The sheer weight of anticipation, expectation and, yes, a lot of memes, gives Hollow Knight: Silksong a pretty unique challenge to overcome as it makes a first impression. Six years since its announcement, and eight years since the original game arrived, it needs to demonstrate two things: that it’s familiar and that it’s different. Not the easiest thing to balance. 

As paradoxical as it sounds, I’m delighted to say that having played a new public hands-on demo at Gamescom 2025, Team Cherry has managed just that. If you, like me, have been part of the baying millions waiting to see what a Hollow Knight successor could possibly be, I’m pretty confident you’re going to be pleased. 

The trick is in how the developers have chosen to introduce this new game – as I turn on the demo for the first time, I’m given a choice of two locations to enter: Moss Grotto and Deep Docks. The first shows how returning players are getting more of what they want, but the second shows we’re getting the new ideas a sequel needs.