Hollow Knight: Silksong, has been one of the most anticipated indie releases of the decade, that finally launched on September 4, 2025 across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. But as fans dive into Hornet’s new adventure, one question has resurfaced: Is Silksong a sequel or a prequel to the 2017 original?

Silksong is a confirmed sequel

Developer Team Cherry has consistently described Hollow Knight: Silksong as a “full-scale sequel” to the original game. In its February 14, 2019 announcement, the studio stated:

“Hollow Knight: Silksong is the epic sequel to Hollow Knight.”

Originally conceived as downloadable content (DLC), the project expanded beyond its scope, evolving into a standalone release. This growth explains the six-year development cycle, which kept players speculating about its connection to the original storyline.

Hornet takes the lead

Unlike the 2017 title, where players guided the silent wanderer known as the Knight, Silksong stars Hornet—a recurring character from the first game. As Pharloom’s “princess-protector,” Hornet introduces new gameplay mechanics, including acrobatic mobility and needle-and-thread combat.

The sequel features:

A new kingdom called Pharloom, distinct from Hallownest
Over 40 unique bosses and hundreds of fresh enemies
A narrative that builds on Hollow Knight’s lore but introduces standalone elements

This shift means players can enjoy Silksong without prior experience, though veterans will recognize Hornet’s backstory and appreciate deeper narrative references.

What about the Knight?

Speculation around whether the Knight might return continues. In Hollow Knight, multiple endings left the protagonist’s fate ambiguous—most involve sacrifice or transformation into the Void. While Team Cherry has not confirmed any appearance in Silksong, fans believe a cameo or subtle reference could be hidden in the sequel.

Why fans debated prequel vs. sequel

The confusion stems from Hollow Knight’s branching endings. In one scenario, Hornet is trapped in the Black Egg Temple, raising doubts about her starring role in a sequel. However, Team Cherry has avoided naming a single “canon” ending, leaving fans to interpret the timeline themselves.

Despite the ambiguity, the official stance remains clear: Silksong takes place after the events of Hollow Knight.