Hollow Knight

GOAT game. Best single player game I've ever played. I could keep playing this joint forever and not get bored. There is always something new you discover in every run (except if you already 112% the game). So many cool interaction, characters, boss fights, hidden quest lines, and the art is amazing.

From a small indie studio in Australia came a game that would redefine what people expect from the Metroidvania genre. Hollow Knight is more than just a side-scrolling adventure—it's an atmospheric, emotionally resonant experience wrapped in layers of combat, exploration, and mystery. It’s not just one of the best indie games ever made—it’s one of the best games of the last decade, period.

Hollow Knight keeps its combat system deceptively simple: you have a nail (essentially a sword), a jump, and eventually a few magic spells. But don’t be fooled—this minimalism allows for incredible depth. Enemies are fast and unpredictable, and boss fights are challenging tests of reaction time, pattern recognition, and precision.

Each victory feels earned, and even basic enemies can be lethal if you let your guard down. The game balances difficulty beautifully—harsh, but fair. And when you finally overcome a tough encounter, the feeling of accomplishment is unforgettable.

Set in the ruined insect kingdom of Hallownest, the world of Hollow Knight is vast, interconnected, and absolutely bursting with secrets. From the forgotten crossroads to the fungal wastes and the haunting City of Tears, every area is distinct—both visually and mechanically. There's no in-game map until you find the cartographer, reinforcing the sense of being truly lost in a crumbling empire.

Exploration is king here. There are hidden paths, breakable walls, and entire zones that many players will miss on their first run. The interconnected nature of the world design rivals Dark Souls, and the non-linear progression means players are constantly rewarded for curiosity and persistence.

Visually, Hollow Knight is breathtaking in its simplicity. Hand-drawn characters and backdrops exude charm and gloom in equal measure. Despite a palette heavy in blues, greys, and shadow, the environments never feel dull—each region has its own emotional tone.

The music by Christopher Larkin is nothing short of masterful—subtle, sorrowful, and sometimes triumphant. It underlines the loneliness and faded grandeur of Hallownest without ever overwhelming the gameplay.

Sound design also plays a key role. From the tinkling footsteps of the Knight to the skittering of bugs in distant tunnels, every audio detail deepens immersion.

Hollow Knight doesn’t hand you a story—it whispers it from beneath the earth. Lore is hidden in dialogue, item descriptions, and environmental storytelling. Themes of sacrifice, decay, and forgotten glory permeate every corner of Hallownest.

Your silent protagonist, the Knight, might seem blank at first, but over time, a moving and tragic tale unfolds—one of lost kingdoms, ancient pacts, and a desperate attempt to hold back an unstoppable infection.

Hollow Knight is a modern classic. It’s a triumph of game design, blending tight combat, breathtaking art, and profound atmosphere into an unforgettable experience. With dozens of hours of content, rich lore, and a true sense of exploration, it stands not only as a high watermark for indie games—but for gaming as a whole.

Pros:
-Deep, satisfying combat
-Massive, beautifully interconnected world
-Gorgeous hand-drawn art and haunting soundtrack
-Rewarding exploration and secrets galore
-Incredible value, especially with all free DLC

Cons:
-Challenging for newcomers to the genre
-Story can be obscure without lore-hunting
-Occasional difficulty spikes may frustrate casual players

Hollow Knight isn’t just a game—it’s a descent into a lost kingdom of melancholy and mystery. A masterpiece that respects your time, intelligence, and curiosity.

Rating: 10/10

This game is beautiful and has amazing music, but there are too many hard quit points for a player who isn't extremely familiar with platformers for me to recommend it. I can see how achievements go down by 10% the more progress you make, so I know that means a lot of people are quitting the game early. I don't believe in 'git gud'; people either experience your game (your artwork) or they don't. Maybe Stephanie Sterling was right in that you should offer players demos of the hardest parts of your games to see if the game is even playable for them before they spend money on it. Even Ultrakill has accessibility options, but none here. If you do buy this game, the modding scene is apparently very robust and this game is easy to mod for accessibility. Some of the options the mods offer should probably be in the default experience of the game so people cross platform can enjoy the game as well.

If you enjoy Metroidvania games, this one is for you! It will take you into a world where both explorers and challenge seekers will find joy.
Inspired by tiny insects and strange creatures, this game immerses you in a universe unlike anything you're used to exploring.
Hollow Knight is the kind of game that keeps you hooked — you'll easily spend over 30 hours on it, just like I did.
I highly recommend it!

Awesome game, great graphics and an overall really imersing mood. It is hard, and sometimes it's hard to understand what to do, but that's the point the game! Overall,props do the devs. This isn't a game for people who give up.

Hollow Knight is a great platformer with a great environment. Or it would be if it wasn't for the excessive padding and difficulty.

I get that people like difficulty. But not everyone has 8 hours a day to grind on "getting good" at video games. Maybe I just want to beat the boss and not have to redo the section of the map before it 20 times.

I'm mostly writing this because the HK fanbase is extremely toxic towards criticism of the game, combined this with the fact that gatekeeping of this kind is a major problem in gaming in general.

Hollow Knight stands as a masterwork of independent game development, blending hand-drawn artistry with sophisticated design principles to deliver a gaming experience of remarkable depth and resonance. The art style is immediately striking—evocative of Gothic etchings yet softened by an almost storybook sensibility. Each environment, from the melancholic cityscapes of Hallownest to the bioluminescent depths of the Abyss, is meticulously rendered, with atmospheric layering and subtle animations that give the world an uncanny sense of life and decay. The interplay between light, shadow, and minimalistic color palettes generates a visual language that reinforces the themes of mystery, solitude, and perseverance without a single line of spoken dialogue.

Mechanically, Hollow Knight is a triumph of elegant complexity. The game blends precise platforming, strategic combat, and exploration-based progression into a cohesive system that respects and rewards player intuition. The tight control scheme is both accessible and demanding, allowing for a high skill ceiling without ever feeling punishingly opaque. The use of “Charms” for build customization adds a metagame layer that deepens strategic possibilities without compromising the game’s fluid pacing. Its non-linear map design encourages organic discovery, rewarding curiosity with meaningful upgrades and narrative revelations, rather than arbitrary collectibles. This structure honors the traditions of the Metroidvania genre while evolving it into something more immersive and intellectually gratifying.

Narratively, Hollow Knight excels through subtlety and subtext. Its story unfolds through environmental cues, cryptic NPC dialogue, and symbolic architecture, allowing players to piece together a rich, melancholic lore at their own pace. Themes of sacrifice, memory, and ruin permeate every corner of Hallownest, inviting philosophical reflection alongside emotional investment. Far from conventional storytelling, Hollow Knight trusts the player to engage in interpretive exploration, making its narrative experience uniquely personal. In every dimension, it is a profound and enduring work of interactive art. I have thourghly enjoyed this game and would highly recommend it to anyone.

A game of the highest quality, a truly handcrafted masterwork. From the razor-sharp gameplay, to the completely unique art style, to the incredible soundtrack, HK quickly earned its spot in my top 5 games of all time. Hands-down, this is a masterpiece. It's one of those games that sets the tone for an entire genre, and after you play it, other games will remind you of it, and you'll think back to how well HK did X or Y. Sublimely happy with it. 10/10.

This game is good for so many reasons, but that would make this review too long so here are a few. SPOILER ALERT!!! In the fungal area it's so cool and mysterious, while also being a awesome hard to beat area with tons of hard to slay mobs that are cool. In the forgotten crosslands it gets your head spining in about 10 iffrent circles in order to find the snail shaman, charm salesman, and the false knight. Let's see hmmmmmmmm....... Oh Yeah! well in the greenland portion of the game it is basically one of the hardest, in my opinion, when it comes to the fact that the boss is super agile and takes like 50 trys to kill it

da best game eva made . put your gramma onto this game its that good she'd play it through out her whole retirement and knit plushies of all 46 grubs . you know it;s true and Factual some might say obamna himself was playing this secretly on mcdonalds wifi next to the white house but you didnt hear it from me

Its too peak. I come home and play it until I go to bed. I've started skipping dinner for this game. I got terrible sleep right before the AP Calc test because every time I closed my eyes I saw gameplay.

A wildly great game that unfortunately lived up to the hype I got from the fanbase. It’s a fairly open-ended metroidvania which creates awesome experiences into a sense of adventure. It does get bogged down a little from having to retrace your steps a lot, but the highs are crack levels of entertainment. It was Eureka moment after Eureka moment. There are a bashful amount of secrets that pulls a unique immersion in the game. You will find secret passages, different ways to attack enemies, and characters that the devs did not make to be found - but to be discovered. The added content to the game really fleshes it out to the point where it’s difficult to know how much there is. Beating this game the first time shows you nearly every pillar of gameplay, but only a fraction of the bosses and zones. I learned that I took very different routes and used different strategies for most bosses before beating the game compared to others yet it felt like a totally fleshed out experience.

This, in my opinion, is the epitome of a cult classic game. It is so masterfully presented to its audience but hides layers of gameplay and other secrets that could be realistically obtained if someone is willing.

I see why there's such high expectations for the sequel.

Must say Its a really great game with a great lore, hoping for the sequel to be release and expect to be lore accurate and not very disappointing, overall awesome game to have.

одна из лучших игр в которые мне доводилось играть. богатый лор, интересный мир, сбалансированная боевка. не так сложна как о ней думают многие

Sigma game, should add multiplayer to play with friends, because solo is a bit lonely sometimes

To me, Hollow Knight has the perfect level of secretive stuff to it. Everything is obvious enough to not constantly need a wiki tab or youtube guide open, yet secretive enough to make finding said hidden paths/treasures/obstacles interesting and rewarding.

10/10, made me want to mate with bugs to create the perfect lifeform and raise them to defeat a giant deific moth goddess thing embodying the sun itself and to get rid of the curse she has cast over my country

its a slog to get through the first 15 hours or so but once you do it becomes addicting! god bless the wiki

Decided to try out this game after seeing indie cross episode 2 and I am very glad I did. The exploration was my favorite part of the game and unlocking new maps for each area and filling it up was an awesome feeling

Peak form of art. Man the exploration is clearly a statement for the cash grabbing biggies.

I will glaze and meatride this game 'till the day I die, I love this game with all of my heart. I would literally erase all of my memories if I could play this game for the first time again. Elden Ring is a very close second, but my #1 will always be Hollow Knight. I have literally cried to this soundtrack, it has beautiful orchestral masterpieces left and right. I am beyond hyped for Silksong, and if you are considering buying this game, buy it on your pc, your switch, your xbox, and your playstation, I don't care, you NEED to play this game. If you give up because it's "too difficult" pick your sorry ass up and try again. Hell, if you're reading this and have already beaten the game, 100% it, or play it on steelsoul, or play it again. I physically, mentally, and spiritually can not recommend this game more. PLAY IT. PLEASE.

Stop looking at the reviews and just buy the game. It will change your life.

Great game and also completely not my genre so I'm giving up on even trying to play it

played it:
in 2018, the game pissed me off so hard, left before even finishing 10% of the game.
in 2019, the game pissed me off so hard, left before 15% of the game.
in 2020, the game pissed me of so hard, left before 20%.
in 2022, managed to actually finish a big portion of the game, before the game pissed me off, left.
in 2023, managed to finish the game.
in 2025, managed to finish the DLC content and going for all the achievements, this time.

in conclusion the game takes 7 years to finish.

I like to believe that all the events in the lore are a realistic documentation of what happened under some Austrialian's backyard over the course of a week.

Hollow Knight is simply one of the best metroidvania games we’ve played and one that shouldn’t be missed by any fan of the genre. From its elaborate and enormous map to its beautiful visuals and large variety of unique enemies and bosses this game is one of the better examples of what the indie scene can achieve.

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An Absolute Masterclass and a Shining Example of What This Genre Can Be

Hollow Knight is a crowning achievement of art, direction, gameplay, and story — all packed into a stunning Metroidvania with gorgeous style.

Atmosphere

First and foremost — the atmosphere. Down to the smallest details. It's crazy to think this game was made by just three people. Biomes seamlessly intertwine and make sense within the grander world. The characters you encounter are memorable and vivid, each with their own little story arcs.
The story is presented in a classical Souls-like fashion, rich in environmental storytelling. Combine it all with crisp hand-drawn animations, a partially destructible environment, and this strange mix of feeling both lost and curious at the same time — and you've got yourself a vibe.
A game you can truly vibe in while discovering a massive world that keeps opening up, deeper and deeper.

Movement and Level Design

I feel that, for a game like this to succeed, movement and level design must be top-notch — and here, both are absolutely stellar.
Controls are incredibly tight; you don't need time to "get used to" them — they just instantly click.
You can jump, double jump, cling to walls, jump off walls, dash, super dash, and pogo off enemies (and sometimes the environment).
With so many movement options, the level design needs to not only accommodate but complement them — and it absolutely delivers.
You get an awesome feeling of progression not just through combat, but also through traversal. Backtracking through earlier areas becomes pure joy as you blitz through them with ease using your new abilities. Very, very fun.

Combat

Speaking of combat — it's heavily oriented around movement, which is a great thing because, as we’ve established, movement here is superb.
Different enemies force you to adopt different strategies. Some you’ll want to keep close; others, you'll only approach when they're vulnerable.
You'll be dodging through the air, using walls, dashing around, and even parrying. Many tactics are viable, but none of them feel cheap or unintended.

Bosses

Bosses are the (Team) cherry on top.
There are over 45 of them, each unique, along with their respective arenas.
Every single boss feels like a dance you don't know the moves to — yet. But you will learn them.
Trust me: in this game, you will dance with the very gods.
Some of the final encounters are absolute marvels, both gameplay-wise and visually.
And the music? Masterclass.

Music

Speaking of music — composer Christopher Larkin delivered big time.
Some tracks have made it onto my day-to-day playlists; others I play in the background during everyday tasks.
It's memorable, unique, and, most importantly, fits the game perfectly.

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I think it's pretty clear — I'm a huge fan of Hollow Knight.
And honestly?
You should be too!

the bugs are not only features, they are creatures. if you like bugs, creatures, and features, this is the game for you

Probably one of the best and my favorite metroidvania of all time.
The sound design is amazing
The visuals and art style are so good!
The bosses are honestly the best part of this game!
Although it did have a slow start at first but as you kept on playing and getting more and more abilities traversing in this game becomes so much more better and worthwhile!
If you haven't already played this game, now would probably be the best time to get into it with silksong right around the corner.
This has been one of the best indie games I've ever played.

This game drove me into a mentally ill state after several hours straight on the fittingly named, "Path of Pain." Other than that the game is peak!11!!1!!!111!!1!!1!

it's pretty cool but there is a decent amount of walking from point A to point B (average metroidvania) and deaths or mistakes can sometimes feel REALLY punishing (like me losing 1000ish geos by dying after I already died...) Also DO NOT USE THE BANK THE BANKER WILL STEAL YOUR MONEYYYY AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
overall great experience

very good and fun game (dont try path of pain) very hard game but very fun i definitely did not break my mouse on the second boss

one of the best games u can buy, and for freaking 3 dollars thats a steal.

i 100% achievements this game and i still feel like i wanna play it again . 10/10

Turning into one of my favorites. Definitely best game you could play on the steam deck

This game is a masterpiece. Of both storytelling, gameplay, exploration... Bosses feel hard but rewarding and it's always fun to play a new game.

I have heard about this game for years and always thought of it as something I'd like to play because I was a big fan of Symphony of the Night and Metroid Dread. This is absolutely a super fun game that I would recommend to any fan of Metroidvania style games AS LONG AS you're ready for a REALLY tough challenge. There are some challenges towards the end of the game that will REALLY test your patience but as long as you're persistent, you'll find the right means of dealing with the obstacles and bosses that you'll face.

Definitely lives up to the hype in terms of super tight gameplay and very well done visuals that have a timeless look about it that will most certainly age well over time. I'm also not the usual type of person to go for games this hard but it was fun enough of a game that it was worth getting to the finish line in the main game with the ending that required the most work.

Work of Art. S-Tier game that is a 'must play'. Stunning story with stunning visuals along with fun fighting mechanics.

its got bugs and orchestral music. this was for me and me only i think,,

I’ve never been much of a platformer fan, to be honest—but Hollow Knight is a rare exception. Though it may be a 2D game, it carries more depth than many big-budget 3D titles. If you have an adventurous spirit, enjoy a good challenge, are looking for an emotional story, find satisfaction in patterns, and love getting lost in beautifully crafted worlds (not to mention skulking through shadowy corridors XD), this is an experience you shouldn’t miss. I often find myself wishing I could discover it all over again—for the very first time. Ah well - guess it's time to start another playthrough. :p

The best indie game i have ever played, totally worth buying.

Probably the best metroidvania out there. The combat is super satisfying and the games aesthetic is too clean. At its price point its an absolute steal. Can't wait for Silksong.

After 44 hours and dozens of tries on P5, I completed every achievement in this great game — the best 2D game of all time

Hollow Knight is a masterpiece of atmosphere, precision, and quiet storytelling. Its world is hauntingly beautiful, its combat tight and rewarding, and its exploration endlessly satisfying. Few games offer this level of depth, emotion, and craftsmanship. It’s not just one of the best indie games—it’s one of the best games, period.

This game is just cool. No, that's too short. I need to make it a slight bit longer. I love Hollow Knight, in fact, i love metroidvanias in general! Mask shards, the vessel...soul...demon...core...things and also the bossfights, OH MY GOD THE BOSSFIGHTS! This game is a work of art and if someone hasn't bought the game, buy it. Just do it. Stop going through the reviews and BUY IT.

Anyways, that's about it, Hollow Knight is super fun and i refuse to disagree.

300 hours. All achievements. These numbers don't even begin to scratch the surface of my experience with Hollow Knight. This wasn't just a game I played; it was a world I inhabited, a journey I poured my heart into. From the moment I stepped into Hallownest's melancholic beauty, I was captivated.

The sheer artistry is breathtaking. Every pixel, every animation, every haunting melody breathes life into this decaying kingdom. The atmosphere is thick with mystery, a palpable sense of loss and wonder that pulls you deeper with each step. But it's not just pretty; it's challenging, rewarding, and deeply, deeply satisfying.

The combat is a dance of precise timing and skillful parrying. Each boss battle felt like a personal triumph, a testament to my patience and dedication. The exploration is unparalleled; every hidden nook and cranny holds a secret, a treasure, a piece of the puzzle that is Hallownest's tragic history. I found myself constantly losing myself in its intricate map, always discovering something new, something breathtaking.

More than just a game, Hollow Knight is an experience. It's a testament to the power of atmosphere, the thrill of challenge, and the beauty of exploration. It's a game that has stayed with me long after I 'completed' it, a world I still revisit in my thoughts. If you're looking for a game that will challenge you, move you, and leave a lasting impression, look no further. This is a masterpiece, and I wholeheartedly recommend it.

I recommend the game but it's just not for me, so I encourage you to get it, you can always refund it if you don't like, I waited a bit to long for that so i wasted 15 dollars lol

Fun game where you get lost for multiple hours on end unless you have a specific charm 10/10

Hollow Knight - A Masterclass in Platforming and Boss Battles.

One of the best platformers I’ve ever played. The controls are incredibly tight—every jump, dash, and slash feels precise and intentional. It’s the kind of game where if you die, it’s your fault, not the controls.

The storytelling is subtle but powerful. The world tells its story through atmosphere, cryptic dialogue, and environmental clues. It’s haunting, mysterious, and deeply rewarding for those who take the time to explore.

Boss battles are a highlight—each one feels like a test of skill, with patterns to learn and tight windows to act. They're challenging but fair, and beating them feels like a real accomplishment.

But the real magic lies in the exploration. Every corner of Hallownest is packed with secrets, surprises, and discoveries. That sense of curiosity and wonder is what kept me playing for hours on end.

Absolutely phenomenal game. A must-play for fans of the genre.

PS : I have more than 40+ hours on the Nintendo Switch.

It's such a binge-able and beautiful game from the looks to the music. The story is so fun and there's multiple paths you can go down. Genuinely love this game!!!