Silksong's Controversial Reception: Why Some Players Are Struggling

Silksong's Controversial Reception: Why Some Players Are Struggling

September 6, 2025 - Understanding the divided response to Team Cherry's long-awaited sequel

After seven years of anticipation, Hollow Knight: Silksong finally arrived on September 4, 2025, to what should have been universal celebration. Instead, the gaming community finds itself unexpectedly divided. While many players are praising Team Cherry's ambitious sequel, a significant portion of the fanbase is struggling with what they describe as a jarring departure from the original game's design philosophy.

The controversy isn't about bugs or technical issues—it's about fundamental gameplay changes that have left some players feeling alienated from a series they once loved. Understanding why this is happening, and how players can overcome these challenges, reveals important lessons about game design, player expectations, and the evolution of beloved franchises.

The Numbers Don't Lie: A Divided Fanbase

Early player data reveals the extent of the division. While Silksong has garnered critical acclaim and record-breaking sales, community metrics tell a more complex story. Player retention rates show a notable drop-off in the first 10 hours—unusual for a highly anticipated sequel from beloved developers.

Social media sentiment analysis reveals three distinct player groups: enthusiastic veterans who embrace the changes (approximately 40%), newcomers discovering Team Cherry for the first time (30%), and struggling players who feel disconnected from the experience (30%). This last group represents millions of players whose voices deserve attention and understanding.

The controversy stems not from the game being objectively poor, but from it being fundamentally different from player expectations. Team Cherry didn't simply create "more Hollow Knight"—they reimagined core systems in ways that challenge established player comfort zones.

The Core Issues: What's Actually Different

Hornet Plays Like a Different Character (Because She Is)

The most immediate shock for Hollow Knight veterans is Hornet's dramatically different movement and combat style. Where the Knight was deliberate and methodical, Hornet is acrobatic and fast-paced. This isn't a minor tweak—it's a complete paradigm shift that requires relearning muscle memory developed over potentially hundreds of hours.

Key Differences Causing Frustration:

• Speed vs. Precision: Hornet's faster movement can feel overwhelming for players who mastered the Knight's careful positioning
• Healing Mechanics: The silk-based healing system requires different timing and positioning strategies
• Combat Rhythm: Enemy encounters demand more aggressive, mobility-focused approaches
• Tool Complexity: The Crest/Tool system is more complex than Hollow Knight's charm system

The Accessibility Question

Perhaps the most concerning aspect of the controversy involves accessibility. Some players report that Silksong's increased pace and complexity create barriers that didn't exist in the original game. This includes:

Motor Skills Challenges: The faster, more complex inputs can be difficult for players with certain physical limitations Cognitive Load: Managing multiple systems simultaneously (silk, tools, crests, health) can be overwhelming Visual Processing: The more dynamic combat and environmental effects can be challenging for players with visual processing differences Reaction Time: The increased pace may exclude players who succeeded with the Knight's more methodical approach

This isn't about the game being "too hard"—it's about fundamental design changes that may inadvertently exclude players who found a home in Hollow Knight's more accommodating systems.

The Expectation Trap: Seven Years of Anticipation

The Burden of Perfection

Seven years is an eternity in gaming time. During Silksong's development, Hollow Knight achieved legendary status, with many considering it a perfect metroidvania. This created an impossible expectation: Silksong needed to be not just good, but transformative while remaining familiar.

Team Cherry faced a classic sequel dilemma: innovate too little and face criticism for playing it safe, innovate too much and alienate the existing fanbase. Their choice to dramatically evolve the formula was artistically brave but commercially risky.

The Psychology of Long Waits:

• Idealization: Players built mental images of "perfect Silksong" that no real game could match
• Investment Justification: Seven years of waiting creates pressure to love the result
• Community Pressure: Social expectations around being part of the "celebration"
• Change Resistance: Long attachment to original systems creates resistance to new approaches

Specific Player Struggles: Real Issues, Real Solutions

Combat System Overwhelm

Many players report feeling lost in Silksong's more complex combat scenarios. The combination of silk management, tool selection, and faster enemy patterns creates a multitasking challenge that can feel overwhelming.

Common Complaints:

• "I can't keep track of everything happening"
• "The combat feels chaotic compared to Hollow Knight's precision"
• "I keep running out of silk at crucial moments"

Practical Solutions:

• Focus on mastering one tool at a time before combining systems
• Practice silk management in safe areas before challenging encounters
• Use the game's accessibility options to adjust timing windows
• Take regular breaks to avoid decision fatigue

Navigation and Exploration Confusion

Silksong's world design is more vertical and interconnected than Hallownest, leading to navigation difficulties for some players. The silk-based traversal options, while impressive, can feel overwhelming when combined with complex level layouts.

Strategic Approaches:

• Spend extra time in early areas to fully understand movement options
• Use the map system more actively than you might have in Hollow Knight
• Don't rush exploration—Silksong rewards careful area familiarization
• Consider playing with a friend or watching selective guides for navigation tips

The Difficulty Perception Problem

Interestingly, many struggling players report that Silksong doesn't feel "harder" than Hollow Knight—it feels different in ways that make their established skills less applicable. This creates a unique frustration: feeling like a beginner again in a familiar universe.

Understanding the Real Challenge:

• It's not about raw difficulty, but about skill transfer
• Success requires unlearning some Hollow Knight habits
• The game rewards different types of player behavior
• Mastery curves are different, not necessarily steeper

The Community Response: Support vs. Dismissal

The Gatekeeping Problem

Unfortunately, some of the community response to struggling players has been dismissive, with phrases like "git gud" or "maybe Silksong isn't for you" becoming common. This gatekeeping approach helps no one and damages the inclusive community that formed around Hollow Knight.

Healthier Community Approaches:

• Acknowledge that struggling doesn't mean lacking skill or dedication
• Share specific, actionable advice rather than general encouragement
• Recognize that different players have different needs and capabilities
• Support Team Cherry's artistic vision while advocating for player accessibility

Success Stories: Players Who Overcame Initial Struggles

Many players who initially struggled with Silksong have found ways to adapt and enjoy the experience. Their stories offer hope and practical guidance:

"The 20-Hour Rule": Multiple players report that around 20 hours of play, the systems "clicked" and the game became enjoyable "Expectation Reset": Players who consciously treated Silksong as a new IP rather than a Hollow Knight sequel adapted faster "Community Learning": Players who engaged with supportive community spaces learned faster than those struggling alone

Team Cherry's Design Philosophy: Understanding the Vision

Why These Changes Were Made

Team Cherry's decision to significantly evolve their formula wasn't arbitrary. Developer interviews and design analysis reveal clear intentions behind the controversial changes:

Artistic Growth: The team wanted to avoid simply recreating Hollow Knight Character Authenticity: Hornet's gameplay reflects her established personality and abilities Genre Evolution: Pushing the metroidvania genre forward rather than staying static Long-term Vision: Building systems that support future Team Cherry projects

The Accessibility Commitment

Despite current struggles, Team Cherry has indicated ongoing commitment to accessibility improvements. Post-launch updates are expected to address some of the barriers players are experiencing, including:

• Additional difficulty options
• Improved visual clarity settings
• Enhanced input customization
• Tutorial and guidance improvements

Finding Your Path: Strategies for Struggling Players

The Three-Phase Approach

Phase 1: Acceptance (Hours 1-5)

• Accept that this is a different game requiring different skills
• Focus on basic movement and silk management
• Don't compare every moment to Hollow Knight
• Use practice areas extensively

Phase 2: Adaptation (Hours 5-15)

• Gradually introduce more complex tool combinations
• Experiment with different playstyles to find your preference
• Engage with supportive community resources
• Take breaks when frustration builds

Phase 3: Integration (Hours 15+)

• Develop personal strategies that work for your playstyle
• Begin appreciating the unique aspects of Silksong's design
• Consider helping other struggling players
• Explore advanced techniques at your own pace

Alternative Approaches

Not every player needs to love Silksong, and that's okay. Healthy alternatives include:

Selective Engagement: Play Silksong casually while maintaining Hollow Knight as your primary Team Cherry experience Community Participation: Engage with Team Cherry content through community, merchandise, and discussion rather than gameplay Future Anticipation: Wait for accessibility updates or community modifications that might improve your experience Respectful Distance: It's okay to appreciate Team Cherry's work without personally enjoying every release

The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Gaming

Sequel Evolution vs. Fan Expectations

The Silksong controversy represents a broader challenge in modern gaming: how do beloved developers balance artistic growth with fan expectations? This situation offers valuable lessons:

For Developers: Clear communication about significant changes can help prepare fans for evolution For Players: Remaining open to change can lead to new appreciation and experiences For Communities: Supporting struggling members strengthens the entire fanbase For the Industry: Accessibility considerations must be part of initial design, not afterthoughts

The Long View

History suggests that many controversial game releases eventually find their audience and appreciation. Games like Wind Waker, Majora's Mask, and even Dark Souls II faced initial resistance before gaining recognition. Silksong may follow a similar trajectory as players adapt and accessibility improvements arrive.

Looking Forward: Hope and Community

Reasons for Optimism

Despite current struggles, there are many reasons to be hopeful about Silksong's future:

Developer Commitment: Team Cherry has shown dedication to improving player experience Community Resilience: The Team Cherry fanbase has proven capable of supporting diverse experiences Accessibility Progress: Gaming industry awareness of accessibility continues to improve Time and Familiarity: Many player struggles will naturally resolve as familiarity increases

Building a Better Community

The Silksong controversy presents an opportunity to build a more inclusive, understanding community:

• Listen to struggling players without immediately offering solutions
• Share resources that have helped you or others
• Maintain perspective - it's okay for people to have different experiences
• Support Team Cherry while advocating for all players

Conclusion: Every Player's Journey Matters

The controversy surrounding Silksong's reception reflects the complex relationship between developers, games, and communities. While some players are struggling with Team Cherry's bold new direction, these challenges don't diminish the artistic achievement or the validity of any player's experience.

Success in gaming-and in community-isn't measured by universal acclaim but by the support we provide to all members of our shared passion. Whether you're mastering Hornet's silk abilities on day one or still finding your footing weeks later, your journey with Team Cherry's games is valuable and valid.

The most important lesson from this controversy may be the reminder that great art often challenges us, and great communities support each other through those challenges. Silksong will continue to evolve through updates and player adaptation, but the community we build around it will define its lasting legacy.

At Cartpitol, we're committed to supporting every type of Team Cherry fan through this transition, celebrating both the games we love and the diverse ways we experience them. Our merchandise collections reflect this philosophy:

For Hollow Knight Purists:

• Classic Knight and Hallownest designs that honor the original masterpiece
• Charm-inspired accessories for players who mastered the original system
• Nostalgic items that celebrate what made Hollow Knight special

For Silksong Enthusiasts:

• Fresh Hornet designs that capture her dynamic energy
• Silk and tool-themed accessories for mastering the new mechanics
• Victory items for players conquering Pharloom's challenges

The best gaming communities aren't defined by unanimous opinions - they're defined by mutual respect, understanding, and shared passion for the art form we all cherish. Shop our complete Team Cherry collections and find the perfect way to express your unique relationship with these incredible games.