- Crowsworn vs Silksong compares two of the most anticipated dark-fantasy metroidvanias from the Hollow Knight school of design.
- Combat: Crowsworn blends scythe melee with pistols and Corvian Magic; Silksong centers on needle play and Hornet's agility.
- Status: Crowsworn remains in development with no confirmed date; check the official Steam page for updates.
- Scale: Crowsworn promises 120+ enemy types and 30+ boss encounters; Silksong offers a vast hand-crafted kingdom of Pharloom.
- Bottom line: Neither replaces the other — they serve different tones of gothic exploration and combat pacing.
Crowsworn vs Silksong: Core Overview
Both games descend from the same lineage: interconnected 2D worlds, precise combat, and an atmosphere soaked in melancholy and decay. Crowsworn, developed by Mongoose Rodeo, is set in the cursed world of Fearanndal and follows a mysterious scythe-wielding protagonist. Silksong, from Team Cherry, follows Hornet through the haunted kingdom of Pharloom.
Video Highlights:
- Official Crowsworn trailer showcasing scythe, pistol, and magic combat
- Glimpses of gothic environments like the Church Bridge and Sewers
- Fast-paced traversal and boss-scale encounters
| Aspect | Crowsworn | Silksong |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Mongoose Rodeo | Team Cherry |
| Setting | Fearanndal, a cursed gothic world | Pharloom, a haunted silk kingdom |
| Protagonist | Unnamed scythe-wielding "Crowsworn" | Hornet, princess-protector of Hallownest |
| Release status | In development, date not announced | Released |
| Funding | CA$1,258,068 from 19,695 Kickstarter backers | Originally a Hollow Knight DLC expansion |
Crowsworn's Kickstarter success — nearly 20,000 backers — shows how strong demand remains for games in this subgenre, even alongside a giant like Silksong.
Combat System Comparison
Combat is where the two games diverge most sharply. Crowsworn builds its fights around a three-weapon toolkit officially confirmed on the Crowsworn website: the Scythe, Pistols, and Corvian Magic. Silksong keeps Hornet's signature needle while layering in tools, crafting, and silk-based abilities.
| Combat Element | Crowsworn | Silksong |
|---|---|---|
| Primary weapon | Scythe with wide sweeping arcs | Needle with fast precise strikes |
| Ranged option | Pistols for sustained distance pressure | Thrown tools and silk abilities |
| Magic/special | Corvian Magic tied to the crow identity | Silk soul powers and bindings |
| Pacing | Aggressive, combo-driven melee | Agile, dodge-heavy dueling |
| Customization | Rune arrangements | Tool and charm crafting |
Scythe Play (Crowsworn)
- Wide attack arcs clear enemy groups
- Airborne strikes for vertical fights
- Rewards aggressive positioning
Pistols (Crowsworn)
- Long-range pressure between melee combos
- Safe answer to hazardous enemies
- Encourages weapon-switching rhythm
Needle & Silk (Silksong)
- Fast, precise close-quarters strikes
- Silk powers fueled by aggression
- Emphasizes dodge timing over range
Crowsworn leans into a Bloodborne-like rhythm — close-range pressure softened by ranged options — while Silksong rewards mastery of movement and counterattacks.
World Design and Exploration
Both games use the classic metroidvania loop: ability-gated areas, backtracking, and hidden routes. Crowsworn's Fearanndal emphasizes ruined gothic architecture, cathedrals, sewers, and vertical traversal through decayed religious spaces. Pharloom, by contrast, spans citadels, coral depths, and fungal groves with a stronger story-driven progression.
Open Interconnected Paths
Both games start with limited movement. Explore outward from the starting zone, marking locked routes for later.
Unlock Movement Abilities
Crowsworn's dash, wall movement, and grappling traversal open new regions, mirroring Silksong's needle-climb and dash unlocks.
Backtrack for Secrets
Return to earlier areas with new abilities to reach hidden rooms, optional bosses, and lore fragments.
Tackle Boss-Gated Zones
Major encounters in both games gate progression; Crowsworn promises 30+ boss fights across its world.
Crowsworn is not yet released, so its full map structure and ability-gating details remain unconfirmed. Treat specific route claims with caution until launch.
Enemies, Bosses, and Difficulty
Crowsworn's Steam page lists 120+ unique enemies and 30+ boss encounters, positioning it as one of the most content-dense games in the genre. Silksong's bestiary is similarly rich, with hunters, cults, and beasts themed around silk and song.
| Category | Crowsworn | Silksong |
|---|---|---|
| Common enemies | Corrupted humanoids, plague beasts | Hunter cults, crawler creatures |
| Elite enemies | Armored weapon-wielders | Boss-tier quest hunters |
| Major bosses | Gothic guardian figures, arena monsters | Covenant leaders, story bosses |
| Difficulty feel | Combat pressure via weapon variety | Pattern mastery and dodging |
| Bestiary scale | 120+ enemies, 30+ bosses | Large, region-themed roster |
Prepare for Both Games:
- Master dodge and dash timing fundamentals
- Learn enemy attack patterns before committing to offense
- Map shortcut unlocks and benches/save points
- Balance exploration with combat upgrades
- Follow Crowsworn's Steam announcements for launch news
On paper, Crowsworn's 30+ boss count is remarkable, but Silksong's released content is fully playable today. Until Crowsworn launches, Silksong is the only verifiable option of the two.
Which Game Should You Play First?
If you are choosing between them right now, the decision is straightforward in one respect: Silksong is available now, while Crowsworn's release date is still listed as "to be announced" on Steam. Wishlist Crowsworn, play Silksong, then return to Fearanndal when it arrives.
| Player Type | Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Story-first explorers | Silksong | Complete narrative available today |
| Build crafters | Crowsworn (later) | Rune arrangements and three weapon classes |
| Boss-rush fans | Both | Both emphasize large encounter design |
| Gothic horror lovers | Crowsworn (later) | Bloodborne-like plague and crow imagery |
| Available now | Silksong | Crowsworn remains in development |
Follow the Crowsworn Steam page and the official announcements feed for release-date news and demo availability.
FAQ
Q: Is Crowsworn a copy of Hollow Knight or Silksong?
No. Crowsworn shares the metroidvania structure and dark atmosphere, but its combat identity — scythe melee combined with pistols and Corvian Magic — and its Bloodborne-inspired plague setting give it a distinct feel from Team Cherry's games.
Q: Which game has more bosses, Crowsworn or Silksong?
Crowsworn's Steam page advertises 30+ boss encounters and 120+ unique enemies, an ambitious count for the genre. However, since Crowsworn is unreleased, Silksong remains the only option with verifiable, playable boss content today.
Q: When does Crowsworn release?
No release date has been announced. The official Steam page lists the game as coming soon with a to-be-announced date, and development updates appear through Steam announcements and the Kickstarter campaign page.
Q: What platforms are planned for Crowsworn?
Crowsworn has a confirmed Steam page for PC, with Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox versions included in the announced platform plans. No Xbox Game Pass launch has been announced.