Hollow Knight receives a late update to address a long-standing boss glitch

Nearly a decade after its original release, Hollow Knight has received a fresh update from developer Team Cherry, resolving a long-standing gameplay issue affecting one of its final boss encounters. The fix, first reported by GamesRadar, highlights the studio’s continued support for the critically acclaimed indie title despite its age.

Released nine years ago, Hollow Knight has maintained a strong player base and reputation for its challenging combat and intricate design. The latest patch targets a specific bug tied to The Radiance, a late-game boss known for its demanding attack patterns. The update arrives as a surprise to many players, given the time elapsed since the game’s debut.

Bug fix targets lingering boss attack issue

The update focuses on a glitch involving one of The Radiance’s most difficult attacks. During later phases of the encounter, the boss releases homing orbs of light that players must carefully avoid. While these projectiles are designed to disappear after a set duration, a bug caused them to remain active slightly longer than intended under certain conditions.

This unintended behaviour meant players could still take damage from orbs that appeared to have already expired. As a result, the fight became more punishing than designed, leading to frustration and what many players considered unfair deaths. Over time, the issue became widely recognised among the community, particularly among those attempting to master the encounter.

The developers addressed the problem directly in the patch notes, stating they had “fixed Radiance’s orb attack hitbox lingering slightly longer than intended if the orb expires in the air.” The correction ensures that the attack now behaves as originally designed, removing the unintended difficulty spike caused by the glitch.

For newer players, the fix is likely to improve the overall experience and make the boss encounter feel more consistent. However, long-time players who spent years adapting to the bug may find the change bittersweet, having endured the issue for much of the game’s lifespan.

Continued support raises questions

The timing of the update has prompted speculation within the gaming community. Team Cherry has not provided a specific reason for revisiting this particular issue after so many years. Some observers suggest that renewed interest in the original game may have played a role.

One possible factor is the anticipation surrounding Hollow Knight: Silksong, the long-awaited sequel. As excitement builds, new players may be discovering the original game for the first time, increasing the visibility of lingering issues. Addressing such bugs could help ensure that newcomers have a smoother experience.

Another explanation is simply that the studio, known for its small team size, is working through its backlog of improvements at its own pace. Unlike larger developers, Team Cherry operates with limited resources, which can affect how quickly updates and fixes are delivered.

In addition to the Radiance fix, the patch introduces smaller quality-of-life improvements. These include increased audio levels when navigating the inventory and additional journal notification icons. While minor, these changes contribute to a more polished user experience.

Ongoing work on Silksong continues

Alongside updates to the original Hollow Knight, Team Cherry continues to develop Hollow Knight: Silksong. The sequel has been highly anticipated for several years, with fans eagerly awaiting further details on its release.

Recent updates to Silksong include the addition of traditional Chinese and German language options, addressing player feedback requesting broader localisation support. These additions suggest that the studio is working to make the game accessible to a wider global audience.

The developer is also reportedly preparing the game’s first major downloadable content expansion, titled Sea of Sorrow. While details remain limited, the expansion indicates that Team Cherry is planning ongoing support for Silksong beyond its initial launch.

Taken together, the continued updates to both the original game and its sequel reflect the studio’s commitment to its community. Even after nine years, Hollow Knight remains an active project in some capacity, demonstrating the title’s lasting impact and the dedication of its creators.