Silksong Lands on Game Pass After Long Wait

After years of eager anticipation from fans, Hollow Knight: Silksong is set to launch day one on Xbox Game Pass, marking a significant moment for subscribers and Metroidvania enthusiasts alike. Announced during an Xbox showcase three years prior, the sequel from Team Cherry arrives on September 4, 2025, available across console, PC, and cloud platforms.

The Journey to Release: From Announcement to Reality

The path to Silksong’s launch has been marked by patience and periodic updates from developer Team Cherry. Initially revealed in 2022 with a Game Pass commitment, the title faced multiple delays, extending the wait to 39 months. Xbox’s official blog confirmed the exact date in its September 2025 lineup, exciting fans who have followed Hornet’s story since the original Hollow Knight’s acclaim.

Team Cherry, the indie studio behind the award-winning original, has crafted a sequel that builds on its predecessor’s legacy. Players step into the role of Hornet, the fierce warrior introduced in Hollow Knight’s expansions, navigating a new kingdom ruled by silk and song. This haunted realm promises deeper exploration, challenging combat, and intricate storytelling.

Gameplay Innovations in Silksong

Silksong introduces refined mechanics tailored to Hornet’s agile fighting style. Key features include:

• Dynamic Combat: Needle-based attacks combined with new abilities like silk-based traversal and deflection parries, echoing Sekiro influences seen in contemporaries.
• Vast Exploration: Traverse mossy grottos, coral forests, and shining citadels, uncovering secrets bound by Hornet’s lineage.
• Survival Elements: Hunt, fight, and survive against formidable foes in a hand-drawn 2D world.

These elements position Silksong as a pinnacle of the Metroidvania genre, blending platforming precision with Soulslike intensity.

A Competitive September: Nine Sols Steals the Spotlight Day Before

Timing adds drama, as Nine Sols drops on Game Pass September 3, just one day prior. Hailed as 2024’s standout Metroidvania with Soulslike combat, it features deflection-based mechanics in an Asia-inspired fantasy world. Players hunt the 9 Sols, ancient rulers, in a lore-rich hand-drawn adventure.

This clash highlights Game Pass’s strength in curating high-quality indies. While Silksong benefits from massive hype, Nine Sols’ recent acclaim could divide attention.

Full Game Pass September Lineup Breakdown

September shapes up as a banner month beyond these Metroidvanias. Here’s the schedule:

• Available Today (Sept 2): I Am Your Beast – A tense FPS revenge thriller set in North American wilderness. Turn the hunter into the hunted using enemy gear and tunnel networks.
• Sept 5: EA Sports NHL 26 – Early access trial via EA Play, up to 10 hours of ice action for Game Pass Ultimate members.
• Later in Month: RoadCraft – Construction sim for building enthusiasts.
• Sept 10/11: Paw Patrol World and The Finals Welcome Pack, plus Skate 3 Unlock Bundle and Asphalt Legends Unite gifts.

This diverse mix caters to action, sports, racing, and family audiences, reinforcing Game Pass’s value.

Why Silksong Fulfills Xbox’s Promise

Xbox’s 2022 showcase promise held firm despite delays, with Silksong’s day-one inclusion validating subscriber loyalty. The official Xbox Wire post teases, “You’ve been asking ‘when?’ and I am so excited to tell you exactly when,” underscoring the milestone.

Team Cherry’s dedication shines through in Silksong’s polish, available now on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass Ultimate/PC Game Pass.

Metroidvania Renaissance on Game Pass

Game Pass has become a hub for Metroidvania excellence. Silksong joins titles like the original Hollow Knight, amplifying the genre’s resurgence. Nine Sols exemplifies this trend, blending Eastern mythology with tight combat.

Players can expect interconnected worlds, ability-gated progression, and boss rushes that demand mastery—hallmarks elevating these games above standard platformers.

Player Expectations and Community Hype

Fans have dissected trailers, revealing fluid animations and expansive maps. Hornet’s story ties into Hallownest’s lore, promising emotional depth. Community forums buzz with theories on silk mechanics and new abilities.

Technical Details and Accessibility

Silksong supports cross-progression via Game Pass, ideal for multi-device play. Optimized for Xbox hardware, it ensures smooth 60fps performance in its 2D splendor.

Comparisons: Silksong vs. Genre Peers

| Aspect | Silksong | Nine Sols |
|—————–|—————————|————————–|
| Protagonist | Hornet (agile warrior) | Vengeful hero |
| Combat Style | Needle/parry/silk | Deflection/Sekiro-like |
| World Theme | Silk/song kingdom | Asia-fantasy alien ruins |
| Hype Level | Massive (sequel) | Critical acclaim (2024) |

This table underscores their complementary strengths.

Future Implications for Team Cherry and Xbox

Silksong’s launch could propel Team Cherry to new heights, potentially opening doors for future projects. For Xbox, it bolsters Game Pass amid competition, proving commitment to indies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When does Hollow Knight: Silksong release on Game Pass?

September 4, 2025, day one for Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, on console, PC, and cloud.

Is Nine Sols better than Silksong?

Subjective; Nine Sols offers Sekiro combat, while Silksong expands beloved lore. Try both on Game Pass.

What other games come to Game Pass in September 2025?

I Am Your Beast (today), RoadCraft, EA NHL 26 trial, Paw Patrol World, and more.

Can I play Silksong on Xbox One?

Yes, alongside Series X|S and PC.

Who developed Silksong?

Team Cherry, creators of Hollow Knight.