Hollow Knight: Silksong Demo Finally Playable in 2025 at Exclusive ACMI Exhibit

Hollow Knight: Silksong Will Be Playable for the First Time Since 2019

Hollow Knight: Silksong, the long-awaited sequel to the hit indie Metroidvania, is finally becoming playable—but not in the way fans may have expected. Since its original announcement in 2019, gamers around the world have been eagerly waiting for any sign of a release. Now, after years of anticipation, the first playable demo will be available on September 18, 2025.

But there’s a catch—this demo will only be available at a limited-access exhibit in Melbourne, Australia, not as a global release.

Exclusive Demo Available at ACMI's Game Worlds Exhibit

The demo will be part of the upcoming Game Worlds exhibit at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) in Melbourne. This exhibit celebrates the creative worlds of video games and will feature Hollow Knight: Silksong as one of its highlights.

While the version of the game available to play may be a demo or a limited build, it's a major milestone for the Silksong project. It's the first time fans will get hands-on experience with the sequel, offering a glimpse of the gameplay, art direction, and tone players have been hoping for.

Does This Mean a Global Release is Coming Soon?

Although there is still no official release date, signs are pointing to a launch sometime in 2025. Earlier this year, the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct on April 2 subtly confirmed that Silksong is set to release within the year.

Many fans are speculating that more news will come during the Xbox Games Showcase on June 8, where a potential new trailer or update could reveal the final release window.

The limited demo at ACMI may be part of a broader marketing strategy, building momentum ahead of a full launch—possibly aligning with summer gaming events like Summer Game Fest.

Kickstarter Backers Will Receive Early Access

Team Cherry, the studio behind Hollow Knight, has also confirmed that Kickstarter backers will receive Silksong game codes before the official release. This promise further hints that the game is nearing completion.

What to Expect from the Demo

The demo version at ACMI is unlikely to showcase the full game, but it will offer fans the first real taste of the combat, exploration, and atmosphere that Silksong promises.

While it may not answer all the questions about the final game, it is a significant step forward for one of the most talked-about indie games of the decade.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Hollow Knight Fans

After years of waiting, Hollow Knight: Silksong is finally starting to emerge. Although the upcoming demo is limited to a museum exhibit, it signals that the game is alive and progressing. All eyes are now on June and the coming months to see if a global release date will finally be revealed.