Kickstarter Backers have been wondering if they’ll get to play Hollow Knight Silksong early, especially after years of waiting for the sequel. With Team Cherry finally confirming a release date, the buzz around how and when players will get access has only grown stronger.
Many early supporters are hopeful that their backing will be rewarded with exclusive perks, like early access or special in-game bonuses. That is why I was glad to see this game finally appear at Gamescom 2025, as it felt like the perfect stage to highlight how backers might be treated going forward.
Do Backers Get a Head Start With Hollow Knight Silksong?
No, unlike most high-profile releases where critics and select outlets get their hands on a game before launch, Team Cherry has made it clear that Silksong won’t be coming early to anyone. According to journalist Jason Schreier, the studio doesn’t plan to send out early codes to reviewers at all. The reasoning is that they don’t think it would be fair for media or influencers to play the game before those who originally supported them through Kickstarter.
That means Kickstarter backers aren’t being left out or overlooked in fact, they’re part of the reason behind this decision. The developers want backers and everyday players to experience the game fresh, all at the same time, without seeing reviews or streams spoiling the surprises ahead of launch.
Why This Matters for Backers
This approach flips the usual release script. Normally, players would see reviews days before release, with critics breaking down what works and what doesn’t. For Silksong, though, Kickstarter backers won’t just avoid spoilers, they’ll step into the game alongside the rest of the community on day one.
It also means backers won’t receive a special early-access window. They’ll get the game when everyone else does, on September 4, 2025. While that might disappoint some who hoped for exclusive perks, others see it as a way of protecting the experience. No one gets to race ahead, and no one has to risk the story being spoiled before they even launch the game.
What Players Can Expect on the Launch Day of Hollow Knight Silksong
With no reviews dropping beforehand, the previews we already have might be the last real insight into Silksong before release. Impressions so far describe it as familiar but refined, staying true to Hollow Knight’s core while tweaking systems enough to keep it feeling new.
So, Kickstarter backers won’t be slipping in early, but they will be part of a global release moment that levels the playing field. Whether you’re someone who pledged years ago or just now wishlisting the game on Steam, you’ll be diving into Hollow Knight Silksong the same day as everyone else.
