When Team Cherry released Hollow Knight in 2017, they delivered something rare — a 2D action-adventure so dense with atmosphere, tight with combat, and rich with secrets that it immediately earned a place among the greatest Metroidvania games ever made. Set in the ruined underground kingdom of Hallownest, this dark, beautiful world invites players to explore every forgotten tunnel, battle grotesque insects, and uncover a haunting lore that rewards curiosity at every turn. Whether you are new to the genre or a seasoned veteran, Hollow Knight delivers an experience that stands the test of time. This is a full review and guide for the best PC games, and Hollow Knight remains one of the absolute finest.
About Hollow Knight
Developed by Australian indie studio Team Cherry, Hollow Knight launched in February 2017 for PC before expanding to every major platform. Players control a nameless knight — the titular Hollow Knight — navigating the sprawling caverns beneath the fallen kingdom of Hallownest. The game blends tight melee combat, precision platforming, and intricate map exploration into a seamless, endlessly rewarding loop. Its hand-drawn pixel art, scored by Christopher Larkin’s hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, creates a world that feels both desolate and strangely alive. Despite originating in 2017, the game received major expansions — Hidden Dreams, The Grimm Troupe, Lifeblood, and Godmaster — that added hours of additional content and challenging boss encounters, cementing its lasting legacy.
Gameplay & Features
The core loop of Hollow Knight centers on exploration and combat. Armed with only a nail (essentially a short sword) and the ability to dash, the knight traverses five massive interconnected zones — each packed with enemies, hidden paths, and environmental puzzles. The combat system is surprisingly deep: enemies telegraph attacks with clear visual cues, and mastering parry timing and spell usage separates casual explorers from seasoned players tackling the game’s toughest challenges on higher difficulty settings.
What truly sets Hollow Knight apart is its non-linear progression. There is no single correct path through Hallownest. Players constantly backtrack using newly acquired abilities — the Mantis Claw for wall jumps, the Monarch Wings for double jumps, the Crystal Dash for horizontal speed — to unlock shortcuts and reach previously inaccessible areas. This design philosophy rewards patience and curiosity, and it makes every discovery feel earned and exciting.
The game also features a robust charms system: equippable passive bonuses that let players customize their build. Whether you prefer an aggressive style with increased nail damage, a defensive approach with higher health regeneration, or a spell-focused build that conserves soul for magical attacks, the charm system offers genuine strategic variety across multiple playthroughs.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Pros — Masterful World Design: Hallownest is a massive, interconnected map that rewards exploration and makes every new ability feel transformative.
- ✅ Pros — Tight, Satisfying Combat: Combat is responsive and skill-based, with boss encounters that are challenging yet fair and deeply rewarding to master.
- ✅ Pros — Atmosphere & Soundtrack: Christopher Larkin’s score is haunting, evocative, and perfectly matched to each zone’s mood — one of the best game soundtracks in indie history.
- ✅ Pros — Exceptional Value: With 30+ hours for a first playthrough and 60+ for completionists, Hollow Knight offers incredible depth at a modest price.
- ❌ Cons — Learning Curve in Early Zones: The first couple of zones can feel disorienting and difficult before the game opens up, which may push some players away.
- ❌ Cons — Minimal Hand-Holding: The game offers virtually no guidance. While this is a pro for many, players accustomed to detailed quest markers may find it frustrating at times.
The Verdict
Hollow Knight is not just one of the best Metroidvania games — it is one of the best PC games ever made, period. Team Cherry crafted a world so rich in atmosphere, so precise in its gameplay, and so generous with content that it continues to win over new players nearly a decade after release. The challenging combat, the gorgeous pixel art, the unforgettable score, and the sheer scope of its interconnected world make every hour spent in Hallownest feel worthwhile. Whether you are looking for your next obsession or revisiting a genre-defining classic, Hollow Knight is an absolute must-play — a reviews and guide staple that represents the very best the indie scene has to offer.
