How Hollow Knight: Silksong Sidesteps a Common Soulslike Problem

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Similar to its predecessor, Hollow Knight: Silksong could be seen as the epitome of a metroidvania-style game. It’s characterized by frequent revisiting of areas, impressive movement capabilities, and consistent, satisfying progression. This places it among games such as Blasphemous, Ender Lilies, and undeniably Metroid and Castlevania in terms of discussion within the genre.

The game Hollow Knight: Silksong is influenced by another style of gaming as well. Games like Demon’s Souls and Dark Souls, which started the “Souls-like” genre – third-person action games known for their intricate mechanics – have significantly impacted the conventions and success of Hollow Knight and its sequel.

There are clear similarities, such as the use of a checkpoint system similar to bonfires and the mechanic of running past fallen enemies. However, there are also less overt connections, like the dark and depressing world filled with characters who are gradually losing their sanity.

Although Hollow Knight: Silksong might not have the exact same combat mechanics as other Souls-likes, it still offers a challenging experience, focusing on boss battles that require players to learn attack patterns and dodge effectively using I-frames (after certain upgrades).

However, there’s at least one area where Hollow Knight: Silksong truly shines, not just compared to its predecessors, but also to some of the best games in the Souls-like genre.

How Hollow Knight: Silksong Pushes Back Against Bad Soulslike Habits

You Can’t Just Run Past Tough Enemies in Hollow Knight: Silksong

In most games similar to “Soulslike,” there are generally two primary types of content: confrontations with formidable bosses and traditional exploration areas filled with lesser enemies. Interestingly, these supporting enemies can be quite challenging too, acting as small hurdles before the main area boss. This format has proven successful in the genre, but it does have one significant drawback that weakens its overall design: players can easily bypass these minor adversaries when journeying towards the boss, especially after familiarizing themselves with the layout on repeated playthroughs.

As a devoted fan of soul-like games, I must admit that approaching Hollow Knight: Silksong with the free-roaming strategy honed from playing Dark Souls might not yield the best results. Unlike its counterpart, Silksong presents a unique challenge with its relentless enemy gauntlets scattered across many areas.

These gauntlets are a defining feature of Silksong’s design, as they force you to engage in intense battles where groups of enemies from the surrounding area converge on you in synchronized attacks. Overcoming these swarms is often the key to unlocking the next section, and there seems to be no room for evasion either.

If players attempt to bypass these enemy packs during exploration phases, they may find themselves at a disadvantage when facing them in the gauntlets, as they would lack knowledge of their attack patterns and vulnerabilities. In essence, engaging with these gauntlets is crucial for success, making it essential to approach Hollow Knight: Silksong strategically rather than roaming freely.

Silksong’s Use of Enemy Gauntlets Makes for Elegant, Waste-Free Game Design

At first glance, the blend of exploration-based sections and standard battle sequences in Silksong might seem straightforward. However, its success lies in the meticulous combat design. To conquer a series of enemies, players must master their movement and attack patterns, spot opportunities, heal strategically at safe moments, and time parries perfectly. The best strategy to avoid being overrun is to encounter these enemy types prior to the gauntlet, gaining familiarity and preparation.

In the game “Hollow Knight: Silksong”, the corpse-running mechanism enhances the overall experience by encouraging players to persist in completing a challenging obstacle course. Doing so helps them avoid losing their valuable Rosaries.

Silksong” ensures that every enemy and their placement matters, not a single one is wasted.

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2025-09-10 20:17