Reevaluating a Key Hollow Knight Feature in Silksong: A Compelling Argument

Article Key Points

Hollow Knight: Silksong is highly anticipated by fans of the original game, and expectations are high for it to build on the strengths of its predecessor.

Hollow Knight's map system is often considered inconvenient, and players are hoping for improvements in the upcoming sequel, Silksong, to make it more user-friendly and efficient.

Ideas for enhancing the map mechanics in Silksong involve enabling the main character to purchase maps prior to entering new regions, gradually revealing the map instead of unveiling it all at once, and finding a delicate equilibrium between offering information and preserving the excitement of exploration.

Fans eagerly await the release of Hollow Knight: Silksong, despite its uncertain release date. As the highly anticipated sequel to the beloved indie metroidvania game Hollow Knight, Silksong is a hot topic of discussion in the gaming community whenever a major presentation takes place. Hollow Knight captivated players with its impressive gameplay and dark, whimsical world, and the anticipation for Silksong builds upon these strengths.

When Silksong finally launches, players will control Hornet, the princess-protector of Hallownest and a rival from the first game. Her character is expected to bring fast-paced combat and preserve the platforming elements that were instrumental to the original's success. While Silksong will introduce various changes, there are certain aspects that should stay the same. However, there is one game mechanic that some players desire to be modified in the sequel. Silksong has the potential to evoke the same sense of awe and exploration as its predecessor, but it may benefit from a revamped approach to mapping these discoveries.

Why Hollow Knight's Map Could Use Some Changes

How Hollow Knight's Map is Gained and Used

One aspect of Hollow Knight that has sparked controversy is its approach to mapping. Initially, players are left without a map, despite the presence of button shortcuts and a menu screen hinting at its existence. Uncovering and completing maps is a significant element in the metroidvania genre, as seen in Castlevania and Metroid, where the percentage of map coverage is often considered a measure of progress. While Hollow Knight deliberately instills a sense of mystery and aimlessness in its vast world, alternative methods could have been employed for a more effective experience.

How Hollow Knight's Map is Gained and Used

What Hollow Knight: Silksong Can Do To Improve Its Maps

In order to obtain a map, players must first locate the NPC Cornifer. He can be found in most areas before a local boss or objective is cleared. Purchasing his maps is necessary, and if he happens to leave, players will need to backtrack to Dirtmouth to purchase the map of a specific area from Cornifer's wife, Iselda. Iselda is the sole merchant in Hollow Knight who sells a Quill, enabling players to complete Cornifer's maps themselves. The rooms the Knight has explored will only fill out on the next Bench they sit at, and each map icon must be purchased individually. To complicate matters further, players can only view their precise location if they buy and fill a Charm Slot with the Wayward Compass. In short, it can be quite inconvenient.

In Hollow Knight: Silksong, the process of mapmaking could be significantly improved. Currently, it is a time-consuming task that hinders exploration and leaves players unsure of their location, even after venturing several rooms into a new region. However, a more efficient approach could be implemented in the game. As Hornet embarks on her journey without a map, she could have the option to purchase maps for upcoming areas in Pharloom, a bustling civilization. Along with the first map, she should also receive the Quill, enabling her to update the map in real-time. Additionally, it would greatly enhance the gameplay experience if the Wayward Compass and every map icon could be activated from the beginning. These improvements would undoubtedly enhance the overall gameplay experience in Hollow Knight: Silksong.

Toning down the itemization of maps is a simple task, but the process of completing them should be handled with care. In order to preserve the challenging nature of Hollow Knight, it is important not to fill out rooms as soon as Hornet enters them. Instead, a balanced approach can be taken where areas that Hornet has explored would be marked on the map, but only if she sits at a Bench would the entire room be recorded. This way, players will have a sense of their current location without having their surroundings and possible paths revealed before they have a chance to explore. By striking this balance, the maps in Hollow Knight: Silksong will provide just the right amount of assistance, encouraging players to delve deeper into the expanded world of the sequel.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Franchise Hollow KnightPlatform(s) PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, PC, macOS, LinuxDeveloper(s) Team CherryPublisher(s) Team CherryGenre(s) Metroidvania

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of Hollow Knight, I am eagerly anticipating the release of Silksong and the improvements it will bring to the exploration experience. The map system in Hollow Knight was often a source of frustration for players, as it required backtracking and purchasing multiple items in order to fully understand their location.

In Silksong, I hope to see a more streamlined and user-friendly approach to mapping, allowing players to purchase maps prior to entering new regions and gradually revealing the map as they explore. This would eliminate the need for backtracking and make it easier for players to keep track of their progress. Overall, I believe that these changes would greatly enhance the exploration experience in Silksong and make it a more enjoyable game for fans.