When is the first DLC of Hollow Knight: Silksong coming out?
Many fans are wondering if the anticipated successor Silksong will receive subsequent expansions (DLC), and when the first one might be launched. In this guide, we explore everything that is known so far, the studio’s hints, historical decisions, and what we can expect from post-launch content.
Context: from DLC to full game
The origin of Silksong is linked to the planned expansion of the first Hollow Knight. Initially, Silksong was conceived as a DLC focused on the character Hornet, but as development progressed, its scale and ambition grew to transform it into a standalone and complete game. This evolution alters expectations about how and when a DLC might appear. It is no longer simply about expanding an existing base, but about building additional content for an independent main title.
The launch of Silksong and the first statements
Hollow Knight: Silksong is scheduled for release on September 4, 2025, on multiple platforms. The responsible studio, Team Cherry, has revealed that even before the launch they have plans for additional content beyond the base game. In recent interviews, the project leaders indicated that they already have a roadmap for what comes after the launch.
«The most interesting thing now is what we can add afterward. We have a plan… some of those ideas are ambitious, but we hope to be able to realize them.»
These statements do not commit to specific dates, but they do indicate that the studio clearly sees the path toward future expansions, which fuels speculation about when the first DLC might arrive.
Factors influencing the release of the first DLC
1. Priority on optimization and post-launch fixes
Once Silksong is in the hands of players, the studio will need to fix bugs, adjust balance, work on localization, and address community feedback. That will be their main focus before launching expansions. Until they achieve a stable and polished version, the DLC will not have immediate priority.
2. Independent development cycle and limited resources
Team Cherry is a small studio that has proven to be meticulous and patient. Their previous releases show that they prefer to take the necessary time to deliver quality rather than rush. Therefore, a subsequent DLC could take months or even more than a year to plan, develop, and polish.
3. Volume of planned content
The team’s statements suggest that this is not minor content: many of the ideas are ambitious. If the expansions are of considerable scope — for example, new biomes, bosses, and mechanics — this will delay their delivery.
4. Strategic timing and marketing
From a commercial standpoint, launching the first DLC months after the premiere can help revitalize interest, attract new players, or promote re-releases. Team Cherry could aim for favorable windows of the year or symbolic dates to maximize impact.
Speculations on possible dates
Although there is no official confirmation of a specific date, it is possible to make informed estimates by combining the above factors with industry precedents.
Conservative scenario (12 to 24 months later)
It is likely that the first DLC will arrive between one and two years after the launch. This timeframe would allow for establishing the game’s foundation, gathering player feedback, polishing, and planning substantial content, in addition to preparing an appropriate launch campaign.
Moderate scenario (6 to 12 months later)
If Team Cherry prioritizes content expansion from day one, a minor DLC could appear within the first year. However, given the scale of the project, this option seems less likely if high standards of quality are to be maintained.
Aggressive scenario (less than 6 months)
This scenario is less realistic for an independent studio with limited resources, but it cannot be completely ruled out if part of the content is already prepared prior to launch. If there are partially ready modules, they could be activated relatively soon after the premiere.
What precedents in the genre tell us
Examining how other independent titles or similar Metroidvanias have handled DLC helps to calibrate expectations:
| Game / Studio | Time between launch and first DLC | Type of DLC | Relevant notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hollow Knight (Team Cherry) | N/A (did not receive direct DLC) | No large expansion | Post-launch content was free (modes and updates) |
| Ori and the Will of the Wisps | ~9 months | Expansion of additional content | New missions and narrative improvements are added |
| Dead Cells | ~6 months | Level packs | Modular and lightweight additional content |
| Salt and Sanctuary | ~12 months | New maps and weapons | DLC with extensive content and world expansion |
These examples show that expansion timelines vary, but independent studios often wait at least half a year before rolling out significant additional content.
What to expect from the first DLC of Silksong
Based on official statements and community expectations, these are the elements that could appear in the first DLC:
- A new biome or completely new area with unprecedented enemies.
- One or more additional thematic bosses with unique mechanics.
- Supplementary tools or abilities that expand exploration.
- Secondary quests or storylines that complement the main story.
- Aesthetic content (skins, visual enhancements) or extra difficulty modes.
The DLC could come as free content for existing players or as a paid expansion, depending on Team Cherry’s strategy. It is also likely that the DLC will be retroactively accessible to all users without dividing the player base.
Risks and potential delays
Although there are plans, we cannot rule out that the first DLC may face setbacks. Among the most important risks are:
- Technical unforeseen events or critical bugs that delay development.
- The need to dedicate more time to the base version if significant flaws arise.
- Planning misalignments if the expansion requires major revisions.
- External factors, such as changes in studio personnel or market priorities.
Therefore, any estimated date should be taken with caution until there is an official announcement.
Summary of estimated scenarios
To help you visualize the possibilities, here is a summary of the estimated scenarios:
Aggressive scenario: DLC within 3 to 6 months.
Moderate scenario: DLC between 6 and 12 months.
Conservative scenario: DLC between 12 and 24 months or more.
Among these, the moderate scenario (6-12 months) seems the most realistic considering the size of the project, the studio’s resources, and the quality they typically seek.
Conclusion: when is a realistic release for the first DLC?
In summary, **there is no confirmed date** for the first DLC of Hollow Knight: Silksong as of the moment of the base game’s launch. However, the team has indicated their intentions for expansion, making it very likely that we will see additional content at some point after the premiere.
Taking into account development factors, genre precedents, and the studio’s statements, a sensible estimate would place that first notable DLC between **6 and 12 months** after the launch. In optimistic scenarios, it could arrive in less time, although that will depend on the degree of prior progress and available resources.
I recommend keeping an eye on official announcements from the studio, as only they will confirm when that DLC will be a concrete reality and not mere speculation.