Steam Quietly Just Got the Best Silksong Alternative of 2026

Following a remarkably protracted hiatus, Hollow Knight: Silksong finally made its debut a year ago. True to form from the original release, developer Team Cherry promptly announced an upcoming expansion—though only time will tell if this DLC eventually blossoms into a standalone masterpiece of its own. For enthusiasts eager to fill the void while awaiting the arrival of *Silksong*’s *Sea of Sorrows* content, a compelling alternative has just arrived. Creator Kyle Thompson has returned with Well Dweller, an exceptional Metroidvania that demands the attention of any devoted aficionado of the genre.

Well Dweller stars a tiny bird and his fiery matchstick

Within Well Dweller, players assume the role of Glimmer, an avian protagonist navigating a realm where birds are systematically hunted under the queen’s direct orders for her personal amusement. After Glimmer’s relatives are abducted by a relentless hunter who leaves behind an ominous “You’re Next” threat, our feathered hero embarks on a perilous, fairy-tale crusade to rescue his kin.

While Glimmer himself radiates undeniable charm—complete with oversized, expressive eyes—the surrounding environment is decidedly grim. Skeletal remains litter the gloomy landscape, with overgrown flora sprouting from empty eye sockets. In fact, Glimmer and his family make their home inside a weathered skull resting at the bottom of a subterranean well.

This title presents a darkly atmospheric fairy tale where gravestones sprout up as monuments to your triumphs over fallen adversaries. The introductory boss, The Groundskeeper, is a grotesque monstrosity featuring a chilling Joker-esque grin, consisting merely of a floating head and dual arms emerging from a circular torso. He serves as both a deeply unsettling sight and the game’s initial genuine roadblock. Although standard environmental foes present little trouble, the major boss encounters offer a formidable test of skill. Fortunately, Well Dweller incorporates thoughtful difficulty customization options—a feature many wish had been included in Silksong.

Thoughtful exploration forms the beating heart of any stellar Metroidvania, and Well Dweller delivers abundantly with diverse biomes, hidden chambers, and intricate shortcuts. As progress unfolds, Glimmer gradually masters traversal abilities, such as utilizing his trusty matchstick as a makeshift springboard or riding thermal updrafts to reach previously inaccessible heights.

New Metroidvanias like clockwork

While certain indie titles notoriously demand multi-year development cycles—notably Silksong—developer Kyle Thompson maintains an impressive cadence by delivering a critically acclaimed Metroidvania roughly every two years. Well Dweller follows in the footsteps of his previous works, including Sheepo (August 2020), Islets (August 2022), and Crypt Custodian (August 2024). Although sharing a common genre foundation, each entry possesses a distinct aesthetic identity; those seeking a vibrant palette may prefer Islets, whereas Crypt Custodian caters directly to feline enthusiasts.

In contrast to sprawling epics like Silksong—which might require upwards of 50 hours to fully complete—Well Dweller offers a more concise, tightly paced journey. Thompson’s previous Metroidvanias typically span a digestible eight to 11 hours from start to finish. Much like January’s Mio: Memories in Orbit, Well Dweller avoids overstaying its welcome, cementing its status as an essential, highly polished gaming experience for the current year.

Silksong player beats game with an electric sax, as if it wasn’t already hard enough

Dr. Doot has been crushing difficult games using his electric saxophone for years

Source: Polygon