4 Games I’ve Been Playing While Desperately Waiting for Hollow Knight: Silksong

Hollow Knight: Silksong has long been one of the most anticipated releases in gaming history, earning a reputation as the “indie Grand Theft Auto VI.” After seven years of rumors, leaks, and endless speculation, Team Cherry finally ended the silence at Gamescom, announcing a September 4th release date. In the meantime, I’ve found myself searching for games that can capture even a fraction of what made Hollow Knight special: tight, challenging combat, mysterious worlds, and that wonderful sense of discovery through exploration.

Waiting for Hollow Knight: Silksong has become a shared experience among its fan base. Equal parts hope and frustration have kept the excitement alive. This has pushed me to look elsewhere. Metroidvanias, action platformers, and more have filled the absence Team Cherry has left. Here are four games I’ve been playing to help pass the time until Silksong finally arrives.

4) Nine Sols

Nine Sols was first revealed in 2022 and was ultimately released on May 29, 2024, instantly evoking similarities to Hollow Knight. It featured a gorgeous art style that was familiar yet distinct and combined precision platforming with soulslike combat. A notable aspect was the parry mechanic, borrowed from Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, that made each fight feel tense and deliberate. Mastering timing and enemy attack patterns became central to succeeding in Nine Sols.

But the most compelling part of Nine Sols is its narrative and world. It takes place in an Asian futuristic fantasy world described as Taopunk by developer Red Candle. Players dive into an atmosphere of mystery, uncovering the game’s lore and secrets with each area and boss they encounter. Nine Sols is available on Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and is the perfect way to pass the time until Hollow Knight: Silksong.

3) Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound

A newer release and not a Metroidvania, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound satisfies the desire for Hollow Knight: Silksong. This title was developed by The Game Kitchen, who created the Metroidvania Blasphemous, and the genre’s DNA can be felt in this action platformer. The Game Kitchen has transformed Ninja Gaiden’s lightning-fast movement and brutal difficulty from 3D to 2D, and this is a challenge all Hollow Knight fans should experience.

Like Hollow Knight, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound demands absolute focus. While it does not have the same sense of exploration, its combat and platforming are deliberate and challenging, but so satisfying once you master them. The intensity had me returning time and time again, much like challenging some bosses in Hollow Knight over and over again until I overcame the impossible odds. Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound can be found on Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5.

2) Rogue Prince of Persia

The Rogue Prince of Persia was a pleasant surprise after Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. Unlike The Lost Crown, Ubisoft’s next entry ditches the Metroidvania aspects and leans into the roguelike action platformer aspects. In this way, it feels similar to Dead Cells, another acclaimed indie title. Whereas Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound focuses on hardcore combat, The Rogue Prince of Persia leans into the platforming aspects of these genres.

The fluid movement is incredible: wall running, acrobatic leaps, and parkour combos give The Rogue Prince of Persia a satisfying rhythm. While it focuses less on combat, it still demands your attention. But the exploration is the most important aspect. It’s roguelike and procedurally generated levels ensure every run offers something new. Branching paths and hidden upgrades kept me coming back for one run after another. The Rogue Prince of Persia can be played on can be found on Nintendo Switch & 2, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5.

1) Hollow Knight

Of course, when all else fails, I just go back to the original Hollow Knight. It never loses its magic, no matter how many times I play it. Returning to Hallownest, the melancholic soundtrack, and the seamless world design remind me why I fell in love with Hollow Knight in the first place. And this sentiment is shared, as Hollow Knight doubled its peak player count after Hollow Knight: Silksong’s release date was revealed.

Replaying Hollow Knight both soothes my impatience for Silksong and reignites. Revisiting the White Palace and challenging the Mantis Lords makes me wonder how Team Cherry will top Hollow Knight. How will Hornet’s mobility change exploration? What new abilities will she use, and how will Hollow Knight: Silksong’s new kingdom compare to Hallownest? These are all important questions fans will get answers to on September 4th. In the meantime, Hollow Knight is on Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5.