Do you need to play Hollow Knight before Silksong?

After six years of waiting, Hollow Knight: Silksong has finally been released, and naturally, a lot of players are asking if they need to play the original before diving in. The short answer is no, as Team Cherry built Silksong as a fully standalone adventure, meaning newcomers can jump straight into Hornet’s story without worrying about prior knowledge. The game is designed to naturally introduce fresh players to its world while offering plenty of depth for returning fans.

That said, there are benefits to playing the first Hollow Knight. While Silksong takes place in Pharloom, a new kingdom with unique enemies, lore, and over 40 challenging bosses, the original game provides extra context for Hornet’s character and her role in the series’ universe. For veterans, this makes the journey feel richer, but it’s by no means required. Whether you’re completely new or a longtime fan, Silksong offers a fresh, self-contained experience that makes it accessible to everyone.