Hollow Knight:
Play Online & Guides
Explore Hallownest's hand-drawn world: precise nail combat, charms and notches, sprawling maps, optional areas, and 40+ boss encounters.
Hollow Knight - Launch Trailer
Descend into Hallownest and forge your own path
Play Hollow Knight Online
Try a web-embedded version or demo if available. For the best experience, play on Steam.
Hollow Knight Overview
Enter Hallownest, a fallen insect kingdom brought to life through hand-drawn art, precise combat, and layered exploration. Wield your Nail, gather Soul, and uncover secrets across vast regions connected by shortcuts, benches, and Stag Stations.
Story & World
Hallownest’s history is told quietly through places, NPCs, and optional lore. Multiple endings reflect your choices and discoveries, culminating in memorable confrontations and revelations. Exploration rewards curiosity with shortcuts, treasures, and evolving hubs.
Gameplay Overview
Combat and platforming are tightly tuned. Your Nail is your core weapon, while Soul powers spells and Focus (healing). As you progress, movement upgrades like dash, wall-jump, and double-jump open new paths, making routing and map tools essential.
- Build Soul by striking foes; spend it on spells or Focus.
- Movement upgrades gradually unlock faster, more vertical routes.
- Map with Quill and Compass; rest at benches to update progress.
Charms & Builds
Charms define your build and playstyle. Notch costs enforce tradeoffs, while synergy between charms enables powerful, situational loadouts for bosses or exploration.
Bosses & Challenges
Face 40+ bosses with readable telegraphs and escalating tests of positioning and pattern recognition. Optional challenge modes and trials push mastery even further.
Connection to Hollow Knight: Silksong
Silksong is a full sequel starring Hornet, shifting to faster, more vertical traversal and silk-powered mechanics. While Hollow Knight centers on Soul, Focus, and charms, Silksong emphasizes Silk, Binding, tools, and quest-driven progression. Start with either game — veterans will notice thematic echoes and evolved systems.
Controls Mechanism: How to Action in Hallownest
Besides grabbing the detailed gameplay, managing command keys well is important to make your adventure more epic!
Core Controls
- UP ArrowMove up / Hold to look upward
- DOWN ArrowMove down / Hold to look downward
- LEFT ArrowMove left
- RIGHT ArrowMove right
- ZJump
- XAttack
- AHold to Focus or travel via Dreamgate
- DHold to use Dream Nail or place a Dreamgate
- EQuick Cast
- CDash
- SSuper Dash
- IOpen Inventory
- TabQuick Map
Note: Control schemes may vary by platform or embedded version. If available, you can remap keys in settings.
Start Your Journey in Hallownest
Descend into a hand-drawn kingdom of secrets, sharp combat, and exploration. Master charms, conquer bosses, and unveil the lore at your own pace.