Is Hollow Knight: Silksong a Sequel or Prequel? The Lore Theories Answered

The question of whether Hollow Knight: Silksong is a sequel or a prequel has been a long-standing debate within the community, haunting fans for years. With the official announcement and a new trailer, the conversation has reached a fever pitch. While the game is officially titled a sequel, many compelling fan theories have been put forth that argue the opposite.

At Cartpitol.com, we've combed through the most popular fan discussions and official information to finally settle this debate. Get ready to dive into the deepest lore.

The Case for a Prequel: The Community Theories

Before we reveal the definitive answer, let's explore why so many fans have passionately argued that Silksong is a prequel.

The "All Endings are Canon" Argument: One of the most common reasons for the prequel theory stems from Team Cherry's statement that they "don't want to make one ending canon". In the "Sealed Siblings" ending, Hornet is trapped inside the Black Egg Temple. If this ending is a possibility, how could Hornet go on an adventure in Pharloom afterwards?
The Power-Up Problem: Another argument suggests that Hornet's advanced abilities and tools in Silksong wouldn't make sense if the game were a sequel. Why would she not have used her acrobatic prowess and powerful tools in her fights against the Knight if she had already acquired them? This line of reasoning suggests she must have gone on her adventure before the events of Hollow Knight.

The Definitive Answer: It's a Sequel

Despite the compelling fan theories, the evidence from official sources is overwhelming: Hollow Knight: Silksong is a sequel to Hollow Knight.

Official Confirmation: The game is officially described as "the sequel to 2017's Hollow Knight". Team Cherry themselves refer to it as "the full-scale sequel to Hollow Knight". This is not a matter of interpretation; it's a matter of fact.
A "Direct Continuation": The story of Silksong is a "direct continuation of the beloved Hollow Knight". It stars Hornet, who was a supporting character in the original game, on her journey to a new land. The adventure is so large that it was expanded from its original plan as a DLC.
The Godmaster Ending: While Team Cherry has not officially made one ending canon, many fans believe the Godmaster ending, which ends on a huge cliffhanger involving Hornet, is the likely lead-in to Silksong's story.

The Final Word: Why The Debate Exists

The confusion stems from the ambiguity of the original game's lore and endings. Team Cherry intentionally left room for player interpretation. However, the scope of Silksong grew so large that it had to become its own game. It is a full-fledged sequel that follows Hornet on her deadly pilgrimage to the peak of the new kingdom of Pharloom.

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Conclusion

The debate may be a beloved part of the Hollow Knight community's history, but the answer is clear: Silksong is a sequel. It's a new chapter in the saga, ready to unfold and tell a grand story. What are your final thoughts on the great prequel/sequel debate? Let us know in the comments below!