Hollow Knight: Silksong new gameplay features revealed

After years of waiting, Hollow Knight fans got to see Hollow Knight: Silksong in action thanks to a new gameplay trailer.

During the Xbox and Bethesda Game Showcase event, Hollow Knight: Silksong finally got a gameplay trailer. The new footage shows off Hornet’s expanded move set as well as some new environments for players to explore.

Hollow Knight fans have been waiting for a Silksong trailer ever since the game was first teased in 2018. The reveal during the Xbox and Bethesda Game Showcase marks a four-year gap between the tease and official reveal. A cryptic tweet from Team Cherry’s Matthew Griffin only stoked the flames higher. Hollow Knight fans are patient, but hearing Hornet’s battle cry at the start of the trailer was a truly exhilarating moment.

Hollow Knight: Silksong gameplay trailer shows Hornet’s abilities

Hollow Knight’s platforming parry feature will continue on in Silksong, where players can attack dangerous objects to propel themselves upwards, remains a part of Hornet’s new moveset. Wall-jumping and air dashing also remain, though Metroidvania tradition could see her lose these abilities and gain them back later on.

As for new tricks, the Holoow Knight: Silksong gameplay trailer showed Hornet floating upwards in an air stream and attaching herself to ziplines. Platforming was a key part of the original Hollow Knight, but expanded movement options point to even more jumping challenges to overcome.

As for combat, Hornet’s offensive abilities are much more complex than the Knight’s. She can zoom in from a greater range to attack, which leaves her airborne and able to move freely. Hornet also throws out some sort of thumb-tack caltrops in a fight against a larger enemy. These can deal damage directly or create a mid-air trap. She also has the familiar area-of-effect attack that rapidly sends out string around her.

As for the environment, Silksong appears very similar to the original Hollow Knight. The angular levels come with new tricks such as a rising lava section and a falling elevator. It’s not clear if Silksong will stick to the Metroidvania formula or present a more linear adventure. Future trailers should give more information on how the world of bugs has changed since 2018.