What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
The biggest difference is who you play and where the journey takes place: the original follows the Knight through Hallownest, while Hollow Knight: Silksong follows Hornet in an unfamiliar land. Team Cherry describes Silksong as its second game and a sequel, not a character add-on. One documented movement distinction is that Hornet can grab platform edges and pull herself up.
What changes between the two games?
| Feature | Hollow Knight | Hollow Knight: Silksong |
|---|---|---|
| Playable character | The Knight | Hornet |
| Setting and premise | The Knight explores Hallownest, a haunted kingdom. | Hornet is captured and brought to an unfamiliar land; Team Cherry describes her journey as a pilgrimage toward the kingdom’s peak. |
| Movement detail | The available comparison does not specify a corresponding Knight move. | PlayStation Blog describes Hornet as able to grab platform edges and pull herself up. |
| Game relationship | The original game, whose PC release was February 24, 2017. | Team Cherry’s second game and sequel, released across platforms. |
| Music | Soundtrack composed by Christopher Larkin. | Christopher Larkin also composes the sequel’s soundtrack. |
How does the story and setting differ?
The original centers on the Knight’s journey through Hallownest. Silksong shifts the focus to Hornet: after she is captured and taken to an unfamiliar land, her journey points toward that kingdom’s peak. Team Cherry’s descriptions establish the sequel relationship and premise, but the available material does not support broader claims about how the worlds connect or how their maps compare.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Does Hornet move differently?
There is a specific, documented contrast: PlayStation Blog says Hornet can grab platform edges and pull herself up, an acrobatic movement option. That is one feature, not a full comparison of controls, abilities, or combat. It does not by itself establish that the sequel is easier or harder.
Is Silksong an expansion or a separate game?
It is a separate game. Team Cherry called Silksong a full second game and sequel; its release announcement says it is available across platforms. Its current availability on a particular store or in a particular region can change, so check the relevant storefront for the platform you use.
#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!
What stays familiar?
Christopher Larkin composed the original soundtrack and also composes Silksong’s music, according to the sequel’s official site. That shared composer is a concrete connection; it does not establish that the soundtracks have the same style.
Which one should you play?
Choose by the experience you want, not by an assumed winner. The original is the one to pick if you want to follow the Knight in Hallownest. Choose Silksong if Hornet, the unfamiliar kingdom, and the documented edge-grabbing movement are the draw. Claims that one is definitively more difficult, longer, or better are judgments rather than conclusions established by a controlled comparison here.
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.
What about editions and collectibles?
Team Cherry’s holiday 2025 post says the original received updates and a Switch 2 edition, and mentions Silksong mini-figurines made with Fangamer and Studio Tyto. A secondary report also surfaced about physical Switch 2 editions of both games, but an official product listing and current stock were not verified. Before buying, check the official listing or retailer for the exact game, region, format, and availability.
Recommended Free Tools
Quick Recap
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.
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..
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.
