host selects Host Direct.
- Clients select Join Direct and enter the host’s Radmin VPN IP address.
The mod also supports joining through a lobby room number, but the available documentation does not specify a command-line syntax or a more precise menu path for that method.
Troubleshooting
SSMP does not appear in the main menu
- Confirm that BepInEx for Silksong is installed and loading.
- Check that the DLL files are directly inside
BepInExpluginsSSMP. - Remove an unintended extra nested folder.
- If using Thunderstore, launch through the compatible mod manager.
Thunderstore’s Install button does nothing
The button requires compatible client software. Install Thunderstore Mod Manager or choose Download and follow the manual installation path.
Steam invitations fail
Use Start Multiplayer > Steam rather than a direct-IP workflow, then invite through the Steam overlay or /invite. Steam mode uses Steam networking and does not require port forwarding.
Direct IP fails
Check the host’s IP address, confirm that everyone is on the same LAN or VPN when applicable, and verify that the configured port is forwarded. SSMP’s documented default is 26960, not 45565.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Players connect but progress differs
This is expected: SSMP uses each player’s selected local save and does not synchronize saves with the server.
PvP is not causing damage
Enable IsPvpEnabled. If TeamsEnabled is active, confirm that the players are not on the same team.
SilksongPVP lobby controls are missing
Verify that the DLL is in BepInExplugins, there is no extra nested directory, and the game is launching with BepInEx active. The expected indicator is the player name and leave button in the top-left.
Bottom line
Install SSMP 0.3.1 if you want the most flexible Silksong multiplayer setup: use Start Multiplayer > Steam for easy friend invites, LAN or direct IP for alternative connections, and SSMP’s settings for PvP and teams. Choose SilksongPVP for Steam-only competitive lobbies, or Silksong Online Co-op Multiplayer when enemy synchronization and direct co-op are the priority. These are separate community projects, so do not mix their installation paths, commands or port numbers.
Recommended Free Tools
Quick Recap
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.
