Xbox One PC

Hollow Knight

PlatformAdventureIndie

Time to beat: about 28.4 hours
Plays offline: Yes

Overview

Hollow Knight is a 2017 Metroidvania video game developed and published by Australian independent development studio Team Cherry. The player controls a nameless insectoid warrior (commonly known as "The Knight") in exploring Hallownest, a fallen kingdom plagued by a supernatural disease. The game is set in diverse subterranean locations, featuring friendly and hostile insectoid characters and numerous bosses. Players have the opportunity to unlock abilities as they explore, along with pieces of lore and flavour text that are spread throughout the kingdom.

The concept behind Hollow Knight was conceived in 2013 in the Ludum Dare game jam. Adelaide-based Team Cherry: founded by artist Ari Gibson and web designer William Pellen: wanted to create a game inspired by older platformers that replicated the explorational aspects of its influences. Inspirations for the game include Faxanadu, Metroid, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, and Mega Man X. Development was partially funded through a crowdfunding campaign that raised over A$57,000 by the end of 2014. It was released for Linux, macOS, and Windows in early 2017, for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One in 2018, and for the Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S in 2026. Between 2017 and 2018, four free downloadable expansions were released.

Hollow Knight was well-received by critics, with particular praise for its music, art style, worldbuilding, atmosphere, combat, and level of difficulty. It has since been regarded by some critics as one of the greatest games of all time. The game has sold more than 15 million copies. A sequel following major character Hornet, Hollow Knight: Silksong, was released in September of 2025 to commercial success and critical acclaim.