Attention Hollow Knight: Silksong players! A potential hidden tribute to Sandfall Interactive’s acclaimed title, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, has been discovered within Team Cherry’s highly anticipated metroidvania. Eager to uncover this Easter egg? Read on for the details! *Minor area and equipment spoilers ahead.*
To find it, venture westward from the Wormways area. Your objective is to locate the nearby Weaver Nest. Be prepared to spend 500 rosaries if you haven’t already. Once there, play the needolin, a special instrument capable of revealing spectral events. (Refer to our comprehensive Hollow Knight: Silksong walkthrough for further assistance.) Playing the correct tune will prompt ghostly text to appear, referencing sleep and confinement, specifically including the phrase, “for those who come after.”
The discovery was initially reported on Reddit, a well-known source for videogame Easter egg findings, but not always the most reliable. However, James, one of our reviewers, revisited their save from our Hollow Knight: Silksong review and verified the existence of the in-game sequence.
“For those who come after” is not only a recurring theme in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, but also the name of a popular musical composition from that game. The phrase plays a significant role in the story, spoken by characters sacrificing themselves to thwart the Paintress. The phrase itself isn’t unique but coupled with the musical nature of the trigger, it strongly suggests a deliberate nod from Team Cherry.
We believe this is an intentional reference, a sign of mutual respect within the gaming community. It’s reminiscent of the Alien: Isolation developers including an in-game skit about hairdryers, showing their appreciation for Cara Ellison’s Guardian preview.
The fact that this potential reference is revealed through music, as if Hornet’s playing created a resonant link between the worlds of Silksong and Expedition 33, is a delightful artistic touch.
Sandfall Interactive themselves seem to be fans of Silksong. They’ve even shared congratulatory artwork featuring characters from both games: Hornet and Clair Obscur’s Maelle. It will be interesting to see if this camaraderie continues during Game of the Year awards season.
Beyond this, Silksong also hides other surprises, including a cameo from Eric Barone, the creator of Stardew Valley. Clearly, there are many more secrets waiting to be found within Silksong.