Hollow Knight is a 2D action/adventure Metroidvania game, developed by Team Cherry. It was released for Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux in 2017. A console port was released in 2018 due to which it can also be played on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
The dark and gloomy world of Hollow Knight takes place when a nameless knight enters a fallen kingdom. The player assumes control of the knight and wanders around this world, in order to discover its secrets and learn what had befallen the kingdom of Hallwonest.
On his journey, the player faces a wide range of challenging enemies and bosses. The whole world of Hollow Knight has fallen prey to the likes of plagued infested insects. Every character in Hollow Knight has his own story to tell. The player starts off with only a few abilities and a nail as his main weapon.
As the player progresses, he will fight more and more enemies, finding newer abilities. The level design and difficulty are one of the two most well-received aspects of Hollow Knight. Many critics and players alike have regarded the game as the Dark Souls of 2D games. But, in reality, the game is a lot more than that.
First of all, the soundtrack and visuals of Hollow Knight really help in telling the player how a disaster has fallen onto its kingdom. In the whole game, players won’t see proper voice acting as most dialogues are shared with the player in the form of subtitles. Yet, each character in Hollow Knight has a story to share about the kingdom or the game’s lore. There are various areas in Hollow Knight and each one of them is completely different from one another.
The way how Hollow Knight transitions from dark and depressing phases to some very light-hearted moments is what truly makes this game so special.
Top 5 Games Like Hollow Knight:
Hollow Knight will always have a special place in our hearts. Not only because it managed to show us how 2D games can still give a very challenging and fun experience, but also because of its masterful balancing act.
With Hollow Knight: Silksong (which is the direct sequel to Hollow Knight) right around the corner, players are looking for other alternatives to Hollow Knight. This is why in today’s article; we will be sharing a few games that are like Hollow Knight. All of these games are mentioned right below:
- Dead Cells
Dead Cells is an action platformer game that is developed and published by Motion Twin. The main inspiration behind the game’s creation was Metroidvania-style games. Currently, the game is available to play in Microsoft Windows, macOS, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Android, and iOS.
In Dead Cells, the player plays as a creature that takes control of a corpse lying in a dungeon. The player has to fight using it and make his way through the dungeon. Throughout the game, the player gets various weapons, treasures, tools that are found through exploration. Each level features undead creatures that the player has to fight.
Cells are used as an in-game currency that is used to either upgrade or buys new equipment and items. It is worth mentioning that Dead Cells feature a permadeath system, where the player will lose all cell and items as soon as he dies.
Dead Cells may be referred to as a “Roguevania” as it contains the best of both roguelike and Metroidvania games. People like to compare the game’s combat with the Souls series as it can be quite challenging at times. The player will also have to confront 6 different bosses, referred to as “Keepers” in the game.
- Cuphead
Cuphead is a 2D run and gun video game that is developed and published by a Canadian game developer, StudioMDHR. The game was released for Microsoft Windows and Xbox One in 2017. It has been ported to many other platforms since then.
The unique thing about Cuphead is that it was actually inspired by the 1930s style of cartoon animations. The game can be played in a single-player mode or with a friend in co-op mode. The first player plays as Cuphead, whereas the second player (optional) takes the role of his brother, Mugman.
Both brothers have to fight their way and clear several levels. They will also have to defeat several unique bosses in order to clear a debt with the devil. The game was well-received for its amazing art style and challenging difficulty. It also managed to win several awards and sold over 6 million copies within the first 3 years which makes it a huge success.
The gameplay of Cuphead features both boss fights, and a few run and gun levels. Each boss fight shows the amazing art style of Cuphead, and each one of them gives a unique and different experience to the player.
- Celeste
Celeste is a platformer video game that is made by Canadian video game developers Maddy Thorson and Noel Berry, whereas the art is done by a Brazillian Studio MiniBoss. It is available to play for the Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, macOS, and Linux. It is also one of the few games that are planned to release for Google Stadia.
Celeste entirely relies on platforming but does not shy away from featuring some unique mechanics that are used to improve the platforming aspect of the game. The player plays as a girl named Madeline who needs to make her way up a mountain. On her way, she has to avoid a variety of deadly obstacles.
In Celeste, there really aren’t enemies that the player has to defeat. Rather, the obstacles and environment around Madeline act as a barrier that the player needs to surpass. This allows the game to stay true to its platforming mechanics.
The player can jump only up to a certain height, or climb the wall for a limited time. He can also perform a mid-air dash in all 8 cardinal, and intercardinal directions. However, this move can be performed only once before needing to be replenished by landing on ground.
- Shovel Knight
Shovel Knight is a 2D side-scrolling platformer video game that is developed and published by Yacht Club Games. It is currently available for Microsoft Windows, Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, macOS X, Linux, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch, and the Xbox One.
On release, the video game was absolutely adored by both the players and the critics. It was so successfully acclaimed, as most even regard it as one of the best video games of all time. If you are looking to get invested in the game, you should buy Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove as it features all three campaigns.
Shovel Knight follows a 9-bit graphical style. The protagonist of the game is tasked with collecting treasures and fighting against the Order of No Quarter. The primary weapon of the player is a shovel that he can use to either attack an enemy or to dig up treasure. He can also use it to bounce on enemies.
Each Shovel Knight level requires the player to fight various enemies and a boss at the end. Players are also encouraged to discover treasures on their quest. Shovel Knight features infinite lives, but the player can lose a few coins after each death. These can be recovered by collecting flying sacks around the location where the player died.
- Ori and the Blind Forest
Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a Metroidvania platformer video game developed by Moon Studios and published by Xbox Game Studios. The game was released for Xbox One and Microsoft Windows in 2015. A sequel called Ori and the Will of the Wisps was also released during the start of the year for the same platform.
In this game, the player plays as Ori, who is a small white guardian spirit, and Sein. The objective of the players if to move between various platforms and solve a variety of puzzles. The game also features a unique saving system called “Soul Links” where the player can save their progress using limited resources.
The series also features an upgrade system where players are free to upgrade Ori’s abilities, allowing them to progress in the game. The first game’s release proved to be a huge success, as pretty much everyone was impressed by its gameplay, art style, story, soundtrack, and level design.
What’s even more impressive than players got to witness even improved combat and newer elements for exploration in the sequel.
Conclusion
These were the top 5 games that play like Hollow Knight. We have made sure to briefly introduce each and every one of these games. You are free to play them in any order you like.
Our recommendation would be to start with Shovel Knight or the Ori series. Both are extremely well made and give the player an exciting and memorable experience. What’s even better is that these games will not put a dent in your wallet as they are mostly pretty cheap.