After years of near silence and delays, Hollow Knight: Silksong is finally stepping into the public eye — and not just with a trailer or teaser, but with a playable build. Starting September 18, 2025, the long-anticipated follow-up to Team Cherry’s breakout indie hit will be featured in a hands-on exhibit at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) in Melbourne. As part of ACMI’s “Game Worlds” exhibition, this marks the first time fans will be able to control Hornet in any public setting.
A Rare First Look: What Will Be Playable?
Attendees can expect to experience slices of gameplay, including platforming areas and at least one boss battle, carefully selected to showcase Silksong’s evolved combat, expanded movement system, and striking hand-drawn visuals. While the content is curated specifically for the exhibition, it’s far more than just a teaser — this is actual gameplay that hints at the game’s near-final form.
ACMI’s exhibit is more than a demo kiosk. It’s an artistic showcase that includes concept art, sprite sheets, development notes, and insight into Team Cherry’s creative process. Visitors will get a look at how Silksong’s animations are crafted frame-by-frame and how its haunting environments and characters came to life.
Why ACMI? And Why Now?
The decision to debut a playable version in Melbourne is a full-circle moment for Team Cherry, the Adelaide-based studio behind the Hollow Knight franchise. ACMI, a renowned institution for digital culture and storytelling, has a long history of celebrating the artistic merits of gaming — and it’s previously featured major works from other acclaimed indie developers.
Historically, games showcased in ACMI exhibits are either complete or close to finished. That detail alone has sparked speculation among fans that Silksong could be further along than the public realizes — possibly even ready for release later in 2025. The term “playable” used in ACMI’s announcement isn’t necessarily synonymous with “limited demo” either. Some believe this may be a sign that the final game is being quietly polished for launch.
Still No Official Release Date, But Signs Are Encouraging
Despite this exciting reveal, Team Cherry has yet to pin down a firm release date. Silksong remains officially scheduled for a 2025 launch, and all eyes are now turning to the Xbox Games Showcase on June 8. It’s widely expected that Microsoft, which previously confirmed Silksong would hit Xbox Game Pass on day one, will use the stage to drop a new trailer, a release window, or — if we’re lucky — a definitive launch date.
A Melbourne-Only Experience (For Now)
Unfortunately for most fans, this is a geographically limited opportunity. The ACMI event is exclusive to Melbourne and runs as part of a broader interactive gaming exhibition. There’s no indication yet that this playable build will be made available online or brought to other venues like PAX or Gamescom.
Still, the fact that Silksong is now out in the wild — even in a controlled setting — signals a turning point. After years of teases, delays, and anxious community speculation, we’re finally getting a tangible step toward release. This ACMI exhibit may be the first domino to fall in a much larger marketing rollout to come.
For fans who’ve waited patiently since Silksong’s announcement in 2019, the message is clear: the game is real, it’s playable, and the end of the wait might finally be in sight.
Key Takeaways
- Hollow Knight: Silksong will have its first playable demo at the ACMI museum in Melbourne starting September 18, 2025.
- The demo will feature protagonist Hornet and select boss battles as part of the “Game Worlds” exhibition.
- Team Cherry chose their home country of Australia for this significant public showcase of their highly anticipated metroidvania sequel.
First Public Demo of Hollow Knight: Silksong at ACMI
Fans of the highly anticipated metroidvania sequel will finally get hands-on experience with Silksong at a prestigious Australian cultural institution. The playable demo marks the first public opportunity to experience Team Cherry’s follow-up to their critically acclaimed indie hit.
Details of the Game Worlds Exhibition
The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) in Melbourne will host Hollow Knight: Silksong as part of its “Game Worlds” exhibition beginning September 18, 2025. This major exhibition celebrates innovative game design and storytelling in video games.
The exhibition will run for several months at the Melbourne museum, featuring multiple interactive installations. Silksong will be one of the centerpiece attractions, with dedicated play stations available for visitors.
Game Worlds aims to showcase the artistic and cultural significance of video games in contemporary media. Visitors can expect a curated experience that contextualizes Silksong alongside other groundbreaking indie titles that have shaped the medium.
Tickets for the exhibition will be available through ACMI’s website, with both general admission and special exhibition-only options.
Playable Features in the Demo
The Silksong demo will showcase protagonist Hornet’s unique movement abilities and combat style. Players can explore several early-game environments that highlight the game’s intricate level design and atmospheric worldbuilding.
The demo includes:
- Two playable areas with distinct enemies and environmental challenges
- One major boss battle showcasing the refined combat system
- Multiple weapons and abilities for Hornet’s arsenal
- New game mechanics not present in the original Hollow Knight
Team Cherry has carefully designed the demo to give players a taste of Silksong’s gameplay without revealing too many story elements. The demo version runs on Nintendo Switch hardware, matching the platform where many fans first experienced the original game.
Early reports suggest the demo maintains the tight controls and fluid movement that made the original Hollow Knight so beloved.
ACMI’s Role in the Indie Games Community
ACMI has established itself as a key supporter of independent game development in Australia. The Melbourne-based institution regularly features indie games in its exhibitions and educational programs.
The selection of Hollow Knight: Silksong for the Game Worlds exhibition reinforces ACMI’s commitment to celebrating Australian-made games on an international stage. Team Cherry, based in Adelaide, represents one of Australia’s most successful indie game studios.
“We’re thrilled to offer the first playable demo of Silksong,” an ACMI representative stated. “Supporting local developers is central to our mission.”
The museum has previously hosted game design workshops and industry networking events. Their partnership with Team Cherry continues this tradition of fostering connections between creators and audiences.
For indie developers, having work featured at ACMI provides valuable exposure to both gaming enthusiasts and cultural audiences who might not typically engage with video games.
About Team Cherry and Hollow Knight: Silksong
Team Cherry, the small indie studio from Adelaide, South Australia, has created one of the most anticipated sequels in gaming history. Their meticulous approach to game design and stunning artistic vision has earned them a dedicated fanbase eagerly awaiting Silksong’s release.
Development and Design Philosophy
Team Cherry consists of just three core developers – Ari Gibson, William Pellen, and Jack Vine – who have maintained an unwavering commitment to quality over speed. Their development process for Silksong has been notoriously methodical, with years passing since the initial announcement in 2019.
The South Australian-made game began as planned DLC for the original Hollow Knight but evolved into a full-fledged sequel due to the expanding scope and ambition. Team Cherry’s design philosophy centers on:
- Player discovery rather than excessive handholding
- Challenging but fair combat systems
- Environmental storytelling that rewards exploration
- Tight, responsive controls that feel satisfying
Despite being a small studio, they refuse to compromise their vision, preferring to take their time rather than rush an incomplete product.
Introduction to Protagonist Hornet
Hornet, who appeared as a mysterious antagonist and later ally in the original Hollow Knight, takes center stage in Silksong. Unlike the Knight from the first game, Hornet is:
- A fully-voiced character with established personality
- More agile and acrobatic in movement
- Armed with silk-based abilities for combat and traversal
- Connected to the lore as protector of Hallownest
Her distinctive design features a red cloak and needle weapon, making her instantly recognizable. Players who encountered her boss battles in the original game experienced her speed and precision firsthand.
Hornet’s journey takes place in a new kingdom called Pharloom, where she must ascend rather than descend as in the original game.
Artistic Direction and Metroidvania Legacy
Silksong maintains the hand-drawn aesthetic that made Hollow Knight visually striking while introducing new environments and color palettes. The art style blends:
- Gothic architecture with natural landscapes
- Muted backgrounds with vibrant character designs
- Fluid animation that brings characters to life
- Distinctive silhouettes that aid gameplay readability
As a metroidvania, Silksong continues the tradition of interconnected world design where new abilities unlock previously inaccessible areas. The game expands on this legacy with vertical exploration becoming more prominent.
Team Cherry’s attention to detail extends to the soundtrack, with composer Christopher Larkin returning to create musical themes that enhance the atmospheric world. Every visual and audio element works together to create a cohesive, immersive experience.
Release Date, Platforms, and Community Expectations
The highly anticipated Hollow Knight: Silksong has fans counting down to its 2025 arrival. While Team Cherry has remained tight-lipped about specific details, several key pieces of information have emerged regarding when players can get their hands on the game and where they’ll be able to play it.
Expected Launch Date and Release Timeline
Hollow Knight: Silksong is officially slated for release sometime in 2025, though Team Cherry has not announced a specific launch date. The September 2025 playable demo at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image gives fans a timeline reference point, suggesting the full game may arrive in late 2025.
Industry analysts speculate the release might follow shortly after the demo, potentially in Q4 2025. This timing would allow Team Cherry to incorporate final feedback from the ACMI exhibition.
The extended development period (following the original game’s 2017 release) indicates Team Cherry’s commitment to quality over rushed deadlines—a philosophy that earned them praise with the original Hollow Knight.
Supported Platforms: Switch, PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Hollow Knight: Silksong will launch across multiple platforms, ensuring wide accessibility for fans. The confirmed platforms include:
- Nintendo Switch and Switch 2
- PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4
- Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One
- PC (via Steam and other digital storefronts)
The inclusion of both current and previous generation consoles shows Team Cherry’s dedication to reaching players regardless of their gaming hardware.
This multi-platform approach differs from the original Hollow Knight, which initially launched only on PC before later expanding to consoles. The simultaneous release across platforms suggests increased publishing support for the sequel.
Anticipation and Early Reviews
The Hollow Knight community’s excitement has reached fever pitch with the announcement of the playable demo at ACMI. Social media channels and gaming forums buzz with speculation about Hornet’s abilities and the new world design.
Industry insiders who glimpsed early builds have praised Silksong’s improved combat mechanics and visual design. The switch to Hornet as protagonist brings a faster, more acrobatic gameplay style compared to the Knight from the original game.
Fan expectations are extraordinarily high following the original’s critical acclaim. Hollow Knight received near-universal praise for its art direction, challenging gameplay, and immersive world-building—setting a high bar for Silksong to clear.
Those lucky enough to attend the ACMI exhibition will likely provide the first public hands-on impressions of the game’s quality and scope.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fans have many questions about the upcoming Hollow Knight: Silksong demo at ACMI’s Game Worlds exhibition. Team Cherry has provided some details while keeping others secret to maintain excitement for the long-awaited sequel.
What content can we expect in the Hollow Knight: Silksong demo at the ACMI ‘Game Worlds’ exhibition?
The demo will feature playable sections starring protagonist Hornet. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience selected boss battles that showcase Hornet’s unique combat abilities.
Team Cherry has designed the demo to give players a taste of the game’s atmosphere and mechanics without revealing too much of the story. The demo is expected to highlight Hornet’s silk-based abilities and her more aggressive fighting style compared to the Knight from the original game.
Are there particular requirements or passes needed to access the Silksong demo at the exhibition?
Standard admission to the Game Worlds exhibition at the National Museum of Screen Culture will grant access to the Silksong demo. No special passes have been announced at this time.
Visitors may need to reserve time slots due to anticipated high demand. The museum might implement a queue system during peak hours to ensure all attendees get a chance to play.
How long will the Hollow Knight: Silksong demo be available to the public at the ACMI event?
The Silksong demo will be available starting September 18, 2025, as part of the Game Worlds exhibition. The full duration hasn’t been officially confirmed, but the exhibition is expected to run for several months.
This aligns with Team Cherry’s announced 2025 release window for the complete game. The timing suggests the game may launch shortly after or even during the exhibition period.
What has Team Cherry revealed about the gameplay mechanics for Hornet in the upcoming Silksong demo?
Team Cherry has confirmed that Hornet will feature entirely different gameplay mechanics from the Knight in the original Hollow Knight. Her movements are more fluid and acrobatic, with an emphasis on speed and agility.
The demo will showcase Hornet’s silk abilities, which function differently from the soul-based abilities in the original game. Players will get to experience her unique combat style, focused on quick strikes and strategic use of silk-based tools and traps.
Can attendees expect any special events or presentations related to Silksong during the ACMI exhibition?
While not officially confirmed, industry experts anticipate developer talks or Q&A sessions with Team Cherry members during the exhibition run. The Australian studio’s proximity to the Melbourne venue makes special appearances more feasible.
The museum may host themed days or special events celebrating the long-awaited sequel. Possible events could include cosplay gatherings, art displays, or music performances featuring Silksong’s soundtrack.
Has Team Cherry provided any information on how the demo experience will influence the final version of Hollow Knight: Silksong?
Team Cherry has not explicitly stated how player feedback from the demo might affect the final game. However, the studio has a history of being receptive to community input.
The timing of the demo, which comes after years of development, suggests the game is in late-stage development. Any feedback would likely influence balancing tweaks and bug fixes rather than major design changes at this point in development.
