Hollow Knight: Silksong - 10 Ways to Improve the Formula

Hollow Knight: Silksong has the potential to surpass its predecessor, and here are 10 ways it can improve upon the original Hollow Knight's beloved formula, from enhanced customization to more complex gameplay mechanics. After a long wait, anticipation is high for Team Cherry's next installment in the Metroidvania series.

The challenge for Silksong lies in enhancing what made Hollow Knight so special. Will Team Cherry be able to deliver an experience that both honors the original and introduces meaningful improvements? Let's explore some possibilities.

1. Enhanced Character Customization for Hornet

While the art style is simplistic, adding cosmetic options could significantly enhance character progression and offer more variety to each playthrough. Think about it: simple accessories or color variations could add a layer of personalization.

Hornet's design is a great starting point for customization, given her more elaborate moveset compared to the Knight. Imagine her with different nail accessories or dress colors.

Whether found through exploration or quest rewards, cosmetic items are a great way to reward player dedication and make the game world feel more alive. This could add a lot to the Hollow Knight: Silksong experience.

2. Distinct Color Palettes for Each Area

Hollow Knight's art design is timeless, but its desolate setting sometimes makes areas feel too similar. How can Silksong address this?

Silksong's vibrant kingdoms offer an opportunity to use distinct color palettes and backgrounds. This differentiation can help players navigate the tunnels more easily.

Thankfully, Hollow Knight: Silksong has already showcased its bright new color palette, promising a visually diverse and engaging world to explore. This is a key improvement.

3. A Powerful and Varied Arsenal of Weapons

Combat in Hollow Knight was balanced, but often boiled down to the same attacks. Could Silksong offer more variety in combat options?

The trailers for Hollow Knight: Silksong reveal new combat mechanics and unique tools, which should help Hornet stand out as a unique protagonist. However, each tool must feel powerful enough to warrant using over the standard nail.

Whether through situational encounters or alternative upgrades, ensuring each weapon feels valuable is crucial for enhancing the combat experience in Silksong.

4. Deeper Exploration of Worldbuilding

Hollow Knight's worldbuilding was fantastic, creating a sense of scale akin to Dark Souls. How can Silksong delve even deeper?

The Hunter's Journal was a great start, but Silksong could expand this with a codex logging story information or collectible books detailing the history of the kingdoms. This would add depth to Hollow Knight: Silksong.

5. More Challenging Parkour and Puzzles

Hollow Knight's parkour segments were a staple of the genre. With Silksong adding more moves, can it elevate the platforming?

By offering unique ways to explore with Hornet's new tools and silk abilities, Silksong can create in-depth puzzles and offer worthwhile rewards for the effort.

6. Dynamic Environments and Decision-Making

The world of Hollow Knight was mostly static. How could dynamic weather events enhance gameplay in Silksong?

Imagine rushing floods or volcanic activity making areas more difficult to traverse. Weather and time-of-day systems could encourage alternative routes and add variety.

Even if implemented solely for specific quests, dynamic environments could make the world of Hollow Knight: Silksong feel more alive and engaging.

7. More Complex Boss Encounters

Hollow Knight's combat was sometimes simplistic, but its bosses were memorable. How can Silksong make them even better?

By implementing more gimmicks and requiring unique uses of Hornet's silk-related attacks, Team Cherry can experiment and create truly unique boss encounters.

Imagine pulling off an enemy's armor to reveal a weak spot. These strategic combat decisions would set Hollow Knight: Silksong apart.

8. An Expanded Map and Navigation

Given the long wait for Hollow Knight: Silksong, expectations are high for content. How can the game world be expanded?

By offering a plethora of secret treasures and hidden paths, Silksong can surpass the legacy of its predecessor. However, it will need additional navigation features to avoid becoming a nightmare to traverse.

9. A Robust Companion System

There were already companion encounters in Hollow Knight. Could Silksong introduce hireable NPCs?

While summon signs for co-op gameplay are unlikely, quest-related companions could aid players in battles and offer additional character moments and dialogue. This would make the world of Hollow Knight: Silksong feel a little less lonely.

10. Dialogue-Driven Decision-Making

A significant difference between Silksong and Hollow Knight is Hornet's ability to speak. How will this affect the story?

This offers the potential for a branching storyline, allowing players to affect the world and story through dialogue options, in addition to action. This is a game-changing opportunity for Hollow Knight: Silksong.

Only time will tell how detailed these changes will be. However, if the 2025 release window holds true, we won't have to wait much longer to discover all of Hollow Knight: Silksong's secrets. The potential is certainly there for Hollow Knight: Silksong to be a truly exceptional game, building upon the solid foundation of its predecessor.