The World of Hollow Knight: Silksong Pulls You In and Won’t Let Go

by

There’s a captivating allure in immersing oneself into a universe that seems to be hostile towards you. Fans of FromSoftware can relate, likely why they are drawn to the upcoming game “Hollow Knight: Silksong“. The original game had its perils and annoyances, its pitfalls and hazards, as well as tough boss fights, but there was a kind of raw beauty in overcoming all the obstacles, and it wasn’t just due to the stunning visuals.

I find myself enjoying Silksong a lot more due to the heightened challenge and hostility in Pharloom. This tougher environment adds depth to the world design and makes me appreciate how each element interconnects. In fact, it’s possible that this game world is one of the best ever created, as it successfully breaks free from its side-scrolling constraints, making it feel like a genuine, thriving world.

In Pharloom, it’s particularly evident right from the start when Hornet stumbles upon Bone Bottom. Similar to Hollow Knight, the world appears broken and in disarray. However, unlike the former, in Pharloom, you find yourself at rock bottom in multiple aspects. The main theme revolves around the challenging journey towards the Citadel, a prestigious destination, using only determination and raw strength. For many, this arduous climb represents their life’s mission, a purpose they are compelled to achieve. Yet, some harbor doubts about their ability to reach their goal.

For Hornet, this isn’t merely a test; it’s a pursuit, a vendetta against those who abducted her and took her away from home with sinister intentions. In many aspects, it echoes the Knight’s odyssey through Hallownest, blending dark fantasy with whimsical enjoyment, to uncover its affliction. As Hornet ascends higher, she senses a malevolent influence and makes no secret of warning others who will heed her words. In essence, it seems like the path to the Citadel was crafted mainly for hardship. Since Team Cherry altered numerous hazards, such as spikes and spinning blades, to inflict two points of HP damage, you feel an overwhelming sense of suppression when engaging enemies.

As a gamer diving into Pharloom’s world, I find myself surrounded by both breathtaking beauty and lethal challenges. Enemies that can deplete my health swiftly aren’t just around the corner, but also those with multi-hit attacks that push me perilously close to environmental hazards. Yet, amidst all this danger, Pharloom’s serenity remains captivating. The line between tranquility and threat is blurred, enticing me further, even as my instincts scream for caution.

Moreover, the lore isn’t just a story to be read; it’s woven intricately into each environment, enhancing the already stunning art style and setting a unique atmosphere. Even without understanding the background of a place, I can gradually unravel its mysteries by carefully observing my surroundings.

One noteworthy example is Greymoor, one of the largest realms crafted by Team Cherry. It may seem like an impressive or bustling location, but it surpasses expectations. In this place, airborne adversaries persistently assault, mimicking vultures in their relentless attacks. Other opponents brandish colossal scissors, poised to shred you as easily as Sweeney Todd slices through his victims. Fortunately, there’s only one Halfway Home for respite, and the inhabitants aren’t too grim – Nuu, who assigns Hornet to hunt creatures and log them in a journal, appears lost in her own thoughts.

This place has a unique, Tim Burton-like atmosphere that goes beyond just its color palette. It’s here where you learn useful strategies like jumping on enemies to reach higher grounds. If you left Hunter’s March quickly, this is where the first new Crest – the Reaper’s Crest – is found, offering new possibilities for movement and battle. This discovery emphasizes that exploring can lead to remarkable rewards, although it’s not the only example.

Later on, I was equally impressed by the Citadel’s welcoming approach. Although there are some unsettling sights along the way, the creators don’t want you to enter right away. Instead, they immediately thrust you into the Underworks – a much more oppressive area than before. You can’t leave until reaching a certain point.

In this game, there’s no option for quick travel or going back, which can be challenging if you haven’t boosted your weapon damage. It feels as though you’re compelled to observe areas that are hidden within the Citadel – not because of social judgment, but rather their unappealing nature. Over time, it becomes evident that these areas are essential for the functioning of everything above them, despite their inhabitants appearing to have lost their sanity. Even the equipment seems worn and raw compared to the polished machinery found in the Citadel.

As you explore further, a question arises in your mind: How many of the climbers met with such a tragic end? Mostly, the grim reality unfolds from observing the surroundings and its hostile entities. The environment within the Underworks seems to have been inhabited and crafted for peril, adding to the sorrowfulness.

However, the Citadel, despite its guards, doesn’t seem particularly dangerous on the surface.

In simpler terms, the building has many sharp points that blend seamlessly with its design. Some of its inhabitants move around with a mix of pomp and capriciousness. It seems as though despite all the challenges, there’s an attempt – unsuccessful – to project an image of everything being okay. This grand appearance is something most residents of Pharloom can’t even feign as authentic, and it’s just one part of this enormous edifice.

Experiencing Team Cherry seamlessly merge different realms – such as the solemnity of Whiteward, the intricacy of Cogwork Core, etc. – is a pleasure. Balancing the rhythm and unity in other areas while linking them together is challenging, but creating the Citadel with a consistent theme yet offering diverse challenges, complexity, and lore consistency is astonishing. What’s more, the core gameplay remains consistently engaging, becoming even more expansive upon introducing grappling, fueling curiosity and the exhilaration of risk.

In the game “Hollow Knight: Silksong,” certain familiar elements from the genre are employed, such as colorful walls that can be broken to uncover secret pathways. However,

In simpler terms, exploring Pharloom can be described as a challenging journey where you’re constantly on edge, anticipating what lies ahead. Despite past experiences in Hallownest, solutions here aren’t always clear, even when faced with similar situations.

Although you might want to pause because of the captivating gameplay, immersive music, and stunning visuals in Silksong, it’s hard not to keep playing. Even after completing the game within 20 hours, I still feel like there’s so much more to discover, which leaves me in awe rather than overwhelmed. In fact, the experience is reminiscent of Hollow Knight, and its impact lingers vividly in my memory.

Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, GamingBolt as an organization.

Read More

2025-09-12 19:44