Australian studio Team Cherry’s long-awaited release of Hollow Knight Silksong shook the gaming industry on Thursday, as the highly anticipated sequel overwhelmed digital storefronts across multiple platforms. The launch attracted massive global attention, leading to temporary outages and server delays that left eager fans waiting to play.
Record-Breaking Player Surge
The surprise release of Hollow Knight Silksong saw more than 530,000 concurrent players logging in through Steam alone, according to reports. The influx pushed servers to their limits, creating access issues that lasted nearly two hours.
Outage-tracking site Downdetector recorded more than 3,700 complaints at the peak of the disruption, highlighting just how unprepared some platforms were for the overwhelming demand.
On social media, frustrated players shared screenshots of error codes, voicing disappointment over the absence of pre-order options. Many argued that advance sales could have helped game stores manage the surge more effectively.
The hunt is on! Hollow Knight: Silksong is available now on all platforms, including day one on Xbox Game Pass! pic.twitter.com/A4w2nMAz0k
— Team Cherry (@TeamCherryGames) September 4, 2025
A New Chapter for Hollow Knight Fans
Hollow Knight Silksong shifts the spotlight to Hornet, a nimble, sword-wielding princess introduced in the original 2017 game. Unlike the silent protagonist of the first title, Hornet has her own voice, personality, and backstory, offering fans a deeper narrative experience.
Early reviews suggest the sequel expands upon the rich worldbuilding of the original while introducing smoother exploration, sharper combat, and more intuitive mechanics.
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Refined Gameplay and Fresh Features
One of the most notable changes is the reworked map system. In the original Hollow Knight, the complex map often intimidated newcomers. This time, Team Cherry has streamlined the navigation, making exploration more accessible without sacrificing depth.
A new resource system now allows players to stash their currency, addressing one of the main frustrations of the first game—losing everything after defeat. Critics say the feature strikes a balance between maintaining challenge and reducing player punishment.
Customization options have also expanded. Players can now equip color-coded charms and new abilities, creating unique builds to suit different playstyles. While the signature difficulty remains, Silksong offers flexibility that makes setbacks less punishing.
Composer Jokes About “Crashing the Internet”
Even the game’s creative team joined in the humor surrounding the chaotic launch. Christopher Larkin, Silksong’s composer, joked on X that the sequel had “crashed the internet.” His post quickly went viral among fans who found relief in the lighthearted take.
For most players, the technical hiccups were a minor obstacle compared to the excitement of finally getting their hands on one of the most anticipated games of the decade.
Anticipation Turns Into Celebration
Despite early frustrations, the global reception has been overwhelmingly positive. Players praised Team Cherry for delivering a sequel that not only honors the legacy of the original but also introduces innovations that enhance the overall experience.
With its surprise launch across PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox, Hollow Knight Silksong has cemented its place as one of the standout releases of the year. The opening-day chaos only underscored the scale of demand, proving once again the immense cultural impact of the Hollow Knight franchise.
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