Reviewing Hollow Knight Silksong: Be Kind to Spiders Week 2026

I am no master gamer, but reviewing Hollow Knight: Silksong felt like the perfect thing to include during my Be Kind to Spider Week festivities. And I’m going to explain why. Before I get into the nitty-gritty of reviewing Hollow Knight Silksong, however, I have a couple important things to mention.

Firstly, this review may contain spoilers. We have not yet completed this game, but some information provided might be related to plot-points of the game. Secondly, any and all images, information and/or videos come directly from Team Cherry’s press kit. They are provided for reviewers like me to talk about their game. I received no compensation from Team Cherry. My husband has wanted to support their games since Hollow Knight and my interest was piqued from there.

A little about Hollow Knight: Silksong

As the lethal hunter Hornet, adventure through a whole new kingdom ruled by silk and song. Captured and brought to this unfamiliar land, Hornet must battle foes and solve mysteries as she ascends on a deadly pilgrimage to the kingdom’s peak.

Hollow Knight: Silksong is the epic sequel to Hollow Knight, the award-winning action-adventure of bugs and heroes. As the lethal hunter Hornet, journey to all-new lands, discover new powers, battle vast hordes of bugs and beasts and uncover ancient secrets tied to your nature and your past.

My exposure to Silksong

I am usually just the audience when it comes to playing video games. I do not consider myself a gamer, although I am almost always in it for the story. As such, I have never really reviewed video games since I’m not usually the one playing. However, there was that one time I talked about my adventures trying to play FNAF in my newsletter! And when I tried playing Bendy and the Ink Machine. Okay, okay. Apparently, I have played a video game or two purely for others witnessing my jump scares.

This game, however, is not a horror game full of jump scare moments. My husband started playing the first game, Hollow Knight towards the end of 2025. As he progressed, the sassy confident Hornet would become more present. She often came to the little knight’s aide or bring grains of knowledge. Imagine my surprise when it is revealed in Silksong that she is a bug with weaver blood. (Spiders, yay!)

Throughout the game, they reveal more and more of Hornet’s heritage. The proof of her being a spider bug versus another silk-weaving bug is made stronger as we progress. Because of this, reviewing Hollow Knight Silksong became more of a must for me. It is very very rare to find a game where a spider is not a big boss battle. With the glaring exception of Spiderman, pop culture LOVES to depict spiders as bad or villainous. Quite frankly? I’m sick of it.

Thoughts on Silksong as a Game

As much as I enjoy a good horror spider flick, the trope has gotten stale and continues to ruin spiders’ PR image. Much like Jaws was detrimental to sharks, I might argue that this portrayal of spiders is even worse. Silksong is much needed in this space with Hornet as an impressive warrior who is also surprisingly compassionate. Her actions affect the world around her in positive ways that affect more than just herself. I love it!

Team Cherry is such a creative force. It is hard to believe this team is only comprised of three people. The world they have created is engrossing while also engaging. While my husband has done most of the gameplay, it seems to constantly challenge the player. This is something I hear is perfect for an immersive platformer like this.

Personally, I adore the character designs. The designs may be simple, but are filled with a lot of consideration. Whether they are reoccurring characters or respawning enemies, the tiny traits and details put into each design is incredible. How enemies use their environments. How the supporting characters have unique voices or outfit changes. As a designer and illustrator, I fall in love with each new character reveal.

I feel this game is wonderful for both beginner and expert gamers alike. We still have so much to explore and uncover in Silksong. And yet, we have been enchanted by the world and wish to keep uncovering its secrets. The story has yet to be finished and we cannot help but continue to return for more of it.

Other things to love about Hollow Knight Silksong

This is my moment to gush about the Hollow Knight world. If I had to pick an aesthetic to embrace, it would be Team Cherry’s insane bug-core of a world. During gameplay, I would remark that certain environments would be perfect for theming different rooms. A cozy moss grotto for the living room; a dandelion peak as inspiration for a bedroom; a phantom of the opera bug’s stage as a setting for your dining room…

I’m just saying…don’t be surprised if our home renovations end up looking remiss of a snug bug lair in the future.