When Team Cherry released Hollow Knight in 2017, they delivered something rare: a game that feels handcrafted down to every last pixel, packed with exploration, punishing combat, and a hauntingly beautiful world that players cannot stop returning to. Nearly a decade later, Hollow Knight remains one of the most celebrated indie titles of all time — and for good reason. Whether you are revisiting Hallownest or stepping into it for the very first time, this review breaks down why this metroidvania masterpiece continues to set the benchmark for the genre.
A World Like No Other: Exploring Hallownest
Hallownest is a sprawling underground kingdom teeming with forgotten lore, bizarre inhabitants, and secrets buried around every corner. The moment you descend from the initial area — the quiet Greenpath — into the Dusty Expanse and beyond, the scope of this world becomes genuinely jaw-dropping. Each region has its own distinct visual identity: the glowing fungal caves of Blue Lake, the sun-scorched overworld of the Resting Grounds, the industrial nightmare of Crystal Peak, and the infected City of Tears with its relentless rain.
The level design is nothing short of extraordinary. Every tunnel leads somewhere meaningful, every shortcut earned feels like a genuine reward, and backtracking — a common complaint in metroidvanias — is transformed into a joy because the world is simply so compelling to traverse. The map system adds a clever twist: the Knight does not start with a full map. You must purchase mapping skills from a snail shaman, adding a layer of genuine discovery that makes even getting lost feel exciting.
Combat: Simple on the Surface, Deep Where It Counts
On the surface, Hollow Knight’s combat appears straightforward: a basic melee slash, a focus attack, and a nail arts upgrade system. But give the game a few hours and that simplicity peels away to reveal something genuinely tactical. Each boss encounter is a dance of observation, patience, and precise timing. The game does not hold your hand — it watches you struggle and rewards growth.
Bosses like Hornet in the Greenpath, the Dung Defender, and the mantis lords in the Fungal Wastes are all memorable precisely because they demand something from the player. They are difficult but never cheap. The nail upgrade system, combined with Charms that modify your abilities — increasing damage, granting protective auras, or altering attack patterns — means you can tailor your playstyle to suit your preferences. The Pure Nail, obtained after a challenging platforming section, transforms the late-game combat experience entirely.
The Story Beneath the Surface
What truly separates Hollow Knight from other metroidvanias is its storytelling. There is no dialogue tree, no voiced protagonist, and no hand-holding narrative. The story of Hallownest is told through environmental design, item descriptions, and the ghosts of fallen enemies that replay short scenes when you strike them. It is a narrative told in fragments, rewarding curiosity and attention to detail.
The central mystery — what happened to the Pale King, what is the Radiance, and why is the infection spreading — unfolds across dozens of hours of exploration. Even after the main story concludes, players discover that there is always something they missed. The Dream Nail mechanic, which allows the Knight to read the thoughts of characters and enemies alike, opens an entirely new layer of lore that transforms the entire experience upon a second playthrough.
Team Cherry expanded the universe with the critically acclaimed Hollow Knight: Silksong, a separate title that has been in development for years and has only heightened anticipation for the franchise. While Silksong is not required reading, the mere existence of such a passionate fanbase is a testament to how deeply Hollow Knight resonates.
Presentation and Atmosphere
Aesthetically, Hollow Knight is a triumph. The hand-drawn art style is dripping with personality — every enemy has character, every environment has mood, and the animation is silky smooth even during the most chaotic combat sequences. Christopher Larkin’s soundtrack is genuinely iconic: haunting string arrangements for the quieter moments, pulse-pounding industrial rhythms during boss fights, and a recurring motif that ties the entire score together. It is one of the best soundtracks in gaming, period.
The game runs buttery smooth on modern hardware, and the file size is remarkably small for the amount of content packed in. Load times are virtually non-existent, and the responsive controls make even the most demanding platforming sections feel fair and satisfying.
Is Hollow Knight Worth Playing in 2026?
Absolutely. Hollow Knight is not just one of the best metroidvanias ever made — it is one of the best games ever made. With dozens of hours of content in the base game, additional free content packs like The Grimm Troupe and Lifeblood, and the looming promise of Silksong, there has never been a better time to dive into Hallownest. The difficulty is real, the learning curve is steep, and the world will test every ounce of patience and skill you have. But the sense of accomplishment that comes from conquering this game — or simply getting lost in its world — is an experience unlike any other.
Whether you are a seasoned veteran of the genre or a newcomer looking for their first truly great indie game, Hollow Knight delivers on every front. It is a masterclass in game design, a testament to what small teams can achieve with passion and vision, and a game that will stay with you long after you put down the controller.
Official Website: https://www.teamcherry.com.au/hollowknight
