Eager fans are on the edge of their seats as they wait for the next installment in the much-loved indie series, Hollow Knight. Many are curious if the developers can match or even surpass the benchmark established by their original game. Since its announcement in 2019, news about Hollow Knight: Silksong has been scarce, shrouding the franchise’s future in mystery. To meet fan expectations, integrating a fan-favorite challenge from the first game, like the Path of Pain, into Hollow Knight: Silksong could be key in maintaining the stellar reputation Hollow Knight has earned since it first hit the gaming scene.
It’s clear that Silksong faces the enormous task of living up to its predecessor’s legacy whenever it eventually sees the light of day. The Path of Pain stood out in the original Hollow Knight as a formidable optional platforming challenge that tested players’ skills to their absolute limits. As Team Cherry gears up to unveil Hornet’s tale in Silksong, a similarly grueling challenge might be essential to uplift the franchise, pushing players to their limits and highlighting their command of the 2D platformer.
In one of Hollow Knight’s free expansions, The Grimm Troupe DLC, players found themselves exploring the White Palace area. This coveted section could only be entered through the dream world, accessible by dream nailing a Kingsmould’s corpse using the Awoken Dream Nail within the Palace Grounds. Packed with various quests, NPCs, and secrets, it compelled players to climb to the fortress’s pinnacle. Hidden behind a breakable wall in the Atrium, the Path of Pain required players to possess both the Monarch Wings and Crystal Heart to tackle its intense challenges. It went beyond the White Palace’s intricate platforming, employing a mechanic called Pogoing, which demanded precise timing and skill. With no platforms to stand on, players had to utilize the knockback from striking hazards with their Nail to hover in the air longer.
Certain charms, like Longnail, proved handy by increasing the Nail’s reach, offering a wider margin for error when timing pogos. Others, such as Grubsong, helped players regain health, vital for overcoming the challenge since the Dreamgate ability wasn’t available in the White Palace. Over time, mastering the Path of Pain became synonymous with elite status among Hollow Knight players—a true test of near-perfect execution.
Considering Path of Pain’s renowned challenge, Team Cherry could garner even more admiration by introducing a similar ultimate test in Silksong. This isn’t just to give fans the unique experience they crave, but thematically, it aligns with Hornet’s character. Her unique skills, like silk-thread grappling and aerial maneuvers, offer a perfect foundation for a new platforming test that could reach the heights of the original’s difficulty. It would also serve as the ultimate trial for players eager to fully explore Hornet’s abilities. Given the difficulty benchmark set by the first Hollow Knight, crafting an enhanced Path of Pain experience in Silksong could significantly influence its reception whenever it’s launched.
As Hornet, the fierce protector of Hallownest, fans will journey through all-new lands in Silksong, navigating an unfamiliar world ruled by silk and song. Hollow Knight: Silksong, the ambitious sequel, invites players to discover new abilities, face a myriad of enemies, and unveil ancient secrets intertwined with Hornet’s nature and past.
