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Hollow knight: silksong โ€“ great fun, yet deeply flawed

Hollow Knight: Silksong | Great Fun Amid Major Flaws

By

Derek Johnson

Nov 10, 2026, 12:21 AM

Edited By

Akira Tanaka

2 minutes of duration

A character from Hollow Knight: Silksong battling a challenging boss in a colorful environment
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In the realm of indie gaming, Hollow Knight: Silksong has sparked mixed feelings among players. While many celebrated the fun it offers, significant issues are being highlighted, especially in difficult encounters against bosses like Groal and the bell eater.

Players Share Their Experiences

In recent posts on various forums, gamers reflected on their experiences with the game. Despite securing all but two achievements, a user noted the game features some tough challenges, stating, "Looking back I had a decent amount of fun but then I remembered quite a lot of the stinkers."

Many pointed out the frustration with certain bosses. A user remarked, "The Bilewater boss is one of the worst in gaming, in my opinion." This sentiment resonates as it highlights the game's notable difficulty spikes, particularly with enemies that deal double contact damage.

Boss Battles Raising Eyebrows

The Silksong community has shed light on the mechanics that can make gameplay frustrating. Players are vocal about the perceived unfairness of certain fights where enemies can seemingly hit twice in quick succession. One comment noted, "Short of a couple reworks for Act 1 bosses, nearly every enemy causes 2 masks of damage."

Highlighted Quotes

  • "A solid strategy can help with a lot of the bosses you mentioned."

  • "After needing to do everything quickly and efficiently made me see a lot of things differently."

Interestingly, some players have suggested strategies to tackle these tough battles, indicating that while the game presents hurdles, there are ways to overcome them.

Sentiment in the Community

The overall sentiment among players presents a mix of enjoyment tinged with frustration. Many appreciate the artistic design of the game and its engaging mechanics but also express a desire for better balancing, especially with boss fights.

Key Takeaways

  • โ–ณ Hollow Knight: Silksong holds high praise with an OpenCritic score of 91 out of 100.

  • โ–ฝ Frustration remains regarding certain bosses, with several labeled as "among the worst in gaming."

  • โ€ป "Tools are a solid strategy for a lot of the bosses you mentioned."

As players continue to grind through its challenges, how will the developers respond? The gaming community seems eager for adjustments, and only time will tell if these appeals prompt any changes.

Possible Outcomes for Silksong Players

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that the developers of Hollow Knight: Silksong will address the community's concerns in upcoming updates. Players' frustrations with difficult boss encounters, particularly how some bosses inflict rapid double damage, could lead to changes aimed at balancing the gameplay. Experts estimate around a 70% likelihood for a patch in the near future, as similar trends in game development often see companies responding to player feedback. Developers might introduce more lenient mechanics or additional tools to help players overcome these challenges, which would enhance the overall experience without sacrificing the game's core identity.

A Forgotten Echo from Gaming History

A notable echo of this situation can be found in the early days of Dark Souls. Upon its release, many players were frustrated by fatal mechanics and punishing boss designs that seemed unfair. Yet, as time passed, developers released numerous patches addressing these concerns while maintaining the game's brutal challenge. Just like the gamers today rallying for changes in Silksong, players back then formed a passionate community that fueled discussions around difficulty. The resulting balance shifts revitalized interest and ultimately cemented Dark Souls as a beloved franchise, suggesting that Silksong may follow a similar path if developers listen closely to their audience.