Released by the small Australian studio Team Cherry on February 25, 2017, Hollow Knight has earned its place as one of the most celebrated indie games of all time. With its atmospheric world, deeply engaging combat, and intricate exploration, the game has become a benchmark for the Metroidvania genre. Though simple at first glance, it reveals layers of richness that keep players invested long after the credits roll.
A Journey Into the Fallen Kingdom of Hallownest
At the heart of Hollow Knight lies Hallownest, a once-thriving underground insect kingdom now in ruins. Players take on the role of a small, silent wanderer who descends into this decaying world with little explanation. Hallownest’s story unfolds organically through environmental details, cryptic dialogue, and hidden lore, inviting players to piece together its tragic past.
Far from a static backdrop, Hallownest feels alive—its biomes hold their own cultures, conflicts, and secrets. From the tranquil City of Tears to the eerie Deepnest, each area is crafted with hand-drawn visuals and haunting musical themes that deepen the sense of immersion.
Hand-Crafted Metroidvania Design
At its core, Hollow Knight is a Metroidvania, rewarding players for curiosity and persistence. Its world is vast but interconnected, filled with branching paths, secret chambers, and hidden abilities that unlock new routes.
Exploration is never handed to the player; instead, you carve your own route through Hallownest, gradually learning its geography and uncovering upgrades at your own pace. This design encourages players to investigate every corner—often leading to surprising discoveries, new characters, and optional bosses.
Challenging and Satisfying Combat
Combat in Hollow Knight revolves around the nail, a simple yet versatile weapon. Despite its minimal design, fights are fast, demanding precision, timing, and pattern recognition. Enemies are varied, and boss battles—now iconic to the series—require patience and adaptability.
As the adventure progresses, players enhance their abilities through charm-loadout customization, spellcasting, movement upgrades, and nail improvements, leading to a combat style that feels both personal and responsive.
Storytelling Through Silence and Mystery
One of Hollow Knight’s greatest strengths is its subtle, atmospheric storytelling. There is no lengthy exposition; instead, the game lets its world speak through:
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cryptic NPC conversations
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symbolic environmental cues
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fragments of lore hidden in item descriptions
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visual storytelling in every region
This hands-off approach invites players to interpret events and form their own understanding of Hallownest’s fall—a narrative choice that has fueled widespread theory-making and fan discussion.