2025 has brought some amazing games. There’s Expedition 33, Death Stranding 2, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, and more. But the game that really stuck with me, the one that challenges your mind and makes you rethink what a game should feel like, is Hollow Knight: Silksong. It’s not just fun—it’s a masterclass in design.
Most Game of the Year contenders go big. They have massive worlds, cinematic cutscenes, and polished graphics. Silksong does the opposite. It cuts out everything extra and focuses on pure gameplay. Every fight, every movement, and every secret feels intentional.
The story and world in Silksong are quiet but rich. You don’t get all the answers at once. You explore, experiment, and slowly uncover the lore. Hornet, the new hero, plays completely differently from Hollow Knight. Her diagonal strikes, acrobatic moves, and aggressive healing make combat feel like a dance, not just another fight in a familiar kingdom.
Yes, the game is tough. Boss fights can be brutal, and levels can push you to the edge. But difficulty here isn’t a wall; it’s a conversation. You win by learning, observing, and reacting—not just having better stats. That sense of accomplishment when you finally beat a challenging boss or clear a tricky area is unforgettable. Silksong makes “git gud” feel rewarding instead of punishing.
Silksong also rewards curiosity like no other game. There are hidden areas, secret paths, and clever surprises everywhere. Nothing shouts at you with markers or hints. You explore, test, and discover on your own. This kind of design creates real obsession. You think about the game long after you stop playing, wondering what happens if you try this or go there.
It might not be the safest pick for everyone. It might not sell the most copies or be easy for casual players. But Silksong proves what a small, passionate team can achieve. Team Cherry shows that clever design and creativity can rival even the biggest budget games.
For 2025, Hollow Knight: Silksong is my pick for Game of the Year. It’s smart, challenging, and unforgettable.
What about you? Do you think Silksong deserves the crown, or is your GOTY someone else?
