Silksong Goes Beyond Tough as Players Struggle with Unexpected Difficulty Spike
Hollow Knight: Silksong has launched to great acclaim worldwide, earning praise for its hand-drawn art, fluid combat, and immersive world. At the same time, many players are discovering that the sequel tests their skills more sharply and early than expected. Team Cherry had hinted the game would be accessible to new players, but many are finding the opposite: mechanics like Hornet’s new diagonal pogo dive require retraining, leading to mistakes and frustration within the first hour of gameplay. Players report attacks that deal two masks of damage, tighter platforming challenges, and boss encounters that feel more punishing than in the original.
The changes to movement keep even veteran players on edge. Perfectly timed pogo strikes no longer land straight down but veer off at sharp angles, disrupting muscle memory built from hours of Hollow Knight play. Early areas such as Hunter’s March are drawing comparisons to notoriously brutal zones like Path of Pain and Deepnest, with perilous jumps, scarce benches, and aggressive floor hazards. Many note in frustration that the game seems to expect mastery right from the start rather than allowing for gradual ramping of difficulty.
Bosses are also hitting harder in both design and power. Enemies deal two masks of damage far earlier and more frequently than before, creating high-stakes encounters where a single mistake can derail progress. Social channels and review platforms reflect this sentiment, with players calling out the punishing difficulty and steep learning curve that puts Silksong beyond the reach of many new or casual fans.
Yet the debate is nuanced. Some recognize that intense challenge can be rewarding, delivering euphoric victories when mastered. A segment of players embraced Silksong’s changes, appreciating the tighter controls, richer combat, and more layered mechanics as a natural evolution rather than a step back. Reviewers also note that Silksong retains thoughtful checkpoint placement and refined healing systems, suggesting that the game balances frustration with forgiveness where it counts.
In the end, Silksong’s difficulty is a defining feature. It may raise the learning bar, but it promises mastery for those willing to persist. For fans in Southeast Asia craving a tougher metroidvania that respects skill and precision, Silksong fills the role. But newcomers or players seeking a gentler entry may find it daunting. This means Silksong may shine brightest as a badge of metroidvania prowess rather than a welcoming starting gate, but its brilliance remains undeniable.
