Overview: A Bug's World Like No Other
Hollow Knight, developed by Team Cherry — a three-person studio from Australia — is one of the most celebrated indie games ever made. First released in 2017, it continues to attract new players years later, and for good reason. But does it still hold up in 2025? Absolutely.
Set in the vast underground kingdom of Hallownest, you play as a small, silent knight exploring a beautifully decayed world filled with insect civilizations, ancient mysteries, and formidable bosses.
Gameplay: Tight, Rewarding, and Deep
Hollow Knight is a metroidvania — a genre where you explore a large interconnected map, gain new abilities to access new areas, and gradually uncover the world's secrets. The controls are crisp and precise, which is essential for a game with this level of challenge.
Combat involves:
- A basic nail (sword) attack
- Spells powered by Soul, a resource you gather from enemies
- Charms — collectible items you equip to customize your playstyle
- Parrying and precise dodging to survive boss encounters
The charm system is a standout feature. With dozens of charms available, you can tailor your knight for aggressive play, defensive builds, speed runs, or spell-casting focused styles. This gives the game a surprising amount of replayability.
World Design and Atmosphere
Hallownest is breathtaking. Each area has a distinct visual identity, enemy set, and mood — from the fungus-infested Fungal Wastes to the hauntingly beautiful City of Tears with its endless indoor rain. The hand-drawn art style is simply stunning, especially considering the small team behind it.
The game is largely wordless. Lore is delivered through brief NPC conversations, item descriptions, and environmental storytelling. This approach rewards curious players who pay attention and theorize about the world's history.
Difficulty: Challenging But Fair
Hollow Knight is not a casual walk in the park. Bosses will kill you. Some areas will frustrate you. But — and this is important — it almost always feels fair. Deaths rarely feel cheap. When you die, you understand why, and you come back better prepared.
The game also doesn't punish you too harshly. You lose your Geo (currency) on death but can recover it by defeating your shade at the spot you died. If you lose your shade, the Geo is gone — but it's rarely enough to feel devastating.
Value for Money
For under $15 (often under $10 on sale), Hollow Knight offers:
- 40–60 hours of content for a first playthrough
- Multiple free DLC expansions included in the base price
- Multiple endings to discover
- A full pantheon of optional boss challenges for hardcore players
Should You Play It in 2025?
Yes. Emphatically. Hollow Knight remains one of the finest examples of what indie games can achieve. It's beautiful, deep, challenging, and emotionally resonant in a way few games manage. If you enjoy exploration, tight combat, and world-building, this is essential gaming.
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Gameplay | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Art & Atmosphere | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Difficulty Balance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Story & Lore | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value for Money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |