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Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight

Atmospheric Metroidvania game featuring a silent knight exploring the fallen kingdom of Hallownest.

Official Website
Story·Impact·Characters·FAQ
IP Overview & Key Facts

IP Key Facts

Essential information and quick stats.
Full Name
Hollow Knight
Also Known As
The Knight, Ghost, Little Ghost
Format
Metroidvania Action-Platformer
Release Year
2017
Current Status
Complete, Sequel in Development
Country of Origin
Australia
Region
Australia
Creator
Team Cherry
Publisher
Team Cherry
Original Work
Original Video Game
Genre
Metroidvania, Action-Platformer, Dark Fantasy, Indie

Where to Start & Recommended Order

A beginner-friendly guide for starting Hollow Knight without spoilers.
Best starting point
Start with the earliest core Original Video Game (around 2017), then expand to other official releases as needed.
Recommended order
If multiple formats exist (anime, manga, films, games), follow the official release order within each format to avoid spoilers and missing context.
Fast-track option
To catch up faster, focus on the main story / questline first, then return to side content later.

Story, World & Core Themes

Explore the narrative, setting, and ideas that shape Hollow Knight.
Story
High-level synopsis and narrative focus.
A silent knight descends into the ruined kingdom of Hallownest to uncover its mysteries and confront an ancient infection.
World
Setting, cultures, and distinctive elements.
The fallen underground kingdom of Hallownest, filled with ruins, caverns, and infected creatures
Themes
Core ideas and recurring motifs.
Sacrifice, duty, decay, rebirth, the cost of perfection, environmental storytelling

Cultural Impact Timeline

High-level milestones showing Hollow Knight's global influence.
2014
Team Cherry founded, initial concept development begins
2015
Successful Kickstarter campaign raises over $57,000 AUD
2017
Hollow Knight releases on PC to critical acclaim
2018
Console releases on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
2019
Final DLC "Godmaster" released, Hollow Knight: Silksong announced as sequel
2023
Continued development of Silksong, regular updates to fans
Sales
Over 3 million copies sold worldwide across all platforms
Revenue
Estimated tens of millions in revenue for indie studio
Awards
Multiple indie game awards, critical acclaim, Game Awards nominations

Key Characters

Meet representative characters from Hollow Knight.
The Knight
“...”
A mysterious vessel created to contain the infection, exploring Hallownest to fulfill an ancient purpose.View Profile
Hornet
“Shaw!”
The lethal and agile protector of Hallownest's ruins.View Profile
The Pale King
“No cost too great.”
An ancient Wyrm who transformed into a bug to rule Hallownest.View Profile
The Radiance
“ANCIENT LIGHT”
A higher being of light and the source of the Infection.View Profile
Quirrel
“Beautiful, isn't it?”
An inquisitive and friendly explorer fascinated by the myths of Hallownest.View Profile
Elderbug
“The town is quiet, but it's home.”
The oldest resident of Dirtmouth, standing alone near the well.View Profile
Explore all Hollow Knight characters

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hollow Knight about?▼
A silent knight descends into the ruined kingdom of Hallownest to uncover its mysteries and confront an ancient infection.
Why is Hollow Knight popular?▼
Themes include: Sacrifice, duty, decay, rebirth, the cost of perfection. Genres / tags: metroidvania, indie, platformer, dark fantasy, exploration, atmospheric. Category: Video Games.
What is the best starting point for beginners?▼
Start with the earliest core Original Video Game (around 2017), then expand to other official releases as needed.
In what order should I experience Hollow Knight?▼
If multiple formats exist (anime, manga, films, games), follow the official release order within each format to avoid spoilers and missing context.
How can I catch up faster without getting lost?▼
To catch up faster, focus on the main story / questline first, then return to side content later.
Who are the main characters in Hollow Knight?▼
Some of the most recognizable characters include: The Knight, Hornet, The Pale King, The Radiance, Quirrel, Elderbug.

Official & Related Links

Find official resources and trusted references to learn more.
Official Website
Visit Official Site
Twitter
https://twitter.com/TeamCherryGames
Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp0xRmVKKECw3VrZbNnKGJQ
Where to Buy
Steam, Nintendo eShop, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, GOG
Fan Communities
Hollow Knight Wiki, speedrun.com leaderboards
Characters Page
https://www.enjoyip.com/franchises/hollow-knight/characters
Works Page
https://www.enjoyip.com/franchises/hollow-knight/works
Collectibles Page
https://www.enjoyip.com/franchises/hollow-knight/collectibles
Experiences Page
https://www.enjoyip.com/franchises/hollow-knight/experiences

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