Hollow Knight: Silksong’s Massive Map Revolutionizes Metroidvania Design with Vertical Kingdom

A New Era for Metroidvania Exploration

Hollow Knight: Silksong, the highly anticipated sequel developed by Team Cherry, has finally launched on September 4, 2025, across all major platforms including PC, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and more.

The game’s map stands as one of its biggest attractions, with Pharloom being constructed as a vertical kingdom that players must ascend, packed with new regions and over 40 bosses.

Expanding the World

The Hollow Knight Silksong map is significantly larger and more vertical than its predecessor, with at least 16 confirmed regions and numerous hidden areas likely to be discovered in the full release. This expansion is evident in multiple ways, featuring long ascents like Mount Fay and The Cradle, and showcasing increased biome variety including coral towers, flooded docks, desert wastes, and high towers.

Navigation and Exploration

The game introduces Bellways as its fast travel system, replacing the original’s Stagways. Players can purchase maps section by section from Cartographer Shakra, who first appears in The Marrow. The Quill tool helps fill in explored areas, while the Compass reveals Hornet’s position on the maps.

A Living, Breathing World

The interconnected world is brought to life with hand-crafted, 2D artistry, featuring gilded cities, lakes of fire, and misted moors illustrated in exquisite detail. Players will encounter surprising strangers, discover shocking secrets, and solve ancient mysteries throughout this haunted kingdom.

Content and Value

Priced at $19.99, Silksong offers exceptional value, especially considering the original game’s extensive gameplay duration of up to eighty hours. Early indications suggest another substantial adventure with numerous side bosses and optional paths to explore.