After a prolonged development cycle and years of intense anticipation, Hollow Knight: Silksong is officially scheduled to launch on September 4. For dedicated fans eager to embark on this new adventure the very moment it becomes available, developer Team Cherry has disclosed the precise global unlock times.
Hollow Knight: Silksong Global Launch Times
September 4
- 7 AM PT (Pacific Time)
- 10 AM ET (Eastern Time)
- 4 PM CEST (Central European Summer Time)
- 11 PM JST (Japan Standard Time)
As previously communicated, Silksong will be available for $20 across all platforms upon release. Additionally, owners of the original Nintendo Switch version will receive a complimentary upgrade for the Nintendo Switch 2.
What is Hollow Knight: Silksong?
Hollow Knight: Silksong is the eagerly awaited sequel to Team Cherry`s critically acclaimed 2017 title, Hollow Knight, which garnered immense praise and sold over 15 million copies. The sequel was initially envisioned as downloadable content (DLC) for the original game. However, Team Cherry eventually revealed that its scope had expanded so significantly that it evolved into a full, standalone experience. In Silksong, players control Hornet, traversing a captivating new 2D platforming world brimming with diverse enemy types and formidable bosses. The game introduces expansive new environments, including the Greymoor area, which is noted as one of the largest and most intricate regions Team Cherry has ever designed.
Why Did Hollow Knight: Silksong`s Development Take So Long?
Team Cherry founders Ari Gibson and William Pellen have clarified that Silksong`s extended development period was not indicative of “development hell.” Instead, the monumental success of their 2017 debut allowed the Australia-based studio the luxury of developing the follow-up at a deliberate and unhurried pace.
“It was never stuck or anything,” Gibson explained in an interview with Bloomberg. “It was always progressing. It`s just the case that we`re a small team, and games take a lot of time. There wasn`t any big controversial moment behind it.”
A significant factor contributing to the delay was the game`s evolution from a planned expansion into a complete, standalone title. Regarding the team`s decision to remain largely silent on development updates over the years, Gibson stated they opted against constant communication because, “All we could really say is, `We`re still working on it.`”
Pellen further elaborated, “Instead of popping up and bugging people for the sake of it, it felt like our actual responsibility was just to work on the game.”
Despite being officially slated for release before June 2023 at one point, Pellen admitted the team “genuinely believed” they would meet that deadline, which ultimately did not occur.
The development process could have even stretched out longer. Gibson highlighted that Team Cherry`s development structure, which promotes rapid iteration and the swift implementation of new ideas into the game, also presented its own unique challenges.
“I remember at some point I just had to stop sketching,” Gibson recalled. “Because I went, `Everything I`m drawing here has to end up in the game. That`s a cool idea, that`s in. That`s a cool idea, that`s in.` You realize, `If I don`t stop drawing, this is going to take 15 years to finish.`”
Is Hollow Knight: Silksong Available on Game Pass?
Yes, Hollow Knight: Silksong will be available for subscribers of Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass from its launch day. Alternatively, as previously mentioned, it can be purchased outright for $20.