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Why silksong's difficulty makes it a masterclass in design

Silksong's Difficulty | A Game Divide Among Players

By

Elena Rodriguez

Mar 11, 2026, 06:26 PM

Edited By

Carlos Gomez

Updated

Mar 12, 2026, 02:18 AM

2 minutes of duration

A character from Silksong facing a difficult enemy in a vibrant game world
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As Team Cherry's Silksong rises in popularity, its challenging difficulty continues to stir debate among gamers. With player completion rates around 40% for the main ending and 28% for Act 3, reactions vary widely between exhilaration and frustration.

Key Points of Contention

The gameโ€™s tough mechanics have led many players to voice their opinions on forums. Some claim that Silksong feels harder than its predecessor, Hollow Knight. One commenter stated:

"Most people donโ€™t finish games in general, and thatโ€™s higher than the total aggregate average of 30% of players who complete most games."

Long boss battles often lead players to frustration. One player shared:

"Majority of the time, when I was banging my head against a boss for an hour+, Iโ€™d go to bed and the next day Iโ€™d beat it in 2-3 runs."

Three Major Themes Emerge

  1. Difficulty Perception: Many players find the challenge manageable while others describe it as overwhelming. "Itโ€™s comical how easy certain parts of Silksong are on replay that you thought were initially unfair," said another.

  2. Time and Commitment: Players are facing difficulty balancing game demands with their schedules. A frustrated player mentioned, "I want to like Silksong, but every time I play I come away frustrated. I just donโ€™t need that in my leisure time."

  3. Frustration vs. Satisfaction: For some players, moments of triumph amid struggle enhance the experience whereas others feel relief instead of satisfaction. One noted the polarized feelings in boss fights:

"In Silksong, the only moment that gave me that feeling was the First Sinner fight."

Sentiment on Silksong

The overall sentiment expressed on forums indicates a mix of appreciation and frustration.

  • Positive Comments: Many praise the richness of the graphics and the depth of the game, stating the hard moments drove them to explore the world.

  • Negative Comments: A considerable number feel overwhelmed, particularly regarding long runs back after defeat.

  • Neutral Observations: Some players note their experiences without committing to a firm stance on the gameโ€™s difficulty.

Insights and Takeaways

  • โ–ณ 40% completion rate suggests potential accessibility concerns.

  • โ–ฝ Several players are frustrated by long runbacks after boss defeats.

  • โ€ป "Most gamers feel like the difficulty is overblown" - player comment.

Looking Ahead at Silksong

The ongoing discussion about Silksong's design may prompt updates from Team Cherry. Player feedback is critical, especially as accessibility becomes paramount in game development. Experts estimate around 70% of game developers are focusing on incorporating difficulty settings to accommodate wider audiences. With its loyal fanbase, Team Cherry might introduce options that preserve core challenges while making the game more approachable.

Echoing the Past With Challenging Gameplay

The struggles and debates surrounding Silksong echo the initial responses to titles like Dark Souls, which faced criticism for its brutal difficulty but eventually transformed gaming culture. As Silksong continues to capture player interests, it raises important questions regarding the balance of challenge and enjoyment, potentially influencing future game design in years to come.