11 Best Games Like Hollow Knight You Need to Play
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This list is regularly updated to match what’s trending and in-demand among gamers.
If you’ve fallen in love with Hollow Knight, chances are you’re craving more games that combine INTENSE platforming, rich atmosphere, wicked music, and difficult combat. This guide explores the best games like Hollow Knight. Enjoy a mix of titles that tap into different aspects of what made Team Cherry’s indie masterpiece so memorable.
Stay here if you’re drawn to the haunting world-building, Metroidvania-style exploration, or brutally satisfying difficulty. You’ll find something worth playing in this expertly curated list.
I’ve selected titles that echo Hollow Knight’s soul! Some games lean into the intricate lore, while others embrace the thrill of discovery or precision combat. The games listed here are similar to Hollow Knight, but they also elevate the genre in their own right.
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Our Top Picks for Games Like Hollow Knight
This lineup shows off great Metroidvania exploration, combat that sticks in your memory, and visuals that tell stories without words. Each game captures the immersive reward loop that Hollow Knight fans live for. For now, here are the top three:
- Dead Cells (2018) – A rogue-lite Metroidvania that hooks you with fast-paced combat and countless weapon combos. Every run feels fresh and thrilling.
- Blasphemous (2019) – Combines relentless hack and slash mechanics with religious iconography and punishing difficulty. Perfect for players who crave dark, atmospheric worlds.
- Hollow Knight: Silksong (2025) – Hornet’s agile moveset, a layered quest system, and a huge enemy roster give you a precision/momentum-heavy spin on the beloved formula.
These are some of the best Metroidvania games available today. Scroll down to explore all 10 titles we’ve picked as must-plays for Hollow Knight fans, you might just find your next favorite.
10 Best Games Like Hollow Knight for Fans of Metroidvanias
The following games capture the spirit of Hollow Knight through different lenses; some focusing on atmosphere, others on combat, or lore. Here’s the full list of the top ten games similar to Hollow Knight:
1. Dead Cells [Best Metroidvania Game for Xbox Fans]
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| Platforms | Xbox, PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Year of Release | 2018 |
| Average Playtime/Best For | 15–60 hours /Best for combat-heavy exploration |
Dead Cells is a fast-paced rogue-lite that stands tall among the best metroidvania games thanks to its fluid combat, nonlinear progression, engaging game environments, and rich pixel art. You step into the skin of a failed and nameless experiment stranded on a cursed island. You carve through wicked foes, piece together gear, learn enemy patterns..and die. Then you start over wiser, always hunting for that next breakthrough.
What gave me goosebumps was how every run changed. New weapon combos, swapping traps for spells, trying a high-risk route. It felt like sculpting chaos into victory. As someone who clocked hours on this game, I can tell you it scratches the same itch Hollow Knight fans love: deep exploration and punishing combat. But in this game, it moves breathlessly fast.
It can get punishing late-game. If you pick the wrong combo in a crucial moment, you restart with little progress. But to some players, that might be exactly why this game will be ultra-rewarding.
Why it clicks:
- You discover permanent upgrades mid-run that change your strategy and keep exploration addictive.
- Procedural levels mean secrets hide in different spots each play.
- Combat flows and rewards bold decisions as much as patience.
Stick with early-game weekly challenges, since they force you into wild builds and teach useful strategies you’ll rely on in harder modes.
All signs point to Dead Cells as the ultimate pick for anyone who LOVES fast-paced runs and exploration loops recalling Hollow Knight’s challenge..but on adrenaline. After dozens of hours, each session still shocks me with new builds and hidden paths.
2. Blasphemous [A Brutal Hack and Slash Metroidvania for Xbox]
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| Platforms | Xbox, PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Year of Release | 2018 |
| Average Playtime/Best For | 15–60 hours /Best for combat-heavy exploration |
Blasphemous blends intense combat with RICH lore and hauntingly beautiful visuals. It’s easily one of the top hack and slash games for fans of dark fantasy. Blasphemous is set in the desecrated kingdom of Cvstodia, where you play as The Penitent One. You’re an armored pilgrim wielding a massive sword and a heavier curse.
You battle nasty monstrosities and journey through gothic cathedrals soaked in misery. What hooked me early was the art direction: it’s loaded with symbolism and hints at an ancient, dying faith (which you’re unraveling one corpse at a time).
What stood out most for me was the punishing but rewarding gameplay. Every boss fight feels like a trial by fire, but you walk away sharper, not just stronger. Each relic or prayer unlocks genuine combat variation. I built my loadout around bleed and ranged magic and found surprising synergy once I learned how to balance risk and stamina. The soundtrack bleeds into the background until you hit a chapel (and then things go from zero to a hundred).
It has a steep early curve. Movement feels heavy compared to faster Metroidvanias, which might turn off players used to twitch reflexes.
Why it clicks:
- Atmospheric storytelling told through environment, not exposition.
- Unique builds.
- Layered, secret-rich world that rewards detours.
Seek out the “Three Regrets” questline early. It unlocks major map shortcuts and one of the most rewarding upgrades you can get.
Blasphemous is the obvious pick if you loved Hollow Knight for its somber tone and punishing challenge.
3. Hollow Knight: Silksong [Fiery New Hollow Knight Sequel]
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| Platforms | PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, macOS, Linux. Available Day One on Game Pass for Console, PC, and Cloud |
| Year of Release | 2025 |
| Average playtime/ Best For | Players who want tighter movement tech, high-agency boss fights, and dense side-quest routing |
Hollow Knight: Silksong is a 2025 Metroidvania by Team Cherry, the sequel to Hollow Knight. If you want a deeper breakdown of its systems and worldbuilding, be sure to check out our Hollow Knight: Silksong review as Hornet is captured, taken to the mysterious kingdom of Pharloom, and must fight. Hornet explores and quests through connected biomes filled with unique enemies, intricate traversal, and expanded mechanics.
Silksong expands on the original’s foundation. Agility and needle-style combat see big upgrades, side-quests (wishes) push exploration deeper, and the world is richer, and more varied. There’s now over 150 new enemies and dozens of bosses stretching every skill.
Why it clicks:
- Hornet’s movement is sharper and more responsive than Hollow Knight’s Knight.
- Quest categories like Gather, Wayfarer, Hunt, Grand Hunt add purpose to each area.
- Gorgeous hand-crafted biomes with orchestral score and visual storytelling that rewards detours.
Use creature Vendors to plan your Crest load-outs early, then upgrade silk skills at Weaver Sites to unlock new traversal bonuses. Mobility often beats raw damage in Hollow Knight: Silksong.
Hollow Knight: Silksong belongs near the top of your list, if you want a Metroidvania that demands skill, rewards precision, offers challenge, and discovery. It’s time to pick up Hollow Knight’s sequel today!
4. Ori and The Will of The Wisps [Visually Stunning Adventure with Intense Combat]
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| Platforms | PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S |
| Year of Release | 2020 |
| Average playtime/ Best For | 12-15 hours/ Fans of emotional stories and refined platforming combat |
It is one of the best games like Hollow Knight, and I say it without a doubt. Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a magical platforming experience with heart-wrenching storytelling and criminally smooth skill-based combat.
While it’s not a traditional fighter, it easily earns a place among the most artistic and emotionally driven fighting games with action elements. Ori and the Will of the Wisps is easily one of the strongest picks for players chasing games like Hollow Knight.
It gives you a breathtaking platforming experience built on emotional storytelling and precision-driven combat. Ori wraps action and heart into a single unforgettable journey, from the first glide through shimmering trees to the quiet moments of loss and discovery. One thing to watch out for is that the game can drop frames on older hardware during high-particle combat scenes.
Why it clicks:
- Incredible visuals tied to meaningful story progression.
- Shard system adds real build variety.
- Boss fights feel technical without being overwhelming.
Equip the triple jump shard as early as possible as it completely changes traversal and lets you access secret areas that look out of reach.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a no-brainer if you crave atmosphere, exploration, platforming fun, and fun combat! It brings beauty and precision together in a way that few games ever do.
5. Undertale [Pixel RPG Where Every Choice Matters]
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| Platforms | Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, Xbox One |
| Year of Release | 2015 |
| Average Playtime/ Best For | 6–10 hours/ Fans of narrative-driven games |
Few titles have left a mark on storytelling the way Undertale has. Developed almost entirely by one person, this cult classic is an emotional rollercoaster that redefines how you interact with enemies. It gives you the choice to fight or show mercy.
It’s one of the best indie games of all time. Why? Well, it’s got branching paths, moral decisions, drama, and a wicked soundtrack that you’ll probably be searching for later. You’ll meet quirky characters like Papyrus, Sans, and Flowey, each offering humor, heart, or heartbreak in equal measure.
Midway through your playthrough, you’ll realize that every decision matters, and that’s where Undertale truly shines. I started with a neutral run, then tried pacifist, and by the time I hit genocide mode, I was both wrecked and impressed by how the world had transformed. It’s quirky and deeply personal.
Drawback? Some players might find the visuals dated if they’re used to more modern pixel work.
Why it clicks:
- Combat is part puzzle, part bullet hell.
- Dialogue and characters evolve based on your choices.
- Three full endings that shift everything narratively.
Play the neutral route first. It builds your emotional investment before the pacifist or genocide endings hit hard.
If Hollow Knight taught you to respect consequences and atmosphere, Undertale takes that philosophy and twists it through your soul.
6. Rain World [Beautiful Platformer Where Survival Is Everything]
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| Platforms | PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One |
| Year of Release | 2017 |
| Average Playtime/ Best For | 20–30 hours/Fans of survival & exploration |
Rain World drops you into a beautiful post-apocalyptic world as a fragile “slugcat” searching for family. What makes this one of the best platformer games is its challenging mechanics, unpredictable AI, and hostile ecosystem that reacts dynamically to your presence.
The hand-animated world breathes with detail, and every encounter feels personal and unscripted. Midway through, you realize that mastering movement is just the beginning. In the entire game, the real challenge lies in reading the world and adapting fast, which makes it one of the best games like Hollow Knight.
The game doesn’t guide you that much. Instead, it throws you in and demands you pay attention. It’s as much about reading the world as mastering your character. It can feel impenetrable at first. The lack of direction and high difficulty will frustrate some players.
Why it clicks:
- Complex predator-prey AI that evolves mid-run.
- Gorgeous 2D animation with tactile environments.
- True survival gameplay, exploration is always a risk.
Learn how to read the karma system early. It affects your ability to progress through gates and determines what story content unlocks later on.
Rain World is a gut-punch of a platformer that rewards observation over aggression. For Hollow Knight fans who crave nonlinear danger and environmental mastery, this is the wildest ride you’ll get outside of Hallownest.
7. Slain: Back From Hell [A Heavy Metal Homage to Classic Platformers]
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| Platforms | PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One |
| Year of Release | 2016 |
| Average Playtime | 6–8 hours/Fans of gothic visuals & retro gameplay |
Slain: Back From Hell hits like a headbanger’s take on a classic 2D action platformer. Its blood-drenched visuals and gothic level design scream dark fantasy, while the brutal combat makes no apologies. It’s not a Metroidvania in the traditional sense, but for players who loved Hollow Knight’s challenge and grit, this game offers great swordplay and architecture.
Combat is all about timing. You’ll parry, charge, and chain attacks like a warrior-priest with a vengeance complex. What might pull you in is how unforgiving the fights are until you click with the rhythm. Slain doesn’t care about pacing you gently, it expects you to step up or quit. Once you master the heavy swings and magic timing, the game turns from frustrating to thrilling.
Why it clicks:
- Beautiful pixel gore and metal album art vibes.
- Timing-based combat that rewards memorization.
- A soundtrack that drives you through every death.
Master the parry early. Unlike many hack-and-slash games, spamming attacks here will get you killed fast..especially in later boss fights.
If you’re after retro-style brutality with visual flair and rewarding punishment, Slain: Back From Hell is your cathartic release. It’s raw and gives you every ounce of pain it promises.
8. Ori and The Blind Forest [A Visually Stunning and Emotional Journey]
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| Platforms | Xbox One, PC |
| Year of Release | 2015 |
| Average Playtime/Best For | 8–10 hours/Players who love story-driven platformers |
Ori and the Blind Forest is one of those games you won’t easily forget. This visually breathtaking title combines emotional storytelling with fun platforming. It also immerses you in stunning hand-painted environments. The world feels alive, in that each leap through glowing trees or dashing past enemies lands with purpose and polish.
What hooked me deeper was how the story and gameplay danced together. Boss encounters and tricky traversal segments kind of demand you to have perfect timing. While upgrades like Bash and double jump reshape your approach. The environments are breathtaking and the soundtrack becomes a character on its own. Such masterful audio direction elevates the entire experience and sets a standard for how we perceive atmosphere in gaming. This level of quality is exactly what is celebrated when looking at the Best Score and Music nominees Game Awards 2025.
Any drawbacks to the game? Well, I have to say that frames can drop during particle-heavy scenes on older hardware.
Why it clicks:
- Movement and combat flow through polished shard-based builds.
- Visuals and audio work in harmony to enhance emotional beats.
- “Soul Link” saves let you push tension to checkpoints without punishment.
Use Bash to freeze airborne enemies. It opens secret areas and adds strategic advantage to combat recoil.
Ori and the Blind Forest is a must-play if you love atmosphere and storytelling that moves you. It hits that same emotional tone as Hollow Knight, wrapped in beauty and finesse.
9. Celeste [A Heartfelt Climb Through Challenging Platform]
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| Platforms | PC, Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch |
| Year of Release | 2018 |
| Average Playtime/Best For | 8–10 hours/Players who love a good challenge |
When it comes to finding the best games like Hollow Knight, Celeste does not miss a chance. Celeste offers a touching narrative mixed with your all-time-favorite platforming. As Madeline, players ascend the titular mountain and essentially face both physical and emotional challenges.
The game’s pixel art style and wicked soundtrack complement its controls and inventive level design. Recognized as one of the top platformer games, Celeste balances difficulty with accessibility and it really knows how to make each success deeply satisfying. If you loved playing Hollow Knight, then I’m sure this game would make it to the list of your favorites.
Why it clicks:
- Movement and story interlock beautifully through shards and dashes.
- Golden strawberries reward you for mastering corner boosts.
- Assist Mode makes it accessible, while B/C-sides test veterans.
Practice wall bounces early (shadowing golden strawberry mechanics) so corner boosts become second nature. This lets you reach hidden zones and clip boss damage.
Celeste is a must-play for Hollow Knight fans who love emotional depth and mechanical rigor. It strikes a rhythm between challenge and reward that few platformers achieve.
10. Axiom Verge [A Sci-Fi Metroidvania Adventure]
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| Platforms | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Switch |
| Year of Release | 2015 |
| Average Playtime/Best For | 10–12 hours/ Sci-fi lovers, retro game fans |
Axiom Verge drops you into a bizarre sci‑fi underworld as Trace, a scientist lost in a collapsing alien lab. You arm yourself with strange weaponry and go out of your way to discover hidden rooms in a maze that shifts around you. The game feels vintage, yet each hack‑and‑slash or platform puzzle comes with a sci‑fi twist that keeps the game quite fresh!
What stands out is using the glitch gun to bend levels. One minute, you could be shooting enemies, the next you could be warping through walls to secret chambers. I saw the parallels with Hollow Knight’s secret ecosystem: you’re rewarded for backtracking and experimentation. It moves slower but rewards curiosity. Backtracking can drag if warp points are too far apart.
Why it clicks:
- Glitch gun breaks levels and combat in surprising ways.
- Rewarding exploration with hidden rooms and lore fragments.
- The synth-heavy soundtrack builds tension in empty corridors.
Use the Address Disruptor in walls near red portals. It reveals hidden blocks and opens immediate shortcuts you’ll need later.
Axiom Verge earns its spot for fans of deep exploration and discovery. Its sci‑fi world rewards experimentation at every turn.
11. Hyper Light Drifter [A Visually Striking Action RPG with Deep Combat]
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| Platforms | PC, macOS, Linux, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android |
| Year of Release | 2016 |
| Average Playtime/Best For | 10–12 hours/Fans of challenging combat and atmospheric storytelling |
Hyper Light Drifter is a 2D action RPG that pays homage to classic 16-bit games while introducing modern mechanics and a beautiful world. Players take on the role of the Drifter, a character plagued by a mysterious illness.
You’ll love mastering animation-cancel tricks, like shotgun‑slash combos that double your damage while keeping you agile. You can get lost and spend hours perfecting the “plink” technique: fire, slash, swap. Every hidden module opens a new section, and exploration feels fulfilling because of that.
The pace is slower than Hollow Knight but rewards patience and mech‑study.
Why it clicks:
- Combo‑friendly combat system built around animation cancels.
- Atmospheric design enriched by silent storytelling.
- Exploration unlocks new layers and combat choices.
Practice the plinking combo: shoot, slash, swap early. It boosts DPS without extra ammo and becomes essential for tougher encounters.
Hyper Light Drifter gives you deep combat systems and atmospheric world-building that resonate with Hollow Knight fans. It stands out when you’re craving methodical action with some layers of mystery!
Difficult Games like Hollow Knight: HARDCORE GAMER Picks
If you’ve powered through every game listed here, you’re a traveler of depths. If you’re still hungry for more, here are three high-caliber picks that deserve attention from Hollow Knight super-fans:
- Nine Sols – Dubbed a “Taopunk” Metroidvania by GameSpot, this title leans hard into parry-heavy, Souls-inspired combat wrapped in sci-fi Taoist visuals.
- Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist – From the team behind Ender Lilies, this sequel refines summon-based combat and platforming action.
- Tales of Kenzera: Zau – EA Originals-backed, this game has dual-wield mechanics (sun + moon mask), wall-jumps, and shamanic storytelling inspired by grief and Bantu myth!
Key Traits of Metroidvania Games
Digging into games in the style of Hollow Knight means understanding what fuels that feeling of mastery and exploration:
- Non-linear world design: Metroidvanias thrive on unlock-driven progression. You collect abilities that open new routes, revealing secrets and lore layers as you revisit old zones.
- Precision combat with meaningful upgrades: Each combat system rewards practice and mechanical insight. That fosters moments of “I finally get this.” Reddit discussions highlight this as a core draw.
- Environmental storytelling: Instead of exposition dumps, narrative unfolds through artwork and level layout. Game-wisdom analysis notes this synergy between level design and story makes exploration intuitive and satisfying.
If you’re looking for that specific Hollow Knight vibe, look for titles with layered maps: shortcuts, hidden bosses, environmental puzzles, secrets. And when you’re ready to dive in, a reliable marketplace for cheap game keys like Eneba can help you access these titles whenever you want.
FAQs
What game is most like Hollow Knight?
Hyper Light Drifter and Dead Cells are the best games like Hollow Knight. They feature similar fast-paced combat, intricate world design, and minimalist storytelling, making them great picks for fans of Metroidvania adventures.
When is Hollow Knight: Silksong coming out?
No, it doesn’t have a confirmed release date yet. Originally announced in 2019, Silksong has seen multiple delays. Team Cherry is still actively working on the game, and while fans hoped for a 2024 release, it may now be pushed to 2025.
Is Silksong connected to Hollow Knight?
Yes, Silksong is a sequel. It centers on Hornet, a key character from the first game. The story unfolds in a new kingdom with upgraded mechanics, deeper lore, and expanded combat abilities, promising a fresh yet familiar experience for longtime fans.
