GameTimeline

Release & story order

Hollow Knight timeline

Hollow Knight from the 2017 1.0 launch through Hollow Knight: Silksong (2025)—US release dates, Hallownest then Pharloom story order, free DLC packs, and FAQ for play order, endings, and Silksong spoilers.

Updated June 2026

Start with:

Release order Story order

Release order

When Team Cherry shipped each chapter—Hollow Knight 1.0 (February 2017) after Steam Early Access, then Hollow Knight: Silksong (September 2025). Four free Hollow Knight DLC packs and console bundles are FAQ-only—not extra Release rows.

  • Newcomers → Hollow Knight (2017) then Silksong (2025)
  • Add Godmaster DLC before Silksong if you want full Hollow Knight endings—FAQ
  • Early Access 2015–2017 history in FAQ—not separate story rows
  • Both on PC, Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox—check current bundles
Story order tips

One connected saga: Hollow Knight (the Knight in Hallownest) → Hollow Knight: Silksong (Hornet in Pharloom). Release and story order match—play Hollow Knight before Silksong for lore and character payoff.

  • Core arc: Hollow Knight → Silksong
  • Silksong assumes you know Hornet and Hallownest basics from the first game
  • DLC expands Hollow Knight side stories—optional but Godmaster ties to main lore
  • On Story order, Silksong may be hidden—reveal when ready or use Show all spoilers

Timeline

When each game was released. Click a game for platforms, dates, and where it fits in your playthrough.

Release order

  1. Hollow Knight

    Hollow Knight

    PCMacLinuxMetroidvaniaMainline

    The Knight explores fallen Hallownest—infection and the Pale King.

    Overview
    Team Cherry's hand-drawn Metroidvania—tight combat, nail upgrades, and cryptic environmental lore.
    In-game setting
    Story chapter one—Knight vs the infection in the kingdom of Hallownest.
    Should you play it?
    Essential before Silksong—still the franchise foundation.
    Release date
    US 1.0 launch February 24, 2017 (PC). Switch, PS4, Xbox One ports 2018—FAQ.
  2. Hollow Knight: Silksong

    Hollow Knight: Silksong

    PCSwitchSwitch 2PS4PS5Xbox OneXbox Series X|SMetroidvaniaMainlineSequel

    Hornet in Pharloom—needle combat and silk abilities.

    Overview
    Play as Hornet with faster acrobatic moves—new kingdom above Hallownest.
    In-game setting
    Direct sequel—continues Hornet's story after Hollow Knight events.
    Should you play it?
    Play after Hollow Knight for full narrative context.
    Release date
    US launch September 4, 2025. Multi-platform day one including Nintendo Switch 2.

FAQ

Release vs story order, Silksong placement, DLC timing, and where to start.

Release order

They match: Hollow Knight (2017) → Hollow Knight: Silksong (2025). Release order uses US 1.0 dates; story order follows Knight in Hallownest first, then Hornet in Pharloom. No prequel shuffle—Silksong is the sequel.

Play Hollow Knight to completion (consider Godmaster DLC before Silksong—see DLC FAQ), then Silksong. Both are on modern consoles and PC. Allow 40–60 hours for Hollow Knight with DLC; Silksong is a full sequel-length campaign.

Story & lore

Yes for story order. Silksong stars Hornet and references Hallownest events, characters, and endings from the first game. Silksong is playable without it mechanically, but major plot beats lose impact. Play Hollow Knight first—avoid Silksong spoiler videos until then.

Silksong is written as a sequel to Hornet's arc broadly—not one strict ending gate. Experiencing Hollow Knight's main story plus Godmaster (optional) gives the fullest context. Team Cherry designed Silksong for players who finished the first game; exact ending branch is FAQ lore—not a hard save import.

Editions & DLC

Hidden Dreams and The Grimm Troupe—mid-game optional. Lifeblood—minor content patch. Godmaster—late game, after main story access to Kingdom's Edge / Black Egg Temple area; adds Godhome and true ending paths. All FAQ-only—not Release rows. Voidheart Edition bundles base + DLC on consoles.

Optional & related

More timelines

Other release-order and story-order guides on this site.