Hollow Knight: Is It Worth Playing in 2025?
Originally released in 2017 by indie studio Team Cherry, Hollow Knight has cemented itself as one of the greatest indie games of all time — and for very good reason. Set in the decaying underground kingdom of Hallownest, this dark, atmospheric action-platformer blends tight combat, intricate exploration, and a hauntingly beautiful world into something truly special.
Gameplay: Challenging but Fair
At its core, Hollow Knight is a Metroidvania — a genre defined by interconnected maps and progression gated behind new abilities. The controls are precise and responsive, and the combat rewards patience and pattern recognition rather than button-mashing.
- Nail combat — Your primary weapon feels satisfying to swing, with upgrades that change its power and range.
- Spells & Soul — A secondary resource called Soul fuels healing and powerful spell attacks.
- Charm system — Equip charms to customize your playstyle, from aggressive builds to defensive or speedrun-oriented setups.
- Boss fights — Dozens of memorable boss encounters ranging from tough to brutally difficult.
World Design & Atmosphere
Hallownest is arguably the game's greatest achievement. Each area feels distinct — from the mossy Greenpath to the fiery Kingdom's Edge — yet everything connects seamlessly. The hand-drawn art style gives the world a timeless quality, and the musical score by Christopher Larkin is genuinely moving.
Story: Told Through the World
Hollow Knight doesn't hand you its story. Instead, lore is discovered through environmental storytelling, item descriptions, and brief NPC dialogues. If you love piecing together a mystery, it's deeply rewarding. If you prefer direct narrative, it may feel opaque at first.
Who Should Play It?
- Fans of Dark Souls–style challenge and atmosphere
- Players who enjoy exploration and getting lost in a big map
- Anyone looking for a long, content-rich game — easily 40+ hours for completionists
Final Verdict
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Gameplay | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Visuals & Art | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Story | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Music | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Replayability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Hollow Knight is a must-play. It's available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, and Xbox One — and it's often on sale for just a few dollars. There is almost no reason not to own it.