The Visual Development of Hollow Knight Silksong in Unity

Published on January 07, 2026 | Translated from Spanish
Protagonist Hornet in a Hollow Knight Silksong environment showing parallax effects and 2D animation over three-dimensional backgrounds

The Visual Development of Hollow Knight Silksong in Unity

The team at Team Cherry has built Hollow Knight Silksong using the Unity engine, masterfully fusing handcrafted two-dimensional illustrations with three-dimensional components that provide extraordinary visual depth 🎨.

Technical Integration and Visual Effects

This hybrid combination allows for the implementation of parallax effects that enrich exploration, while the traditional animation and a meticulous color palette establish a melancholic and enigmatic atmosphere that defines the game's identity.

Key Elements of the Visual Pipeline:
  • Hand-drawn 2D illustrations integrated with 3D models for backgrounds
  • Layer system for depth effects and camera movement
  • Frame-by-frame animation that maintains the characteristic handcrafted style
Artistic excellence can be achieved without relying exclusively on complex technologies, demonstrating that well-used accessible tools create memorable experiences.

Production Methodology and Tools

The creation of visual assets focuses on Adobe Photoshop for sprite and animation design, which are subsequently imported into Unity. The team prioritizes the manipulation of 2D elements over 3D modeling, ensuring each asset retains the handcrafted quality that distinguishes the franchise.

Highlights of the Workflow:
  • Production of sprites and backgrounds in Photoshop using digital illustration techniques
  • Import and configuration in Unity for interaction and behaviors
  • Resource optimization while maintaining aesthetic coherence throughout the game world

Influence on the Interactive Experience

This technical-artistic approach not only consolidates the project's visual identity but also directly impacts the gameplay. The detailed environments and fluid animations facilitate total immersion in a universe filled with secrets and challenges, where every visual element contributes to the narrative đŸ•šī¸.