Hollow Knight is a critically acclaimed action-adventure game that blends precise combat, deep exploration, and atmospheric storytelling. Set in the hauntingly beautiful underground world of Hallownest, the game invites players to uncover forgotten secrets, battle challenging enemies, and piece together a mysterious narrative told through the environment rather than dialogue.

With its hand-drawn art style, emotional soundtrack, and demanding gameplay, Hollow Knight stands out as one of the best modern Metroidvania games.

Gameplay Overview

In Hollow Knight, you control a silent knight armed with a Nail, exploring interconnected areas filled with enemies, traps, and hidden paths. Combat focuses on timing, positioning, and learning enemy patterns rather than brute force.

Exploration is a core part of the experience. New abilities unlock access to previously unreachable areas, encouraging backtracking and rewarding curiosity.

Combat & Abilities

Combat is fast, fluid, and punishing:

Nail-based melee attacks

Spells powered by Soul collected from enemies

Movement abilities like dash, wall jump, and double jump

Charms that modify gameplay and allow build customization

Mastering these systems is essential to surviving Hallownest’s toughest challenges.

World & Atmosphere

• Hallownest is a vast, interconnected world filled with:
• Forgotten cities and ancient ruins
• Hostile creatures and powerful bosses
• Hidden lore scattered through visuals and subtle dialogue
• The game rarely explains its story directly, making discovery feel personal and meaningful.

Boss Battles

Hollow Knight is famous for its challenging boss fights. Each boss has unique attack patterns and demands patience and precision. Victory feels earned, especially in later areas and optional endgame content.

Why Hollow Knight Is So Highly Rated

• Stunning hand-drawn visuals
• Deep, rewarding exploration
• Tight and skill-based combat
• Emotional soundtrack
• Rich, mysterious lore

It’s a game that respects the player’s intelligence and perseverance.

Game Details

• Release Date: February 2017
• Developer: Team Cherry
• Genre: Metroidvania / Action-Adventure
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch

Games Like Hollow Knight

If you enjoyed Hollow Knight, you may also like:

• Ori and the Blind Forest
• Dead Cells
• Celeste
• Blasphemous
• Salt and Sanctuary