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Hollow Knight – Complete Guide, Price & Silksong Info

Oliver Jack Thompson Howard • 2026-07-07 • Reviewed by Daniel Mercer





Hollow Knight: Complete Guide, Platforms, Price & Silksong Info (2025)

Hollow Knight is a 2017 Metroidvania video game developed and published by the Australian independent studio Team Cherry. Set in the fallen kingdom of Hallownest, the game follows a silent bug-like protagonist known as the Knight as it explores a vast, interconnected 2D world filled with enemies, bosses, and secrets. Since its release, Hollow Knight has been widely praised for its hand-drawn art, atmospheric soundtrack, and deep, challenging gameplay.

The title has sold millions of copies and maintains an active community years after launch. It is available on PC, Mac, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, with a standard price of around $14.99 USD. A sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, is in development but has not yet received a confirmed release date as of 2025.

This guide covers the game’s core details, platforms, expansions, map size, key characters, and everything players need to know before diving into Hallownest.

What Is Hollow Knight?

Developer
Team Cherry
Release Year
2017
Genre
Metroidvania / 2D Action-Adventure
Platforms
PC, Mac, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One
  • Hollow Knight is widely regarded as one of the best Metroidvania games, known for its hand-drawn art, deep lore, and challenging gameplay.
  • The game has sold millions of copies and maintains a strong community even years after its initial release.
  • Team Cherry announced Hollow Knight: Silksong, a sequel starring Hornet, but no official release date has been confirmed as of 2025.
  • Multiple free DLC packs have extended the base game content significantly.
  • The game’s hand-drawn aesthetic and atmospheric world-building set a new standard for indie games.
  • Team Cherry’s model of free DLC rather than paid expansions received praise from the community.
Attribute Detail
Developer Team Cherry
Publisher Team Cherry
Release Date February 24, 2017 (PC), later on consoles
Metacritic Score 87/100 (PC)
Steam Rating Overwhelmingly Positive (98%)
Current Price ~$14.99 USD (often on sale)
Sequel Hollow Knight: Silksong (in development)

What Platforms Is Hollow Knight Available On and How Much Does It Cost?

Is Hollow Knight on Nintendo Switch?

Yes, Hollow Knight was released on Nintendo Switch in June 2018. The Switch version includes all the free DLC packs and runs at 60 frames per second in both handheld and docked modes. Players can purchase it from the Nintendo eShop for the same base price of $14.99 USD.

Can you play Hollow Knight on mobile?

There is no official mobile version of Hollow Knight. Any mobile port available online is unofficial and not supported by Team Cherry. The game is designed for dedicated gaming platforms, and no mobile release has been announced.

Where can I buy Hollow Knight?

Hollow Knight can be purchased on Steam, the Nintendo eShop, the PlayStation Store, and the Microsoft Store for Xbox One. Physical copies for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 are also available from major retailers. The game frequently goes on sale, often dropping to half price or less.

Pricing tip

At about $14.99 USD standard price, Hollow Knight offers 30–40 hours of gameplay for a standard playthrough and over 140 hours for players aiming for 100% completion. The game’s value is frequently highlighted by the community as exceptional for the price.

Is There a Hollow Knight Sequel or DLC?

What is Hollow Knight: Silksong?

Hollow Knight: Silksong is the upcoming sequel to Hollow Knight, announced in February 2019. It follows Hornet, a character from the original game, as the protagonist. Silksong features a new map, new charms, new bosses, and a fresh storyline. It was originally planned as DLC but evolved into a standalone title.

Does Hollow Knight have DLC?

Yes, Team Cherry released four free DLC packs for Hollow Knight: Hidden Dreams (August 2017), The Grimm Troupe (October 2017), Lifeblood (April 2018), and Godmaster (February 2019). These expansions added new bosses, areas, and gameplay modes at no additional cost.

Is Hollow Knight: Silksong on PS4?

Team Cherry has confirmed that Silksong will launch on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. However, as of early 2025, no specific release date has been announced for any platform.

What to expect from Silksong

Silksong continues the lore of Hallownest with Hornet as the lead. The game introduces a new map, a different combat system, and over 150 new enemies. Team Cherry has described it as a full sequel in scope, not merely an expansion.

How Big Is the Hollow Knight Map and Who Are Key Characters?

How big is the Hollow Knight map?

The map of Hollow Knight is vast and interconnected. Players navigate through multiple distinct regions including the Forgotten Crossroads, Greenpath, Crystal Peak, and the City of Tears. The game features guided non-linearity with progressive minimaps, backtracking, and Stag Stations for fast travel between major areas. Cornifer the mapmaker sells the base map of the Forgotten Crossroads for 30 geo, and the Quill (120 geo) is essential for revealing unexplored areas.

Who is Nosk in Hollow Knight?

Nosk is a boss enemy that mimics the appearance of the Knight to lure players into a trap. It appears in the Deepnest area and is known for its unsettling design and challenging fight. Nosk is one of over 30 epic bosses in the game, with a total of 47 including variants.

What is the Knight in Hollow Knight?

The Knight is the silent protagonist of Hollow Knight. It is a small, bug-like creature with a nail as its weapon. The Knight explores Hallownest to uncover the kingdom’s history and defeat the Infection plaguing the land. Players control the Knight throughout the entire game.

What are the best charms in Hollow Knight?

Charms are equippable items that enhance the Knight’s abilities. There are 30–40 charms available in the game. Top-tier charms include Quick Slash (increases attack speed), Shaman Stone (boosts spell damage), and Unbreakable Strength (increases nail damage). Charms require Charm Notches to activate, which can be found in hidden areas or purchased from Salubra in the southeastern Forgotten Crossroads.

Boss difficulty note

Hollow Knight features over 30 epic bosses and 140 enemy types. Key early-game bosses include the False Knight and Gruz Mother. The Hunter’s Journal tracks all enemies and provides lore and defeat techniques as you progress. Players should prepare for challenging encounters, especially in late-game areas.

When Was Hollow Knight Released? A Timeline of Key Events

  1. – Hollow Knight released on Windows, Mac, and Linux via Steam.
  2. – Free DLC Hidden Dreams released.
  3. – Free DLC The Grimm Troupe released.
  4. – Free DLC Lifeblood released.
  5. – Nintendo Switch version released.
  6. – PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions released.
  7. – Final free DLC Godmaster released.
  8. – Hollow Knight: Silksong announced.
  9. – Silksong development continues with multiple delays.

What Is Known and What Remains Uncertain About Hollow Knight?

Established information Information that remains unclear
Hollow Knight exists and is playable on multiple platforms. Hollow Knight: Silksong does not have a confirmed release date as of early 2025.
The game was developed and published by Team Cherry, an Australian studio. There is no official Hollow Knight mobile version; any mobile port is unofficial.
There are four free DLC packs available for the base game. No official “Hollow Knight 2” other than Silksong has been announced.
Hollow Knight: Silksong is in development as a standalone sequel. Specific pricing for Silksong has not been confirmed.

Why Does Hollow Knight Matter in the Gaming Landscape?

Hollow Knight is widely considered a defining title in the Metroidvania genre, a subgenre that combines exploration, utility-based progression, and boss battles. Team Cherry, a small indie studio from Australia, created a game that set new standards for world-building, art direction, and value in indie gaming. The hand-drawn aesthetic and atmospheric world of Hallownest have influenced many subsequent indie Metroidvania titles.

The game’s success and the long wait for Silksong have generated both excitement and frustration among fans. Team Cherry’s decision to release all DLC for free rather than charging for expansions was widely praised. The community remains highly active, with forums, wikis, and fan content continuing to thrive years after the original release.

Hollow Knight’s impact on the genre is evident in how many later games cite it as an inspiration. Its combination of challenging gameplay, rich lore, and generous content has made it a benchmark for quality in the indie space.

Where Can I Find Verified Information About Hollow Knight?

“Hollow Knight is a 2017 Metroidvania video game developed and published by Australian independent development studio Team Cherry.”

– Wikipedia – Hollow Knight page

“Hollow Knight is a classically styled 2D action adventure across a vast interconnected world.”

– Steam page

“We’re hard at work on Hollow Knight: Silksong, the epic sequel to Hollow Knight.”

– Team Cherry (via official site, paraphrased)

For the latest on Silksong, check official Team Cherry announcements or the Hollow Knight Wiki for updates on its release and price. The game remains a top-rated title in the community, praised for its content, boss fights, and value.

Is Hollow Knight Worth Playing in 2025?

Yes, Hollow Knight remains an exceptional game by any measure. Its hand-drawn art, atmospheric world, and deep combat offer a polished experience that holds up well years after release. With 30–40 hours of content for a standard playthrough and over 140 hours for completionists, the $14.99 price tag delivers outstanding value. For players who enjoy exploration, challenging bosses, and rich lore, Hollow Knight is a must-play title. Readers interested in other iconic video game characters may also want to explore Leon Kennedy – Age, Height, Voice Actors & Appearances and Spider Man – Full Guide to Movies, Actors & Brand New Day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hollow Knight worth playing?

Yes, Hollow Knight is widely praised for its depth, art, and challenging gameplay. It is considered one of the best Metroidvania games ever made.

How long is Hollow Knight?

Average playthrough is 30–40 hours for the main story and 50+ hours for 100% completion. Dedicated players can spend over 140 hours achieving full completion.

What are the best charms in Hollow Knight?

Top-tier charms include Quick Slash, Shaman Stone, and Unbreakable Strength. These enhance attack speed, spell damage, and nail damage respectively.

Where can I find a Hollow Knight guide?

The official wiki at hollowknight.fandom.com offers comprehensive guides. Steam Community guides and the r/HollowKnight subreddit also provide detailed walkthroughs and tips.

What is the Knight in Hollow Knight?

The Knight is the silent protagonist, a small bug-like creature that explores Hallownest. Players control the Knight throughout the entire game.

Does Hollow Knight have multiplayer?

No, Hollow Knight is a single-player experience only. There is no official multiplayer or co-op mode in the base game or any DLC.

Is there a Hollow Knight 2?

Hollow Knight: Silksong is the sequel, though it is a standalone title rather than a direct numbered sequel. No other Hollow Knight 2 has been announced.

Can you play Hollow Knight on mobile?

There is no official mobile version. Any mobile port found online is unofficial and not supported by Team Cherry.

What is the Metroidvania genre?

Metroidvania is a subgenre combining elements of Metroid and Castlevania, featuring utility-based exploration, interconnected maps, and boss battles.

Who is Nosk in Hollow Knight?

Nosk is a boss that mimics the Knight’s appearance to lure players into a trap in the Deepnest area. It is known for its unsettling design and challenging fight.

Additional sources

fokuslehti.com




Oliver Jack Thompson Howard

About the author

Oliver Jack Thompson Howard

We publish daily fact-based reporting with continuous editorial review.