In early September, the launch of Silksong was met with enthusiasm, yet it soon became apparent that the Chinese translation fell short of expectations. Players quickly identified significant issues, particularly regarding the translation’s inability to encapsulate the unique tone of the Hollow Knight universe. An English-to-Chinese translator remarked that the initial translation resembled “a high-school drama club’s Elizabethan improv night,” a sentiment that underscored the disconnect between the game’s narrative and its Chinese rendition.
This misalignment led to a temporary dip in Silksong’s Steam rating, which briefly dropped to “mostly negative.” In response, a dedicated fan group known as Team Cart Fix took it upon themselves to enhance the Chinese translation. Their efforts culminated in an unofficial mod that has been available for some time. However, with the release of Silksong’s new Patch 4, the work of Team Cart Fix has now been officially integrated into the game.
As noted by a member of Team Cart Fix, “This is a translation by fans who are well-versed in the (quite dense) narrative and lore of both Hollow Knight games, and understand the subtle links and connections that should be retained in the text.” This highlights the importance of capturing not just the words, but the spirit of the original content—a challenge that can often elude even seasoned professionals in the translation industry.
The tonal intricacies of Silksong present unique challenges for translators. The original team faced hurdles in conveying the game’s distinctive atmosphere, which is critical for maintaining the integrity of the narrative. A translator from FromSoftware previously shared insights into similar challenges faced with the Souls series, emphasizing the necessity of context to avoid errors in translation.
Silksong Patch 4 notes
- Updated Simplified Chinese translation to use fan translation provided by Team Cart Fix.
- Switched to Unity’s Input System to improve overall controller support, including rumble features for various controllers.
- Added additional dithering levels to advanced options, defaulting to ‘low’.
- Introduced a film grain effect in advanced options, defaulting to ‘off’.
- Implemented various localisation fixes across all languages.
- Fixed Styx not giving rosaries when delivering the Queen’s Egg.
- Corrected Druid’s Eyes sometimes not equipping correctly upon acquisition.
- Resolved issues with down attack colliders getting stuck in rare instances.
- Fixed several instances of Hornet’s plasmified state clearing unintentionally (e.g., during Bellway travel).
- Addressed issues entering the plasmified state when defeating a Winged Lifeseed instead of using the Plasmium Phial.
- Reduced the unintentionally long bind time when using Multibinder with the Shaman crest.
- Updated Multibinder’s initial bind to clear maggots, responding to community feedback.
- Increased Wreath of Purity durability.
- Corrected void incorrectly conducting electricity.
- Updated Gurr the Outcast’s trap-throw attack from a single lob to a spin-style to reduce static time.
- Fixed Beast Crest fury slashes not piercing as intended.
- Corrected Rune Rage damage scaling issues.
- Adjusted Thread Storm damage tapering for additional hits.
- Fixed rare instances of regaining control when grabbed by a Wraith.
- Resolved issues with couriers offering the same delivery immediately after completion.
- Fixed additional instances of Hornet being able to push certain enemy types through the floor.
- Addressed issues when using Harpoon to stun or kill specific bosses.
- Corrected Fractured Mask not providing protection against volt hazards.
- Implemented various smaller tweaks and fixes.