Xbox confirms Silksong hands-on demo for Gamescom

Silksong will be playable at Gamescom 2025

After years of anticipation, Hollow Knight: Silksong will finally be playable by the public for the first time at Gamescom 2025.

Microsoft confirmed that attendees can try a hands-on demo at the Xbox booth. Running from August 20 to 24 in Cologne, Germany, this marks a milestone moment for fans eager to experience Team Cherry’s long-awaited indie sequel firsthand.

It’s also a sign the game is inching closer to completion after years of radio silence.

The demo confirms Silksong’s 2025 release plan

The demo confirms Silksong is on track for release in 2025, most likely before the holiday season, according to recent developer statements.

It comes after multiple delays and long periods without updates. With marketing momentum now building, including this Gamescom appearance, fans and critics alike believe an official release announcement is just around the corner.

It will run on PC and new Xbox handhelds

Attendees can play Silksong on PCs and the newly announced ROG Xbox Ally X, Microsoft’s handheld console, which was made in partnership with ASUS. These devices are designed to deliver high-end Xbox and Windows experiences in a portable format.

This dual showcase will test how Silksong handles handhelds and highlight Microsoft’s commitment to portable gaming, directly challenging rivals like Steam Deck and Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2.

Hornet is finally ready for the spotlight

In Silksong, players take on the role of Hornet, a fan-favorite character from the original Hollow Knight. Her moveset is faster and more acrobatic, and her combat style introduces new mechanics like mid-air combos and needle-based weapons.

The demo will let players feel the difference firsthand. For longtime fans, it’s a thrilling evolution. Hornet offers a refreshing twist on the classic Metroidvania platforming formula for newcomers, with increased speed, agility, and personality.

Silksong headlines a star-studded Xbox lineup

Silksong is part of an impressive Gamescom lineup that includes Ninja Gaiden 4, Borderlands 4, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, and Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater. These titles reflect a blend of indie creativity and blockbuster appeal.

But Silksong stands out as a symbol of indie prestige, promising deep exploration and masterful platforming. It’s a bold inclusion showing Xbox is betting on legacy franchises and fan-driven anticipation.

Fans will also test Xbox’s new handhelds

Microsoft’s ROG Ally and Ally X are more than just hardware announcements; they’re centerpieces of Xbox’s Gamescom booth. Silksong is among the first games to be demoed on these new devices, which boast impressive specs for handhelds.

Visitors can compare performance, responsiveness, and form factor. This gives players an authentic taste of Xbox’s future hardware vision: a gaming ecosystem that spans consoles, PCs, and now, competitive handhelds, without losing fidelity or control precision.

Gamescom attendees get exclusive early access

The Cologne event, known as the world’s largest gaming expo by public attendance, offers diehard fans a rare privilege: playing Silksong before its official release. Team Cherry has kept gameplay footage under wraps for years, so this hands-on access is a big deal.

It also creates buzz for online viewers, as influencers, journalists, and fans will post reactions and impressions, setting the tone for the game’s final marketing cycle as it nears its long-awaited debut.

Xbox will broadcast the demo for online viewers

Can’t make it to Cologne? No worries, Xbox has you covered. The Silksong demo and other gameplay reveals will be part of two official Gamescom broadcasts on August 20 and 21.\

Streaming on YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook, the broadcasts will offer gameplay footage, developer interviews, and exclusive reveals.

This is the perfect way for fans worldwide to get a glimpse of Silksong in action without needing to be on the convention floor.

Team Cherry remains quiet but confident

While Team Cherry is not attending Gamescom directly, their confidence in letting Xbox handle the demo suggests the studio is nearing the finish line. Team Cherry’s PR rep Leth confirmed earlier this year that the game was progressing well.

With a playable demo now ready and scheduled for multiple public showings, it’s clear the developers feel good about the current state of Silksong, even if they’re letting the gameplay speak for itself.

A second demo will follow in Australia

Not attending Gamescom? There’s still hope. The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) confirmed Silksong will also be playable at its “Game Worlds” exhibition starting September 18.

This marks the second public hands-on opportunity for the game in just one month. It’s unusual for such a long-awaited title to allow multiple demos so close together, further fueling speculation that the final release is just a few months away.

Silksong began as DLC, then evolved

Originally planned as a DLC expansion to the critically acclaimed Hollow Knight, Silksong eventually became a complete standalone sequel.

Its scope expanded significantly over the years, with Team Cherry adding new systems, environments, characters, and gameplay layers.

This journey from modest add-on to full game explains much of the delay and raises expectations for a deeper, more ambitious adventure that builds on the foundations of the first game while crafting something unique.

Over 165 new enemies will be featured

Silksong is confirmed to feature at least 165 new enemy types, up from over 150 in earlier statements. From giant beetles to mystical constructs, each foe is uniquely designed to challenge Hornet’s faster, more acrobatic combat style.

These enemies are central to the gameplay rhythm and the world’s story. Fans can expect a challenging, satisfying experience that will test reflexes and exploration skills as they adapt to dozens of enemy attack patterns and environmental hazards.

Combat will feel faster and more agile

Hornet’s gameplay marks a dramatic shift from the original game’s protagonist. With her agile movement, multi-hit combos, and acrobatic leaps, Silksong delivers a noticeably faster pace.

Healing also changes with the introduction of “Bind,” a quicker but riskier mechanic. Combined with unique tools and crafted bombs, the combat becomes a high-speed, risk-reward system that rewards aggressive, confident play.

Fans of precise, responsive action will likely find Hornet’s style thrilling and deeply satisfying.

Xbox Game Pass boosts Silksong’s visibility

Launching on Xbox Game Pass from day one gives Silksong a vast platform. With millions of subscribers, a massive global audience can try the game without purchasing it separately.

It’s a savvy move by both Team Cherry and Xbox, reflecting confidence in the game’s quality and potential reach.

For indie developers, Game Pass is proving to be a powerful tool for discovery, and Silksong could be the next breakout hit because of it.

Can big consoles still surprise us? Here’s why the PS6 and Xbox aren’t exactly raising pulses, at least not yet.

Silksong’s debut could be 2025’s top moment

If the demo lives up to the hype, Hollow Knight: Silksong could become one of 2025’s defining releases. It blends indie roots with AAA polish, delivers a sequel that pushes its genre forward, and returns with beloved characters and new challenges.

The Gamescom showcase is just the beginning. As reviews, reactions, and more footage surface, all eyes will be on Team Cherry’s masterpiece in the making, and the long wait may finally be worth it.

Want to see how Xbox is setting the stage for hits like Silksong? Their new cross-device features are quietly changing the game.

What do you think about the Xbox confirmation about the new video game, Silksong, for gamers? Please share your thoughts and drop a comment.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.