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

September 4th, 2024 — After six years of whispers, fan theories, and countless dreamscapes painted in lore, Hollow Knight: Silksong is finally set to launch. And in a bold move that’s winning over fans worldwide, developer Team Cherry has confirmed: no early review codes will be distributed.

In an August 22nd post on Bluesky, journalist Jason Schreier — citing direct communication with the studio — revealed the reasoning behind the decision: fairness.

“They felt it would be unfair for critics to play before Kickstarter backers and other players,” Schreier wrote.

This choice marks a significant departure from industry norms, where major titles often send out review builds months in advance to generate early buzz. But for Team Cherry, the priority isn’t hype — it’s integrity.

Why the No-Codes Move Matters

Silksong has been in development since at least 2018, with trailers and cryptic teasers fueling one of the most passionate fanbases in gaming. The original Hollow Knight broke Steam records in 2020, and its legacy continues to grow — now, with a sequel that promises deeper mechanics, a larger world, and a story that fans have waited years to uncover.

By withholding early review codes, Team Cherry is ensuring that everyone — from Kickstarter backers to first-time players — experiences Silksong on the same day. There’s no VIP access, no pre-release critiques, no spoilers.

“It’s not just about fairness,” added Schreier in a follow-up. “The team is small and close to launch — distributing codes would be logistically challenging, not to mention distracting from final polish.”

A Statement, Not a Warning

While some fans have pointed to past games like Starfield, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, and MindsEye — which either delayed or limited review codes — as red flags, Silksong’s decision stands in stark contrast.

There’s no sign of quality concerns here. In fact, Team Cherry’s choice has been met with near-universal praise from the community. Many see it as a defiant act of respect for the player — a reminder that Hollow Knight has always been a game made by fans, for fans.

“After everything we’ve waited for, it feels right that we all go in together,” said one fan on Reddit. “No spoilers. No previews. Just us and the Kingdom.”

What We Know So Far

• Release Date: September 4, 2024 (Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch)
• Platform: PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch
• Status: Fully developed, in final QA
• Key Features (Confirmed):
  • New playable character: The Knight of the Hollow, a mysterious figure tied to the ancient Silk Wielders
  • Expanded world with new biomes and secrets
  • Deeper combat mechanics and new abilities
  • New lore elements surrounding the Godseekers and the Hollow King

For a full rundown of everything known about Silksong — from character reveals to rumored story arcs — check out our comprehensive Silksong guide, updated ahead of launch.

Final Thoughts: The Wait Is Part of the Journey

In an era of leak culture, influencer hype, and premature reviews, Team Cherry’s decision to hold back on early codes feels revolutionary.

It’s not a sign of insecurity — it’s a declaration of trust. Trust in the story. Trust in the players. And most of all, trust in the silence before the music begins.

On September 4th, the Kingdom will awaken.

And for the first time in years, every soul who’s ever walked its winding halls will hear the same sound:

“The Knight has returned.”

🔗 Stay tuned for our full launch-day review, and join us in the comments to share your first impression when Silksong finally drops.

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