Waiting for Hollow Knight: Silksong can feel endless. But instead of aimlessly jumping between backlogs, you can walk a purposeful journey on the Player’s Path to Hollow Knight: Silksong.
This series charts five games that define the roots of a genre, showcase innovations over time, and highlight the direct inspirations that lead to a highly anticipated release. For Silksong, your path blends gothic classics, indie breakthroughs, and modern atmospheric masterpieces, all designed to prepare you for Hornet’s long-awaited adventure.
Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow (2003)
Metroidvania owes much of its DNA to Castlevania’s handheld era, and Aria of Sorrow is among its finest. Its gothic tone, ability-driven progression, and finely tuned exploration set the blueprint for countless successors.
Takeaway: Experience the roots of the genre and understand the design language Hollow Knight inherited.
Cave Story (2004)
This humble indie release reshaped the landscape. Cave Story blends retro sensibilities with modern storytelling and level design, proving that a small team could create a world as compelling as any major studio.
Takeaway: Discover the indie spirit and handcrafted charm that paved the way for Hollow Knight.
Hollow Knight (2017)
No path to Silksong is complete without returning to Hallownest. Hollow Knight perfected exploration, atmosphere, and challenge, setting a new gold standard for Metroidvania design.
Takeaway: The essential centerpiece. Everything in Silksong builds upon the foundation of Hollow Knight.
Blasphemous (2019)
Where Hollow Knight is mournful and mysterious, Blasphemous is punishing and relentless. Its brutal combat and oppressive religious imagery push the genre into harsher, darker territory, expanding your sense of what a Metroidvania can be.
Takeaway: Broaden your perspective with a harsher, more demanding evolution of the genre.
Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights (2021)
Elegant and haunting, Ender Lilies weaves fluid combat with a world steeped in sorrow. Its mournful yet hopeful atmosphere makes it the perfect closing act before stepping into Pharloom.
Takeaway: Arrive at Silksong with sharpened skills and an emotional mindset aligned with Hornet’s journey.
Recap: The Player’s Path to Silksong
| Order | Game | Role in the Path | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow | The Originator, gothic roots | 2003 |
| 2 | Cave Story | Indie foundation, modern indie spark | 2004 |
| 3 | Hollow Knight | The modern masterpiece | 2017 |
| 4 | Blasphemous | The dark mirror, punishing atmosphere | 2019 |
| 5 | Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights | The emotional bridge into Silksong | 2021 |
Final Thoughts
Player’s Path isn’t just a backlog checklist, it’s a curated journey. By following this path, you’ll experience the genre’s origins, its key innovations, and the direct inspirations that give context to Hollow Knight: Silksong.
When Hornet finally leaps into Pharloom, you won’t just be ready to play, you’ll be walking into it with the weight of history and the joy of the journey behind you. In the meantime, check out our Games of the Week to discover what’s releasing alongside Hollow Knight: Silksong.