Hollow Knight Lore Update Removes Time References, Deepening the Game’s Mystery

A recent, subtle update to the critically acclaimed Metroidvania game Hollow Knight from Team Cherry has sparked discussion among fans. The update quietly removes all references to “year” from lore descriptions within the game, further shrouding the narrative of Hallownest in mystery.

Subtle Changes with Significant Impact

The change was first noted by YouTuber mossbag on February 14, 2026, who shared a screenshot of the altered “Lightseed” item description. Previously, the description read, “Strange air has been seeping down from above for years.” It now reads, “Strange air has been seeping down from above since long ago.”

According to observations, the removal of the word “year” isn’t isolated to a single item; it has been applied consistently across the game on PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch platforms. Community discussion suggests this change has been widely implemented, as evidenced by mossbag’s shared changelog showcasing numerous similar alterations.

Impact on Lore and Narrative Style

While seemingly minor, this alteration has significant implications for understanding Hollow Knight’s lore. By eliminating specific time units like “years,” Team Cherry appears to be reinforcing the idea that time in Hallownest operates on a different scale than the real world, contributing to the sense of an ancient and stagnant realm.

This approach aligns with Team Cherry’s established lore writing style. The Hollow Knight Wiki maintains a section dedicated to time terminology, stating, “No specific time is ever perceptible. Enforces the idea of a world in stasis. ‘An age ago’ is okay.” This demonstrates a consistent effort to create a world that feels timeless and unbound by conventional timelines.

Why Now?

The update was implemented nearly nine years after Hollow Knight’s initial release. Speculation suggests Team Cherry may have been focused on the development of the highly anticipated sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and addressing other issues, allowing for the implementation of this long-standing stylistic guideline.

With this update, Team Cherry has deepened the enigma of Hollow Knight, a move likely to be appreciated by the game’s dedicated fanbase.

Team Cherry Updates

As of December 2025, Team Cherry announced updates regarding Silksong, including the first expansion reveal and a refresh of Hollow Knight.