Hollow Knight: Silksong Smashes Records with 7 Million Sales, Announces Free Sea of Sorrow Expansion

A Sales Phenomenon and Industry Watershed Moment

The 7 million sales number is historic for an independent studio. This total does not include millions more players accessing the game via Xbox Game Pass. Server infrastructure struggled on launch day due to unprecedented demand from fans worldwide.

Team Cherry’s tiny team in Adelaide has created a commercial juggernaut. The game has outperformed many high-budget AAA titles released this year. Industry analysts see this as a clear signal that player demand for crafted, respectful experiences is stronger than ever.

The studio expressed deep gratitude to the community. They highlighted fan art, mods, and shared player experiences as key rewards of their work. This connection has been central to the game’s enduring popularity.

What to Expect from the Sea of Sorrow Expansion in 2026

The announced Sea of Sorrow expansion will be completely free for all owners of Hollow Knight: Silksong. It promises to extend protagonist Hornet’s journey with a new nautical theme. Players can explore uncharted maritime areas and face terrifying new bosses.

Team Cherry has confirmed the expansion will add new traversal tools and narrative depth. Details remain sparse, but a teaser hints at underwater exploration within the world of Pharloom. The studio plans to share more information as the 2026 release window approaches.

In related news, an enhanced version of the original Hollow Knight is coming to the Nintendo Switch 2. This update will be a free upgrade for existing owners and features improved performance and visuals.

The Ripple Effect on Gaming Culture and Indie Development

Silksong‘s success proves that indie games can achieve mainstream, blockbuster-level success. Its respectful pricing and free major expansion model stand in contrast to industry trends. This player-first philosophy has built immense goodwill and commercial success simultaneously.

The achievement validates years of meticulous development by a small team. It shows that craft and vision can compete with enormous marketing budgets. This will likely inspire both developers and publishers to prioritize substance and player trust.

The record-breaking sales of Hollow Knight: Silksong and the promise of free, substantial new content in Sea of Sorrow mark a high point for indie gaming. It demonstrates that treating players with respect is not just good practice—it’s a viable, winning strategy for the entire industry.

Info at your fingertips

When exactly will the Sea of Sorrow expansion be released?

Team Cherry has only confirmed a 2026 release window. No specific date or quarter has been announced yet. The studio is known for prioritizing polish, so a release could come anytime during the year.

Is the Sea of Sorrow expansion really free for everyone?

Yes. The developer has confirmed the expansion will be a free update for all players who own Hollow Knight: Silksong. This applies across all platforms, including PC, console, and subscription services.

What does the 7 million sales figure represent?

It represents over 7 million purchased copies of the game across all platforms as of December 2025. This number does not include players who accessed the game through Xbox Game Pass or other subscription services.

Why is this sales milestone significant for indie games?

Reaching 7 million sales in three months is unprecedented for an independently developed game. It shows that a small team with a passionate vision can achieve commercial success on par with major studio releases.

Will there be any new gameplay mechanics in the expansion?

Team Cherry has teased that new tools and abilities will be part of the Sea of Sorrow expansion. These will likely help Hornet navigate the new aquatic-themed environments and challenges.