Hollow Knight: Silksong is easily one of the most anticipated indie games in recent memory. Developed by Team Cherry, this sequel to the beloved Hollow Knight has been eagerly awaited by fans for years.
However, a recent announcement has taken the gaming world by surprise: Hollow Knight: Silksong reviews will not be available before the game officially launches. This decision has sparked curiosity, confusion, and even some concern among fans and critics alike.
In this TazaJunction.com article, we’ll explore why this approach might have been taken, what it means for players and the broader gaming community, and how it may impact the game’s overall reception.
Table of Contents
Why Pre-Launch Reviews Matter
In today’s gaming landscape, early reviews often play a critical role in shaping public perception. For many players, reviews offer guidance in deciding whether or not a game is worth buying. Especially for highly anticipated titles like Silksong, early impressions can either build hype or sound the alarm on potential issues.
The fact that Hollow Knight: Silksong reviews won’t be published until after launch marks a significant shift from typical release strategies. AAA studios and indie developers alike usually send out review copies days—or even weeks—in advance.
This gives media outlets time to experience the game thoroughly and publish well-informed reviews ahead of release. So why is Team Cherry choosing a different path?
A Deliberate Silence Before Launch
While Team Cherry hasn’t officially stated their reasoning, many believe the studio wants players to go into Silksong blind—free from spoilers, early criticisms, or even inflated expectations. Considering how narrative-driven and discovery-focused the original Hollow Knight was, this approach makes some sense.
The developers may see value in allowing players to explore the world of Silksong without preconceived opinions. After all, part of what made the original game magical was the sense of mystery and surprise.
If this spirit is to be preserved, delaying Hollow Knight: Silksong reviews until after launch may be a strategic artistic choice rather than a red flag.
Fan Reactions: Excitement Meets Caution
Unsurprisingly, the community response to this news has been mixed. Some fans are excited at the prospect of diving into the game with fresh eyes, without the influence of professional critiques. They see it as a way to preserve the purity of the experience—just as the developers likely intend.
However, others are understandably cautious. In an industry where delays, bugs, and overpromises are common, the absence of early Hollow Knight: Silksong reviews could be interpreted as a lack of confidence.
Gamers have grown skeptical of any release that doesn’t allow for transparency ahead of launch, especially after high-profile disappointments in recent years.
The Impact on Launch Day Sales
One major area of interest is how the decision to delay Hollow Knight: Silksong reviews could affect launch day sales. For established fans of the franchise, this may not matter—they’ve likely already committed to purchasing the game. But for new players or those still on the fence, the lack of early reviews may create hesitation.
In some cases, this can hurt a game’s momentum out of the gate. Word-of-mouth and critical acclaim drive early success, and a delay in reviews may mean a slower start. However, if Silksong delivers on its promises, the positive post-launch buzz could create a second wave of interest that sustains the game long-term.
A Vote of Confidence in the Community?
Another possible interpretation of the decision is that Team Cherry is placing their trust in the community rather than critics. The original Hollow Knight thrived thanks to word-of-mouth, YouTube playthroughs, and fan-driven support.
By holding back Hollow Knight: Silksong reviews until launch, the developers may be prioritizing the voices of everyday players over industry insiders.
This grassroots approach has worked before. Many indie successes have grown organically through community enthusiasm. If Silksong lives up to its potential, fans will likely flood social media, forums, and review platforms with praise—possibly making formal reviews less influential.
Risk vs. Reward
There’s no denying that holding back Hollow Knight: Silksong reviews is a risky move. On one hand, it could help preserve the magic of exploration and discovery. On the other hand, it may generate unnecessary skepticism, especially from potential buyers who rely on trusted critics.
However, Team Cherry has built a strong reputation through the success of the first game. The studio is known for quality, polish, and heart—a rarity in today’s fast-paced gaming environment. That reputation may be enough to carry them through launch, even without early reviews guiding the way.
How Media Outlets Are Responding
Gaming media outlets typically plan their content schedules around embargoes and early access codes. The absence of pre-release Hollow Knight: Silksong reviews has thrown a wrench into those plans. Reviewers will now need to play the game at the same time as the general public, potentially delaying their write-ups by several days.
This creates a level playing field between critics and everyday players. But it also means that early coverage will rely heavily on impressions, live streams, and short-form content rather than comprehensive reviews. For fans eager to get detailed information, this could be frustrating.
What This Means for Influencers and Streamers
Interestingly, this decision may benefit streamers and content creators more than traditional review outlets. Without early Hollow Knight: Silksong reviews, many players will turn to YouTube and Twitch to see how the game looks and plays in real time. This could lead to a boom in viewership and engagement for those covering the game during launch week.
Creators who specialize in Metroidvania titles or indie games will have an opportunity to showcase their first impressions alongside the rest of the community. In this sense, Team Cherry’s approach may unintentionally shift the balance of influence in gaming media—at least temporarily.
The Bigger Picture for Indie Game Marketing
This situation also raises larger questions about how indie games are marketed and released. Unlike AAA studios, indie developers often have limited resources and prefer to keep things simple.
Delaying Hollow Knight: Silksong reviews could be a sign that Team Cherry wants to minimize external pressure and let the game speak for itself.
It may also inspire other indie developers to consider similar approaches—relying less on traditional marketing cycles and more on trust, community support, and post-launch performance. If Silksong succeeds without early reviews, it could reshape how indie titles handle their release strategies in the future.
What to Expect After Launch
Once the game releases, Hollow Knight: Silksong reviews are expected to flood in quickly. Journalists, critics, and fans alike will be dissecting every inch of the game—from its gameplay mechanics and boss design to its soundtrack and world-building. Given the high standards set by the original, expectations are sky-high.
Assuming the game delivers, late reviews may actually help extend the game’s life cycle. Instead of peaking on day one, Silksong could enjoy a steady rise as more players and critics discover its depth and quality over time.
Final Thoughts
The announcement that Hollow Knight: Silksong reviews won’t be available until after launch has undoubtedly added a new layer of mystery to an already enigmatic title.
Whether this decision was made to protect the player experience, reduce spoiler exposure, or simply due to logistical reasons, it’s a bold move in an industry that thrives on pre-release hype.
For fans, the wait may be a bit more nerve-wracking. But if Team Cherry delivers a game even close to the quality of the original Hollow Knight, the absence of early reviews will be a footnote in what could become one of the best indie releases of the decade.