Hollow Knight
Action
Adventure
Indie
Single-player
Steam Achievements
Full controller support
Steam Trading Cards
Steam Cloud
Remote Play on Phone
Remote Play on Tablet
Remote Play on TV
Family Sharing

Forge your own path in Hollow Knight! An epic action adventure through a vast ruined kingdom of insects and heroes. Explore twisting caverns, battle tainted creatures and befriend bizarre bugs, all in a classic, hand-drawn 2D style.

Developers: Team Cherry
Publishers: Team Cherry
Release Date: Feb 24, 2017
Price (USD): $14.99
Current Players: 11k

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Overwhelmingly Positive(97%)
art style
music
gameplay
boss fights
exploration
difficulty
storytelling
navigation
lore
too hard
backtracking
slow start
currency loss
The general sentiment towards Hollow Knight is overwhelmingly positive, with players frequently calling it a masterpiece. Despite its challenging difficulty that can sometimes lead to frustration, the visuals, music, and rewarding gameplay are consistently praised. The game's storytelling and exploration are embraced by many for their depth and atmosphere, although the lack of direction is a point of contention for others. Issues such as backtracking and the retrieval of lost currency present some drawbacks, but the overall package is viewed as exceeding expectations for its price.

Positive Points

  • The art style and visual design are frequently praised for being beautiful and enhancing the game's atmosphere.
  • The music and sound design receive high acclaim, with many players describing it as memorable and fitting for the game's tone.
  • The gameplay is described as challenging but rewarding, with smooth and satisfying combat mechanics.
  • The game provides a strong sense of accomplishment, especially after defeating difficult bosses.
  • The exploration and open-world design are highlighted as engaging and encouraging of discovery.
  • Negative Points

  • Some players felt the game was too hard, with certain bosses and parts leading to frustration.
  • Limited fast travel and the need for backtracking were common complaints, leading to potential annoyance.
  • Early parts of the game were described as slow or lacking mobility, which could deter some players.
  • Certain game mechanics, like the retrieval of lost currency, were criticized for adding unnecessary difficulty.
  • Mixed Points

  • The difficulty of the game is both praised and criticized, with some enjoying the challenge while others find it overwhelming.
  • The lore and storytelling are seen as deep and engaging by some, but others find it cryptic and difficult to follow.
  • The map and navigation system, including the need to purchase maps, drew mixed reactions, with some enjoying the exploration and others finding it cumbersome.
  • Common Themes

  • Hollow Knight is often described as a masterpiece or 'peak' game, indicating broad consensus on its quality.
  • The game is compared to and often praised above AAA titles, emphasizing its high standing within its genre.
  • There's a sense of satisfaction derived from mastering the game’s difficulty, which is a recurring theme.
  • Updated 12/26/2025, 12:01:11 AM UTC