One Hollow Knight Character’s Absence in Silksong Seemed Devastating — Until I Met His Replacement

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For me, Hollow Knight: Silksong is quite a journey. I experienced the original Hollow Knight at launch and have spent many hours in it since; in a sense, Hollow Knight has shaped my perspective on the Metroidvania genre. To be honest, none of its numerous contemporaries or spiritual successors have managed to match its enchantment, design precision, or unique exploration style.

As a dedicated cinema-goer might say about a highly anticipated sequel: “Here unfolds ‘Hollow Knight: Silksong,’ an ambitious effort to surpass a video game that’s almost universally acclaimed as flawless. I haven’t managed to conquer ‘Silksong’ just yet, so I can’t render a definitive verdict on its superiority over the original, but let me tell you this: it’s a fantastic sequel, delivering everything I craved and more, steering clear of mere repetition.

In my experience thus far, ‘Silksong’ has left me awestruck on several occasions, be it through Hornet’s endearing character or the game’s inventive traversal mechanics. Yet, there are other subtle modifications that have proven surprisingly impactful as well. One such alteration revolves around ‘Silksong’s’ replacement of one of ‘Hollow Knight’s’ most iconic figures: Cornifer, the nomadic cartographer.

I Love Hollow Knight’s Cornifer, but Silksong Has an Even Better Replacement

Shakra Is Silksong’s Clever Answer to Cornifer

In the game ‘Hollow Knight,’ Cornifer often provides comedic relief, with players frequently identifying with his timid and innocent map vendor character. His anxious eagerness contrasts sharply with the Knight’s silent determination. During my initial playthrough of ‘Hollow Knight,’ particularly upon entering Deepnest, Cornifer’s presence was comforting and greatly appreciated. Overall, he is one of the more endearing characters in ‘Hollow Knight’s’ cast, and I felt a sense of loss when I learned that he wouldn’t be accompanying me to Pharloom.

Instead of Cornifer, who has a dual role as a merchant and map enthusiast, we now have the character Shakra. Unlike Cornifer, who is more comedic and driven by trivial desires, Shakra is a serious warrior with a compelling connection to Hornet. She finds her warrior’s spirit through cartography, making her far more captivating. In “Hollow Knight: Silksong”, the trails of paper scraps have been replaced with metal chakrams, hinting at the darker, alien atmosphere of Pharloom. Shakra seamlessly fits into this new environment, allowing her unique traits to stand out.

The more conversational, less goofy Shakra is also a better fit for Hornet’s more talkative nature.

Shakra Doesn’t Just Add Extra Personality to Hollow Knight: Silksong

In the world of Hollow Knight: Silksong, Shakra’s work stands out not just for its quality, but also for its significant influence on the game’s mechanics and structure. Compared to the original Hollow Knight, Cornifer’s role is markedly different. Rather than functioning as a traditional merchant, he serves more like a mobile, conversational map provider within the game’s specific areas. Even items directly linked to the map system, such as markers, are obtained from his wife in Dirtmouth. This setup somewhat constrains Cornifer’s usefulness and can even lead to unnecessary revisits in a game that already has an abundance of backtracking. From my perspective, as a player, I appreciate the creativity, but I would also welcome some adjustments for a smoother gaming experience.

Instead, it’s commonly known that Shakra serves as a versatile supplier for a variety of useful goods, some directly linked to map navigation. In essence, she embodies the roles of both Cornifer and Iselda, offering a more accessible and adaptable character. Even in combat situations, she assists Hornet, strengthening their game bond while making players fond of her through her practicality.

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2025-09-09 22:47