In a world dominated by blockbuster budgets and flashy marketing, a small team of three developers from Australia, known as Team Cherry, quietly released a game in 2017 that would become a landmark title. That game was Hollow Knight, a 2D action-adventure that didn’t just enter the scene—it carved its name into the halls of gaming greatness with a sharp, soul-collecting nail.
But what is it about this game set in a bug kingdom that captivates millions? And where does the story go next? This review dives deep into the decaying world of Hallownest and looks ahead to the feverishly anticipated sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong.
Descending into Hallownest: A World That Breathes
From the moment you control the small, silent Knight and descend into the forgotten town of Dirtmouth, you know you’re in for something special. Hallownest isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character. The world is a sprawling, interconnected labyrinth of hauntingly beautiful regions—from the fungal wonderland of the Fungal Wastes to the chilling, crystal-filled peaks of Crystal Peak.
This is a “Metroidvania” at its absolute finest. You will constantly find paths blocked by obstacles you can’t yet pass. But instead of feeling frustrating, it creates a powerful sense of discovery. Unlocking a new ability, like the Monarch Wings for double-jumping, doesn’t just open one new door—it opens up entire sections of the map you’d forgotten about, rewarding curiosity and exploration at every turn.
Combat: Challenging, Precise, and Incredibly Satisfying
Don’t let the cute art style fool you. Hollow Knight is challenging. Combat is a dance of precision. Your primary weapon is your Nail, which you use for sharp, melee strikes. The gameplay loop is tight: learn enemy attack patterns, dodge, strike, and don’t get greedy.
The game introduces a brilliant mechanic called SOUL. By striking enemies, you build up SOUL, which can then be used to either heal yourself or unleash powerful spells. This creates a constant, strategic tension in every fight: Do I use my SOUL to recover from a mistake, or do I go on the offensive with a devastating spell? This simple system adds incredible depth to every encounter, especially the game’s legendary boss fights, which are some of the most memorable and rewarding in any modern game.
A Story Told Through Silence and Sorrow
Hollow Knight doesn’t hold your hand with lengthy cutscenes or exposition dumps. Its story is uncovered through subtle environmental storytelling, cryptic dialogue with the few remaining sane bugs, and ancient tablets scattered throughout the world.
You piece together the history of a kingdom struck by a mysterious plague that robs its citizens of their minds. The atmosphere is thick with melancholy, beauty, and loss. It’s a story that respects your intelligence, inviting you to become an archaeologist of this fallen civilization. The haunting, piano-driven score by Christopher Larkin completes the mood, making every moment feel epic and intimate at the same time.
The Value Proposition: An Unbelievable Deal
In an era where games are often released half-finished with a list of paid DLC, Hollow Knight stands as a monument to value. The base game offers a staggering 30-40 hours of content for a single playthrough, with over 100% completion potentially taking 60+ hours. And Team Cherry released multiple massive content expansions—like Godmaster and The Grimm Troupe—for free. It is one of the most content-rich and generously priced games ever made.
The Future: Hollow Knight: Silksong
The excitement for Hollow Knight naturally leads to one question: What’s next? The answer is Hollow Knight: Silksong.
Initially planned as DLC, the project grew in scope to become a full-blown sequel. This time, you play as Hornet, the fierce and agile protector from the first game, who has been captured and taken to a new, gilded kingdom called Pharloom.
Based on gameplay reveals, Silksong promises:
- A New Protagonist: Hornet is faster and more acrobatic than the Knight, with a completely new set of abilities based on her needle and silk.
- A Whole New World: Pharloom is a towering, moss-covered kingdom that appears even more vast and vertical than Hallownest.
- Refined Mechanics: The game will feature a full quest system, over 100 new enemies, and a deep crafting component.
- The Same Soul: While it’s a new adventure, it promises to retain the core DNA of challenging combat, deep exploration, and beautiful, hand-drawn art.
The Verdict: An Essential Experience
Hollow Knight is a masterpiece. It is a perfect storm of challenging yet fair gameplay, world-class art and music, and a deeply immersive, somber world. It set a new bar for the Metroidvania genre and stands tall as one of the greatest indie games ever created.
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of challenging games or a newcomer with a thirst for adventure, the journey through Hallownest is an essential experience. It’s a game that will test your skills, stir your emotions, and leave you utterly captivated from beginning to end. And with Silksong on the horizon, there has never been a better time to descend into the depths and discover the magic for yourself.
