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Hollow Knight: Silksong – No Early Review Codes, Just Pure Anticipation

As the long-awaited Hollow Knight: Silksong finally locks in its release date — September 4th, 2024 — fans are bracing for what promises to be one of the most highly anticipated sequels in indie gaming history. And in a move that’s as thoughtful as it is bold, developer Team Cherry has announced: no early review codes will be distributed.

This decision, confirmed via a heartfelt August 22nd post on Bluesky by journalist Jason Schreier (who cited direct communication with the team), centers on fairness. Team Cherry believes it would be unjust to let critics play the game before Kickstarter backers and general players — many of whom have waited over six years for this moment.

"They felt it would be unfair for critics to play before Kickstarter backers and other players."
— Jason Schreier, Bluesky

As a result, no official reviews will be published prior to launch. This rare stance stands in contrast to the norm for most major releases, where early review copies (ARCs) are distributed weeks in advance to media outlets. By withholding codes, Team Cherry is placing trust in the community — and letting the game speak for itself on day one.

Why This Matters: More Than Just a Delayed Review

While the absence of early codes can sometimes raise eyebrows — especially in light of past controversies surrounding games like Starfield, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, and MindsEye — Team Cherry’s reasoning is both principled and practical.

• Fairness to Fans: Kickstarter backers who funded the game’s development are being honored as first-time players.
• Team Size & Timeline: The studio remains small and close to launch. Distributing codes now would add unnecessary logistical strain.
• Hype Without Hype: In a world saturated with leak culture and pre-release spoilers, Silksong’s silence may actually work in its favor — letting pure anticipation carry the moment.

Many players are not just accepting this decision — they’re embracing it.

"If they’re willing to wait, so are we."
— Fan comment, Reddit r/HollowKnight

A Legacy of Patience, a Future of Wonder

Since its 2017 debut, Hollow Knight has become a cult classic — praised for its worldbuilding, emotional depth, and challenging yet rewarding gameplay. With Silksong, players expect not just a sequel, but a fulfillment of the promises made in the original’s final moments.

The game’s lore-heavy narrative, open-world design, and emotional score have built a global fanbase. And now, with the return of beloved characters, new regions, and a mysterious new enemy on the horizon, the pressure is high — but so is the hope.

For those eager to dive in, we’ve compiled everything known so far about Silksong’s story, characters, and new mechanics. [Read our full Silksong FAQ and lore guide here.]

Final Thoughts: A Game That Respects Its Players

In an era where games are often judged by pre-launch buzz, patch notes, and influencer hype, Team Cherry is choosing a different path — one rooted in respect, patience, and player-first values.

No early reviews. No favors. No shortcuts.

Just a quiet, powerful promise:
“You waited. We’re ready.”

Silksong releases September 4th, 2024 — on PC, Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox.

Stay tuned for launch-day coverage, and keep an eye on our post-launch analysis.

Photo credit: Team Cherry / Hollow Knight: Silksong (2024).

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