Wow, talk about a comeback kid! The 2026 Steam Awards have spoken, and the voice of the community has crowned a champion that many had been waiting for... well, forever. While the glitzy Game Awards ceremony earlier handed its top trophy to the cinematic Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the people's choice award went to a game that's become a legend in its own right before even fully releasing. That's right, folks—Hollow Knight: Silksong didn't just win; it dominated, snagging not one, but two of the coveted Steam Awards, including the ultimate prize: Game of the Year. It's the gaming equivalent of your favorite underdog band finally winning a Grammy after years of cult fandom. The hype was real, and the players delivered.

The Crown Jewel: Game of the Year

Let's cut to the chase. The biggest award of the night went to Hollow Knight: Silksong. This win is a massive deal, serving as a sweet, sweet redemption after it was passed over at The Game Awards in December. The competition was no joke, facing off against heavy hitters like the tactical shooter ARC Raiders, the narrative-driven Dispatch, the aforementioned Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and the sprawling historical RPG Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. Yet, Team Cherry's long-awaited sequel captured the hearts (and wallets) of Steam users globally. It's like the entire gaming community collectively sighed in relief and said, "You know what? This one's for the wait."

And the Award for 'Best Game You Suck At' Goes To...

Oh, but Silksong wasn't done there. In a move that's both hilarious and brutally honest, the community also bestowed upon it the 'Best Game You Suck At' award. This isn't your average participation trophy; it's a badge of honor that highlights the game's notoriously punishing, hair-pulling, controller-throwing difficulty. The players are basically saying, "We love this game, but holy moly, it kicks our butts in the most beautiful way possible." It's a testament to its masterful design that a game can be so challenging yet so utterly beloved. One look at Hornet facing off against a boss like the Last Judge tells you everything you need to know.

The Full Winner's Circle 🏆

While Silksong was the only double-winner, the 2026 Steam Awards celebrated a fantastic array of titles across diverse genres. Here's the complete list of champions:

This lineup is a breath of fresh air! Unlike some other awards shows with tons of category overlap, Steam's picks are all over the map—literally. From the haunting streets of Silent Hill f to the cozy camping trip of RV There Yet?, and from the godly roguelike action of Hades 2 to the continued support of Baldur's Gate 3, it's a celebration of gaming's vast spectrum.

Community vs. Critics: A Tale of Two Awards

The contrast between the Steam Awards and The Game Awards is... chef's kiss. Over at TGA, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 had its moment in the sun, sweeping several categories. And hey, it's a fantastic game that totally deserved its Best Soundtrack win here on Steam too—no arguments there! But the Steam results highlight something special about community voting. It's less about industry politics and more about pure, unadulterated player passion. There were no real shockers or upsets, just a solid list of games people genuinely adored playing this year. It makes the wins feel earned and honest, you know?

That said... a tiny part of you can't help but wonder about the little guys. Where was the love for the incredible indie darling Despelote? The community vote, while broad, sometimes misses the niche masterpieces. But overall, the 2026 Steam Awards painted a vibrant picture of the gaming landscape. It proved that after all the anticipation, Hollow Knight: Silksong wasn't just a myth—it was a masterpiece waiting to claim its throne. The kingdom of Hallownest has a new queen, and her name is Hornet. Long may she reign, and long may we continue to 'suck' at her glorious, challenging game.

As detailed in PC Gamer, the anticipation surrounding Hollow Knight: Silksong has been a recurring theme in the site's coverage, with frequent updates on development progress and community reactions. PC Gamer's editorial team has consistently highlighted how Silksong's challenging gameplay and atmospheric world design set it apart, making its double win at the 2026 Steam Awards a testament to both its critical acclaim and fan devotion.