The release of Hollow Knight felt like a culmination of various game design principles coming together. It is first and foremost, a Metroidvania game with platforming, puzzles, and combat. However, its approach to giving players freedom with the map and providing storytelling through vaguely defined quests and environmental storytelling takes inspiration from games like Dark Souls.
Broadly speaking, it follows the journey of a nameless warrior, the Knight, as he discovers Hallownest and attempts to solve its dark mysteries. Within that premise, he meets characters that help to flesh out the world. One of those reoccurring characters is a boss called Hornet, who takes the spotlight for the new sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong.
Now that hornet is in the spotlight, what can fans expect from the story of Hollow Knight: Silksong?
What’s the story in Hollow Knight: Silksong?
In terms of where it fits in the timeline, it’s difficult to say. There are numerous endings to Hollow Knight, but these don’t have to be directly addressed by Silksong as it takes place in a different kingdom. Hornet, princess-protector of Hallownest, is on an adventure through a new kingdom “ruled by Silk and Song.” However, she was captured and transported to this unknown land, so she must fight and solve mysteries if she wants to escape. Hornet is on a dangerous pilgrimage to the peak of this new kingdom, a shining citadel.
Along this journey, players will visit varied locales like gilded cities, coral forests, and mossy grottos. It’s hard to say how these areas will fit into the overall themes of the story right now. However, if it’s anything like its predecessor, and we assume it will be, there will be a lot of environmental storytelling to dig into. Perhaps clues in each new area will paint a clearer picture about why Hornet was taken to this new kingdom and the greater forces at play.
