Some games are great. Some are legendary. And then, there’s Hollow Knight—a game so beautifully crafted, so deeply immersive, and so utterly enthralling that it stands as one of the greatest indie titles of all time.
Developed by Team Cherry, this Metroidvania action-platformer takes you deep into the decaying kingdom of Hallownest, a haunting underground world filled with secrets, ancient lore, and challenging, precision-based combat. From the stunning hand-drawn art to the tightest platforming mechanics you’ll ever experience, Hollow Knight is a true masterpiece.
If you haven’t yet explored its vast caverns, faced its fearsome bosses, or uncovered its hidden mysteries, there’s never been a better time to descend into Hallownest.
A Haunting Tale of a Fallen Kingdom
Hollow Knight begins with a silent, nameless warrior—a small, insect-like knight—arriving at the crumbling ruins of Dirtmouth, the last outpost of the once-great kingdom of Hallownest.
Beneath the surface lies a vast and decaying underground world, filled with ancient secrets, forgotten warriors, and a strange infection that corrupts all who remain. Something deep within the kingdom stirs—a force that threatens to consume everything.
As the Knight, you set out to explore this labyrinthine world, uncovering its tragic history, facing its monstrous inhabitants, and slowly piecing together your own mysterious past. The deeper you go, the clearer it becomes:
- What happened to Hallownest?
- What is the true nature of the infection?
- And what role does the Hollow Knight truly play in this grand tragedy?
With its minimalistic storytelling, environmental clues, and hidden lore, Hollow Knight delivers one of the most rewarding narratives in gaming—a story that doesn’t just tell itself, but invites you to discover it.
Brutal Yet Beautiful Combat
Combat in Hollow Knight is precise, fast-paced, and unforgiving. The Knight wields a simple but deadly weapon—the Nail, which serves as both a sword and a tool for traversal.
Enemies are relentless and diverse, from swarming insect-like beasts to towering ancient warriors. Each foe requires careful movement, well-timed strikes, and a deep understanding of attack patterns.
Boss fights? They are the true test of skill, demanding quick reflexes, patience, and mastery of your abilities. Some battles will leave you breathless, others will leave you broken, but every victory is immensely satisfying.
And it’s not just about swinging a weapon—combat in Hollow Knight is enhanced by two core mechanics:
- SOUL – Every strike on an enemy fills your SOUL meter, allowing you to heal or unleash powerful magic attacks.
- CHARMS – Equipable items that grant unique abilities and buffs, drastically altering your playstyle.
A Metroidvania Done to Perfection
The world of Hallownest is a Metroidvania lover’s dream—a massive, interconnected map filled with hidden paths, secret bosses, and abilities that unlock new areas.
At the start, you’re weak and fragile, unable to reach most of the kingdom’s depths. But as you progress, you’ll unlock game-changing abilities, including:
- Mothwing Cloak – A dash ability, perfect for dodging and closing distances.
- Mantis Claw – Allows you to cling to and jump off walls, opening up vertical exploration.
- Monarch Wings – A double jump, essential for reaching hidden areas.
- Crystal Heart – A high-speed air dash that lets you zoom across dangerous chasms.
- Shade Cloak – An invincible dash that allows you to pass through enemy attacks.
The brilliance of Hollow Knight’s world design lies in its freedom. There’s no fixed path—you can explore in multiple directions, tackle different bosses first, or even completely miss entire areas on your first playthrough. Every corner holds secrets, challenges, and rewards, making exploration endlessly satisfying.
Charms – Build Your Own Fighting Style
Customization in Hollow Knight comes in the form of Charms—unique equipable items that modify your abilities, allowing for diverse builds and playstyles.
Want to increase your attack speed? Equip Quick Slash.
Need better healing? Hiveblood lets you regain health over time.
Prefer a magic-heavy build? Stack Spell Twister and Shaman Stone for devastating power.
With over 40 Charms to mix and match, Hollow Knight lets you tailor your playstyle to your strengths, whether you prefer aggressive melee combat, spellcasting, or defensive endurance.
Why Hollow Knight is Still Worth Playing Today
Even years after its release, Hollow Knight remains one of the most beloved and critically acclaimed indie games ever made. Here’s why it’s still a must-play:
- A Massive, Handcrafted World – Hallownest is huge, interconnected, and packed with secrets—a world that begs to be explored.
- Challenging But Fair Combat – The game rewards skill, precision, and patience. Every boss fight is a thrilling test of endurance and strategy.
- Incredible Atmosphere & Art – The hand-drawn visuals and hauntingly beautiful soundtrack by Christopher Larkin create an unforgettable, melancholic experience.
- A Story That Unfolds Through Exploration – No excessive cutscenes—just a world rich in mystery, waiting to be uncovered.
- A True Metroidvania Experience – With meaningful upgrades, hidden paths, and backtracking rewards, Hollow Knight perfects the Metroidvania formula.
- Endless Replayability – With multiple endings, optional ultra-hard challenges (like the Pantheon of Hallownest), and a permadeath mode for the truly brave, Hollow Knight keeps you coming back for more.
- Free Expansions & Content – Team Cherry added multiple free DLCs, including The Grimm Troupe, Godmaster, and Lifeblood, each introducing new bosses, areas, and mechanics.
If you love tight combat, stunning world design, and the thrill of uncovering deep secrets, Hollow Knight is an absolute must-play. Are you ready to descend into the darkness and carve your legend in Hallownest?
