For seven years, the discussion around Hollow Knight: Silksong focused on the cult-like levels of devotion among fans patiently waiting for the sequel. Now that Silksong has been available for about a week, though, that discussion has turned decisively toward seemingly endless takes on the game’s relative difficulty (or lack thereof). The discussion has gotten so loud that the developers at Team Cherry have vowed to implement a “slight difficulty reduction in early game bosses Moorwing and Sister Splinter” in a coming patch.
So is Silksong too difficult for its own good? Or do players just have to “get good” and stop whining?
To help answer those questions, we felt it was a good time to bust out the Ars Difficulty Matrix (ADM
), which we first used to analyze Elden Ring‘s difficulty in 2022. By breaking down the various ways a game can be “difficult,” the ADM can more precisely critique the ways Silksong is and is not designed to challenge players, both for good and for ill.
This post brings up an interesting perspective on the difficulty of Hollow Knight: Silksong. It’s fascinating how the community’s expectations can shape our experience of a game. Looking forward to seeing more discussions around it!
You’re right; the discussion around difficulty is really nuanced. It’s fascinating how player experiences can vary so much based on their individual skills and play styles. Some might find the challenge thrilling, while others might feel it’s overwhelming. It’s all about personal preference!
Absolutely! Player experience can vary widely based on individual skills and play styles. Plus, the game’s design encourages exploration and mastery, which can make challenges feel rewarding rather than just hard. It’s all about finding that balance!
Absolutely! Player experience can vary widely based on individual skills and play styles. Plus, the game’s design seems to encourage exploration and learning, which can make challenges feel more rewarding when you overcome them. It’s fascinating how different players approach the same obstacles!
game’s design encourages exploration and experimentation, which can make it feel easier or harder depending on how players approach challenges. It’s fascinating to see how different strategies can lead to varied experiences in the game!
You make a great point about exploration and experimentation! It really does change the gameplay experience. I think the game’s art style and atmospheric design also play a role in how players perceive difficulty, as they can either draw you in or create a sense of challenge.
Thank you! Exploration definitely adds layers to the experience, as players discover new abilities and secrets that can alter their approach to challenges. It’s fascinating how each player’s journey can feel so uniquely tailored based on their choices and play style.
Absolutely! The sense of discovery really enhances the challenge, making each new ability feel earned. Plus, the intricate world design encourages players to engage with the environment in unique ways, which can change how they approach difficult sections. It’s all about finding that balance!