Hollow Knight Silksong Expansion - TheStrategicpost

By Saad, Business Executive & Advertising/Design Development Lead

The Wait is Finally Over (Again)

Just when we thought the hype cycle had settled following the massive September launch of Hollow Knight: Silksong, Team Cherry has pulled us back in. In a breaking announcement that has already crashed storefronts and set Reddit ablaze, the Australian developers have officially unveiled the first major Hollow Knight Silksong expansion: Sea of Sorrow.

For years, the conversation was simply “when will Silksong release?” Now that we have the base game in our hands—and with over 7 million copies sold since September—the conversation has shifted. The Silksong Sea of Sorrow DLC promises to be a massive, nautically-themed addition to Hornet’s journey in Pharloom. And in true Team Cherry fashion, the details are generous, the art is stunning, and the price tag is non-existent.

Here is your complete guide to the upcoming Silksong DLC, the Sea of Sorrow, and what this means for the future of the franchise in 2026.

What is the ‘Sea of Sorrow’ Expansion?

The Hollow Knight Silksong Sea of Sorrow expansion is the first official content update for the sequel. According to Team Cherry’s December 2025 blog post, this expansion will open up a previously inaccessible region of Pharloom, focusing on a deep, underwater ecosystem.

Key Features of the Expansion:

Nautical Theme: Unlike the vertical ascent of the base game, this expansion seems to explore the depths. The teaser trailer showcases flooded grottos, coral-encrusted ruins, and new aquatic enemy types.
New Tools and Mechanics: Hornet will reportedly gain access to new tools specifically designed for underwater traversal and combat, adding a fresh layer of complexity to the game’s movement tech.
New Bosses: The announcement teased at least three new major bosses, including a colossal sea serpent that appears to be a “raid-level” encounter.

Expert Insight: “This move mirrors the ‘Godmaster’ and ‘Grimm Troupe’ updates from the original game. Team Cherry understands that player retention isn’t driven by paid microtransactions, but by substantial, high-quality content updates that keep the community engaged for years.”

Release Date and Pricing: When Can We Play?

The most shocking part of the announcement wasn’t just the existence of the Silksong DLC, but the business model behind it.

Release Window

Team Cherry has confirmed a 2026 release window for Sea of Sorrow. While no specific month was given, the studio’s track record suggests they will release it “when it’s ready,” likely aiming for the first half of the year to maintain momentum from the 2025 holiday season.

Price: Free for Everyone

In a move that defies modern industry trends, the Hollow Knight Silksong expansion will be completely free for all players on all platforms (PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch).

Why Free? This strategy builds immense goodwill and “trust capital” with the audience. By treating the expansion as a value-add rather than a cash grab, Team Cherry ensures that Silksong remains a top-seller well into 2026.

The Switch 2 Connection: A Double Whammy

Alongside the Silksong Sea of Sorrow news, Team Cherry dropped another bombshell: the original Hollow Knight is getting a dedicated Nintendo Switch 2 edition in 2026.

This updated version will feature:

High Frame-Rate Modes: Likely targeting 120fps.
Enhanced Resolution: 4K support for docked mode.
Graphical Overhauls: New particle effects and lighting that bring the original game closer to Silksong’s visual fidelity.

If you own the original on Switch, this upgrade will also be free. This cross-promotion suggests that the Sea of Sorrow expansion might launch alongside the Switch 2 hardware or the updated original game.

Silksong by the Numbers: An Industry Phenomenon

To understand why this Silksong expansion is such a big deal, we have to look at the numbers.

7 Million Copies Sold: In just three months (Sept–Dec 2025), Silksong has moved 7 million units. This makes it one of the most successful indie launches in history.
Xbox Game Pass Effect: Millions more have played via Game Pass, yet Steam sales remain record-breaking. This proves that high-quality games can thrive in subscription models without cannibalizing retail sales.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Do not assume the DLC will be automatically downloaded. Like previous Team Cherry updates, you may need to manually trigger the update or visit a specific NPC in-game (rumored to be near the “Bone Bottom” docks) to activate the DLC questline.

Practical Tips for Preparing for Sea of Sorrow

Since the expansion is set for 2026, you have time to prepare. Here is how to get your save file ready:

Finish the Main Story: It is highly likely that Sea of Sorrow will be post-game content or require access to late-game areas. Ensure you have beaten the final boss of the base game.
Collect All Tools: The new underwater mechanics will likely synergize with existing tools. Max out your tool inventory now.
Hone Your Movement: Underwater levels in Metroidvanias are notoriously difficult. Practice your pogo-jumping and dash-canceling to ensure your reflexes are sharp.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is the Sea of Sorrow expansion free? A: Yes, Team Cherry has confirmed that the Silksong Sea of Sorrow expansion will be free for all players on all platforms.

Q: When is the Hollow Knight Silksong DLC coming out? A: The expansion is scheduled for release in 2026. No specific date has been announced yet.

Q: Do I need to finish Silksong to play the DLC? A: While not confirmed, it is recommended. Most expansions of this nature (like Godmaster) require reaching specific late-game areas or completing the main campaign.

Q: Will Sea of Sorrow come to Xbox Game Pass? A: Yes, since the base game is on Game Pass, the update will be pushed to the Game Pass version simultaneously with other platforms.

Q: Is “Sea of Sorrow” the only planned DLC? A: Currently, it is the only announced expansion. However, given Hollow Knight’s history of four free content packs, it is possible we could see more in the future.

Q: Is Silksong out yet? A: Yes! Hollow Knight: Silksong was released on September 4, 2025.

A New Depth to Explore

The announcement of Hollow Knight Silksong: Sea of Sorrow proves that Team Cherry is not resting on their laurels. In an industry often plagued by paid battle passes and unfinished launches, their commitment to free, expansive content is a breath of fresh air.

As we look toward 2026, the question isn’t just “is the DLC good?”—it’s “how deep does the rabbit hole go?” If the base game is any indication, the Sea of Sorrow will drown us in hours of challenging, beautiful gameplay. Sharpen your needles, wearers of the cloak; we are going back to Pharloom.

External Sources (For Reference Only):