Team Cherry has dropped the second patch for Hollow Knight: Silksong, but this time around, don’t expect any boss nerfs or balance changes. This update is all about bug fixes and cleaning up technical oddities.

Patch Breakdown: What’s Actually Changed

Unlike the first patch, which made some early-game bosses slightly easier, Update 2 leaves the difficulty untouched. According to Team Cherry, “Where the first patch dealt mainly with critical issues, this second one focuses on a few still remaining, while also cleaning up some bugs around specific tools.”

The devs made it clear there are no gameplay rebalances or difficulty tweaks this time. Instead, it’s a maintenance pass focused on stability and polish. Here’s what the patch addresses:

Boss Softlocks and Combat Glitches

  • Fixed issues like the Shaman Binding causing softlocks during downward transitions
  • Resolved Shrine Guardian Seth going out of bounds mid-fight
  • Corrected death sequences that desynced or played messily when a boss and player died simultaneously

Enemy Behavior Fixes

  • Savage Beastfly no longer floats under lava in Far Fields
  • Lugoli now returns to the fight instead of flying off-screen
  • Silk Snippers are less likely to get stuck outside the arena in the Chapel of the Reaper
  • Cogflies and Wisps won’t mis-target Skullwings or reset HP incorrectly
  • Pondcatcher Reed now exits the scene properly after performing its song

Tool Functionality

  • Break counter now works correctly with multi-hit tools like the Conchcutter
  • Volt Filament’s damage multiplier is now applied correctly for Silk Skills
  • Curveclaw no longer breaks immediately after being deflected
  • Plasmium Phial and Flea Brew now restore as intended when resting at benches

Graphics Setting Update

  • A new “Dithering” option has been added under Advanced Video settings
  • Intended to reduce color banding, though it may soften foreground assets
  • Defaults to Off, so players can toggle it and decide what works best visually

Other Fixes

  • Updated Herald’s Wish achievement description
  • Fixed cocoons spawning in inaccessible spot
  • Liquid Lacquer courier is now accessible in Steel Soul mode
  • Cursed NPC dialogue plays correctly again
  • Verdania memory orbs no longer replay screen-edge burst effects
  • Dozens of minor tweaks and backend fixes

Steam Beta Branch: Available Now

This patch is live now on Steam’s public-beta branch. Anyone can opt in and test the changes, but keep in mind the build may still have a few rough edges. Team Cherry noted that “a few more additions and tweaks” are coming before the full rollout hits all platforms. As of now, no specific known issues were listed as still pending.

You can join the beta and find more info on the Steam discussion page.

Community Context: Difficulty Debates and Expectations

When Patch 1 landed, it toned down a few early-game bosses, which was a welcome surprise for some and a disappointment for others. That set the stage for a broader debate: should Silksong adjust its difficulty more, or stay true to the hardcore nature of the series?

Silksong remains as tough as ever. But one sticking point is the boss runbacks. Die during a fight, and you’re sent back through long stretches of hazards just to try again. It’s a mechanic that splits the fanbase right down the middle.

Some argue that runbacks are core to the Metroidvania formula. They force you to learn routes, manage health, and earn each rematch. Others feel it’s needless frustration that drags out already punishing encounters.

Silksong Second Update Final Thoughts

Should modern Metroidvanias like Silksong offer more accessibility or balance options? Things like optional checkpoints, boss HP sliders, or even a “story mode” for those who want the experience without the grind?