Hollow Knight: Silksong Gets First Playable Demo at Gamescom 2025

In one of the most unexpected yet thrilling announcements at Gamescom, Xbox has unveiled a brand-new playable demo of Hollow Knight: Silksong — the long-anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed indie title Hollow Knight. After years of silence and shifting release windows, this is the clearest sign yet that the Metroidvania masterpiece is nearing completion.

A Long-Awaited Glimpse at Silksong

Fans have been eagerly waiting for Silksong since its surprise announcement in 2019. Developed by Team Cherry, the sequel promises a fresh perspective by putting players in control of Hornet, a fierce warrior and princess-protector, as she explores a vast, haunted kingdom far from the original’s Hallownest.

The Gamescom 2025 demo marks the first major hands-on opportunity for the public since the game’s reveal — and it's playable exclusively at Xbox’s booth.

What's in the Demo?

Attendees at Gamescom who managed to secure time with the Silksong demo were treated to roughly 20–30 minutes of gameplay. Here’s what the playable build includes:

• New Biomes: The demo showcases two previously unseen areas filled with bioluminescent enemies, acrobatic traversal challenges, and gorgeous hand-drawn backgrounds.
• Combat & Abilities: Hornet’s gameplay feels faster and more dynamic than Knight’s. Players can use new tools such as silk-thread grappling and directional counters.
• Boss Fight Preview: The demo culminates in a mini-boss battle that highlights the improved combat depth and pacing.
• Improved Visuals & Soundtrack: Christopher Larkin’s haunting score has returned, providing an emotionally rich soundscape that pairs perfectly with the game's eerie environments.

Why Xbox?

Microsoft’s partnership with indie developers has grown stronger in recent years, and Silksong being showcased on Xbox hardware may suggest a launch day debut on Xbox Game Pass. Although no official release date was shared at Gamescom, insiders speculate that a Q1 2026 release is possible, based on the stability and polish of the current build.

Xbox’s Sarah Bond commented briefly, saying:

"We know fans have been waiting for Silksong — and we’re thrilled to finally let them experience it firsthand at Gamescom."

Community Reactions

Social media erupted shortly after the demo was revealed, with hashtags like #SilksongDemo and #Gamescom2025 trending across platforms. Streamers and gaming influencers who got early access praised the demo for staying true to Hollow Knight's roots while significantly upgrading the gameplay systems.

One early attendee said:

"The fluidity of Hornet’s movement makes exploring feel like a dance. If this is just a slice, the full game will be a masterpiece."

What's Next for Silksong?

While a concrete release date remains elusive, the Gamescom demo signals that Team Cherry is deep into polishing and possibly preparing for final testing. The public reception at the Xbox booth could prompt further announcements during upcoming showcases — such as The Game Awards later this year.

How to Watch the Demo Footage

While Xbox hasn't officially uploaded the demo gameplay, many YouTubers and gaming outlets have released hands-on impressions and walkthroughs from the Gamescom floor. Look out for authorized videos on the Xbox YouTube channel and social platforms.

Final Thoughts

The Hollow Knight: Silksong demo at Xbox’s Gamescom booth is a major step forward for a game shrouded in mystery and anticipation. It’s clear that Team Cherry is crafting something special — and now, thanks to Xbox, the wait feels a little shorter and a lot more real.

Stay tuned for more updates, hands-on impressions, and (hopefully) a release date announcement soon.