Opinion: Silksong’s Soundtrack Rules, But You Should Turn It Off

It was roughly 30 seconds after I’d fastened my seatbelt for my journey to Greece that I confidently powered on my Switch 2, fully aware that I was set for four hours of uninterrupted Silksong gameplay; then I remembered my headphones were out of battery.

It’s not a major issue, right? I convinced myself I could manage perfectly fine with the sound off. Sure, I would miss all of Pharloom’s delightful audio cues, Christopher Larkin’s impressive score, and undeniably face a challenge in nearly every enemy encounter ahead, but it’s not the end of the world…

Reader, at that moment, it genuinely felt like the end of the world.

I was on this aircraft on September 5th, just 24 hours after finally acquiring Silksong — one of my most-foreseen games ever. I had invested maybe three hours into it the previous day, but I was holding off for the significant flight because, well, I’m rather anxious about flying, and nothing like some bug-induced distraction can draw my mind away from being in a pressured metal tube at great heights.

For this reason, I resolved to valiantly push through and play the darn game anyway. I was familiar with how sound functioned in Pharloom at this stage, and I comprehended that being without it would likely hinder my exploration. However, my options were to continue sans headphones or peruse the safety manual for the eleventh occasion and practice some breathing techniques.

I returned to my save file and mentally readied myself for four hours of suboptimal gameplay. Three steps into the drizzly streets of Greymoor, and all my anxieties vanished. Why? Because Team Cherry knows how to create rumble. HD Rumble, to be precise.

As my cherished Hornet emerged from the area’s initial shelter into the downpour, I sensed the gentle pattering of the drops vibrating through my Joy-Con. Naturally, HD Rumble 2 itself is not unknown to me — yes, I paid attention during the Switch 2 Welcome Tour — but those raindrops instantly directed my focus onto it in a manner I hadn’t noticed yet on the console.

It wasn’t the robust jolt I felt upon being struck by a Pilgrim Groveller or Binding that spurred me to notice the rumble, but rather these minuscule, negligible raindrops. Why? Because I hadn’t even realized it was raining in that area.

With sound distraction absent, I suddenly became sharply aware of how HD Rumble 2 was employed to convey information I might have overlooked otherwise. It’s simple to recognize when an annoying Pharlid is about to emerge from underground once you understand the rumble that signals its arrival. Similarly, that one nasty trap bench in Hunter’s March is significantly easier to avoid if you sense the click of the spikes before they swing down.

Delighted by my finding, I began to sprint around Pharloom, taking immense pleasure in the initial BZZT and subsequent mini-bzzts that indicate Hornet’s initial speed boost and ensuing quick steps. I might have missed a few maps due to my inability to hear Shakra’s melody, but I was exploring in an entirely fresh manner.

My tactile ventures led me to the Chapel of the Beast in Hunters March, where a series of intensifying vibrations signaled that something immense and terrifying was stomping about within. As all those who have dared to enter this area can confirm, there is indeed something gigantic and quite scary inside, and I only wish I had heeded the rumble’s intensity as a warning to keep away.

Nevertheless, I continued playing in that style, guiding my actions via the rumble. The formidable boss at the finale of Act 1 was quite a bother, but my attempts without sound would have taken me forever were it not for the progressively intensifying rumble indicating when an off-screen shock attack was imminent.

Before I had the opportunity to feel even more like Aragorn tracking an army of Uruk-hai by placing my hand to the ground and sensing the footsteps, the plane landed and I stowed my Switch away.

I had a delightful vacation, thanks for your inquiry. It was mostly spent engrossed in books under the sun and trying to occupy my thoughts with anything other than the dark recesses of Pharloom. However, I ensured that I charged my headphones for the return flight.

There’s no denying it; the Silksong sound environment is remarkable. Larkin’s strings have nearly moved me to tears on multiple occasions, I beam like an idiot whenever I hear Shakra’s “Ooshka-ah-aah-ro, kai-lai-lai-lai, ooshka-ro”, and the sensation of heat or chill comes with its own unique sonic pang that genuinely conveys the ‘I must move immediately‘. I wouldn’t want to experience the game entirely without it, but good grief, it’s still an exhilarating adventure for those daring enough to reach for the mute button.

So go ahead, remove those headphones, drop the volume to zero, or otherwise block your ears for a moment and take a brief journey around the rumbling paths of Pharloom. Believe me, it’s an experience not to be overlooked.

Have you noticed Silksong’s delightful rumble yet? Are you as much a fan of it as I am? Share your thoughts in the comments.