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Mixed reactions to hollow knight: silksong gameplay

Finished Silksong Leaves Players Divided | Anticipation vs. Reality

By

Aiden Patel

Sep 28, 2025, 12:30 PM

2 minutes of duration

Gamers discussing their feelings about the difficulty and bosses in Hollow Knight: Silksong, with some showing disappointment and others expressing appreciation.
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Fans of Team Cherry's highly awaited sequel to Hollow Knight, Silksong, are voicing their mixed reactions following release. Many gamers express confusion and disappointment over the game's difficulty and design choices, sparking debates across various forums.

The anticipation for Silksong reached a fever pitch during its development. After years of waiting, players expected a follow-up that delivered on the promise of a challenging experience. However, post-release discussions reveal a stark contrast in expectations versus the reality of gameplay.

The Heart of Discontent

Reportedly, key criticisms focus on three main themes:

  1. Lack of Challenge: Numerous gamers argue that the game's difficulty falls flat. Many players claim that taking damage feels forgiving, noting, "The health loss is absurd. I expect more challenge in such an intricate world."

  2. Overabundance of Checkpoints: Another frequent complaint is the sheer number of checkpoints, which players feel diminishes the satisfaction of overcoming obstacles. One user remarked, "Every checkpoint feels like a free pass. Thereโ€™s no joy in finding them anymore."

  3. Boss Mechanics: Lastly, many players are frustrated with boss battles that feel too easy to conquer. Fans expected intense challenges but found them anticlimactic instead. A player stated, "Bosses go down too easily; itโ€™s hard to take them seriously when they donโ€™t push you at all."

Sentiment Patterns Emerging

The overall sentiment across discussions appears largely negative, raising questions about Team Cherry's design choices. Among various opinions, users have termed the game โ€œbad ragebait,โ€ suggesting disillusionment with the experience.

Interestingly, some voices stand out amidst the criticism. A user offered a different perspective: "Not every game has to be an A-tier experience. Maybe itโ€™s simply not for you." This comment reflects a sense of division among fans, some embracing new mechanics while others reject them.

"Grand Mother Silk, I think you need to remove that space between 'Grand' and 'Mother.'"

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ”ป Difficulty complaints are widespread, with seasoned gamers feeling slighted.

  • ๐Ÿšง Excessive checkpoints contribute to frustration, leaving players wanting more challenge.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฅ Boss battles viewed as too easy, leading to underwhelming experiences.

As the gaming community continues to debate Silksong, the question remains: Can Team Cherry adapt to satisfy the high expectations set by its predecessor, or will this split feeling linger among fans?

Shifting Sands of Expectations

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that Team Cherry will respond to players' feedback to refine Silksong. Experts estimate around a 70% probability that they will release patches to tweak difficulty and checkpoint placements. This aligns with industry trends where developers often adjust game mechanics post-launch based on community sentiment. Given the vocal feedback, a significant update could address the current frustrations and restore balance. If executed well, players may revisit their opinions and bring life back to Silksong, enhancing its standing in the gaming community.

Lessons from the Art World

Reflecting on a similar situation, consider how artists like van Gogh faced harsh critiques during their time, often leaving them misunderstood. Just as his work gained appreciation posthumously, Silksong might evolve in perception, where initial disappointment translates into a deeper understanding over time. This evolution reveals the subjective nature of art and gameplay; each experience is colored by individual nostalgia and anticipation, much like how todayโ€™s players view Silksong.