The highly anticipated sequel to a beloved Metroidvania arrives, and with it, the inevitable post-launch recalibrations. Team Cherry has unveiled the first significant patch for Hollow Knight: Silksong, aimed at smoothing out some early-game rough edges and ensuring Hornet`s journey through Pharloom is as fluid as her combat.
Following a monumental debut that saw Silksong reportedly captivate over 5 million players, the development team has been diligently at work. Their first major update, version 1.0.28470, is a testament to their commitment to a balanced and bug-free experience. While some might jokingly lament the “nerfing” of a notoriously challenging series, these adjustments speak to a broader goal: ensuring accessibility without sacrificing the core difficulty that fans adore.
A Measured Approach to Challenge: The Difficulty Tuning
For many, the allure of Hollow Knight was its relentless, yet fair, challenge. Silksong promised to continue this legacy, but initial feedback appears to have highlighted specific early-game spikes. The new patch introduces a “slight difficulty reduction” for two prominent early-game adversaries: Moorwing and Sister Splinter. Additionally, the aggressive Sandcarvers will now deal less damage, offering a slightly more forgiving experience during initial encounters.
One might surmise that even Hornet, the formidable protector of Hallownest, deserves a break from being perpetually knocked into oblivion by the first few things that flutter or scuttle. Or perhaps, Team Cherry simply recognized that `challenging` shouldn`t always translate to `frustratingly opaque` right out of the gate.
Mending the Threads: Critical Bug Resolutions
Beyond the numerical tweaks, a substantial portion of this patch focuses on critical bug fixes. These aren`t just minor visual glitches; many address progression blockers and immersion-breaking issues that could significantly impede a player`s experience. From getting permanently “cloakless” after a specific escape sequence to vital questlines failing to complete in the late game, Team Cherry is meticulously patching the fabric of Pharloom.
Notable fixes include:
- Resolving scenarios where players could become stuck floating after down-bouncing on certain projectiles – a potentially disorienting, if not amusing, aerial predicament.
- Ensuring that critical “wish” quests, such as Infestation Operation and Beast in the Bells, are now reliably completable even in the late game. No more unfinished business hanging over Hornet`s head.
- Correcting instances where Silk Snippers in the Chapel of the Reaper could become stuck out of bounds, preventing players from engaging or dispatching them as intended.
- Addressing a “soft-lock” issue with the Lace tool deflect at the start of a battle in Deep Docks, ensuring combat flows smoothly.
- Rectifying the Snitch Pick not providing its intended rosaries and shell shards, a fix that directly impacts player resource accumulation.
Economy and Exploration: Quality of Life Enhancements
The patch also brings welcome quality-of-life adjustments to Silksong`s in-game economy and exploration mechanics. Players will find a “slight reduction” in the prices associated with mid-game Bellway and Bell Bench services. This change, coupled with a “slight increase in rosary rewards” from relics, psalm cylinders, and courier deliveries, aims to make resource management and progression feel less arduous.
These minor economic shifts can significantly impact the pacing of the game, allowing players to upgrade abilities or unlock travel points without excessive grinding, thus focusing more on the core exploration and combat.
A Glimpse into the Future: Team Cherry`s Ongoing Commitment
Team Cherry has been transparent about their ongoing efforts, stating they are already working on a second patch for additional fixes. For those eager to experience these improvements immediately or relying on a critical bug fix, the update is accessible via the public beta branch on Steam and GOG. This proactive approach underscores the developer`s dedication to refining Silksong into a truly polished experience.
As Hornet continues her arduous journey through the captivating, yet perilous, kingdom of Pharloom, players can take solace in knowing that Team Cherry is actively listening and meticulously adjusting the game. This first patch is more than just a list of fixes; it`s a clear signal that Hollow Knight: Silksong is set to evolve, offering a more stable, slightly more forgiving early game, and an even more enjoyable adventure for all who dare to delve into its intricate depths.
Gareth Fenton