Okay, let me put down my lightsaber for a second and be real with you. I've been grinding through Star Wars Jedi: Survivor on Grandmaster difficulty, and while I love feeling like a true Jedi Master, some of those Force Tear challenges? Pure, unadulterated tedium. It's like the game decided that because I wanted a tough fight, I also wanted to solve the same annoying puzzle fifty times while getting shot at. Fallen Order handled its hardest mode with more grace, frankly. Now, as we all look toward the inevitable third game in Cal Kestis's saga (which, let's be real, is definitely coming), I think I've found the secret sauce for its success. And it's not hiding in a Sith holocron—it's probably buzzing around in the mysterious, unreleased world of Hollow Knight: Silksong.
Let's connect the dots, shall I? Playing Survivor, I couldn't shake the feeling I was in a 3D Hollow Knight. I mean that in the best way possible! The meditation points are basically Cal's version of benches—safe havens to catch your breath, change up your perks (charms, anyone?), and plan your next move. The world design, with its interlocking paths and secrets tucked away in every corner, has that classic Metroidvania soul, just with a shiny lightsaber skin. But here's the kicker: Survivor borrowed some ideas, and now it has a golden opportunity to see the masterclass before its next test.
Why Silksong is the Ultimate Jedi Training Simulator (For Developers)
Listen, Hollow Knight is a masterpiece. It's the kind of game that sets up camp in your brain and redecorates. Its sequel, Silksong, has been cooking for what feels like a millennium in game development years (five, to be precise). And you know what they say about a slow-cooked stew—it's probably going to be incredible. The folks at Respawn, who made Survivor, are clearly fans. They took notes on atmosphere, progression, and that sweet, sweet feeling of exploration. For Jedi 3, they should pull up a chair, grab some blue milk, and take detailed notes on what Team Cherry releases.
Here’s what Jedi 3 could learn, or outright steal (I call it 'inspired iteration'):
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Protagonist Pizzazz: Silksong is switching from the Knight to Hornet. New hero, new moves, new vibe. While I'd bet all my credits that Cal is back for the trilogy finale, the game could still learn from this shift. What if we get extended sequences playing as Kata, Bode's daughter, with a completely different, learner's approach to the Force? Or flashbacks with a fully powered Cere? Survivor dipped a toe in with Cere's section; Silksong might show how to make a dual-protagonist system sing.
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The Polish of a Bug's Life: Team Cherry's art and animation are in a league of their own. Jedi games look great, but Silksong will likely showcase new heights of environmental storytelling and fluid character motion. Imagine Cal's parkour and saber combat with that level of silky-smooth, expressive animation. A Jedi can dream!
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Feature Evolution: Hollow Knight's charm system is elegant. Survivor's perks are a good start. Silksong will undoubtedly iterate and improve. Maybe it's a more modular skill system, or deeper customization that affects gameplay beyond cosmetics. Respawn should be watching like a hawk.
The Waiting Game (And Why It's Worth It)
Now, the big 'if.' If Silksong launches before Star Wars Jedi 3. That's a big 'if.' We know as much about Silksong's release date as we do about the other side of a black hole. But let's assume the gaming gods smile upon us. The delay just means more content, more quality, more polish. For a Jedi game that needs to refine its stances, Force powers, and maybe make those endgame challenges less of a chore, that's a gift.
Think about it this way:
| Aspect | What Jedi: Survivor Did | What Silksong Might Demo | Potential for Jedi 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Structure | Metroidvania-lite with fast travel | Likely a deeper, more interconnected world | More meaningful shortcuts, hidden regions that tell stories |
| Progression Systems | Perks & Skill Trees | Evolved Charm/Nail/Spell systems | Deeper, more synergistic customization for lightsaber forms & Force powers |
| Post-Game Content | Force Tears (😩) & Rumors | Unknown, but likely substantial | Challenging but rewarding content that respects the player's time |
| Atmosphere | Great Star Wars ambiance | Unparalleled haunting beauty | Leveraging next-gen tech for even more immersive, lived-in planets |
It's not about copying homework. It's about seeing how a genre-defining studio tackles the sequel formula. Silksong won't just be Hollow Knight 2; it'll be its own beast. Watching how Team Cherry balances familiarity with innovation is a free masterclass for Respawn.
The Bottom Line for Us Players
So, while I'm over here in 2026, still nervously checking for Silksong news every Tuesday, I'm also wildly optimistic for Cal's next adventure. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor proved Respawn isn't afraid to learn from the best in the business. The third game has the chance to synthesize all those lessons—from Souls-likes, from its own predecessors, and yes, from the eventual, glorious release of Hollow Knight: Silksong—into the definitive Jedi power fantasy.
The path to becoming a Jedi Master isn't easy. It takes patience, learning from masters (even unexpected, bug-sized ones), and constant refinement. The same goes for making a legendary game trilogy. I, for one, am willing to wait a little longer if it means getting a Jedi game that learns from the best. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a date with a Grandmaster difficulty Force Tear. Wish me luck… I'm gonna need it. 😅