Hollow Knight’s hauntingly beautiful world, punishing combat, and labyrinthine exploration have left an indelible mark on gamers. If you’re craving more adventures that capture that same magic, you’re in luck—the Metroidvania genre is brimming with titles that echo its brilliance. From eerie atmospheres to skill-testing boss fights, we have a curated list of games like Hollow Knight that deliver the same sense of wonder, challenge, and discovery. Whether you’re drawn to cryptic storytelling, intricate level design, or tight platforming mechanics, these picks are sure to satisfy your itch for exploration-driven adventures.
Why Games like Hollow Knight Resonate With Players
Metroidvania titles thrive on interconnected worlds that reward curiosity. Like Hollow Knight, these games often drop you into sprawling maps teeming with secrets, locked paths, and abilities that slowly unravel the environment. The genre’s charm lies in its non-linear progression—every new power-up or weapon isn’t just a tool for combat, but a key to uncharted zones. Add in atmospheric storytelling (think environmental clues and enigmatic NPCs) and combat that demands precision, and it’s easy to see why fans keep coming back for more.
Below, we’ll dive into six standout titles—some upcoming, some already released—that channel Hollow Knight’s spirit while carving their own identities. Let’s explore!
6 Games Like Hollow Knight to Explore Right Now
1. Haiku the Robot: A Mechanical Wonderland
For fans of: Retro aesthetics, melancholic worlds, and upgrade-driven gameplay
Step into the rusted boots of Haiku, a tiny robot navigating a post-apocalyptic realm overrun by corrupted machines. This 2D gem mirrors Hollow Knight’s atmospheric storytelling, with a world that whispers its lore through crumbling ruins and scattered clues. The gameplay loop? Classic Metroidvania: explore, battle foes, unlock abilities like dash moves and energy blasts, and backtrack to uncover hidden areas.
Key Details:
- Released: April 28, 2022 (PC/Mac), September 9, 2022 (Switch)
- Developer: Mister Morris Games
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Nintendo Switch
Why Play It?
Haiku’s pixel-art charm and somber tone feel like a love letter to indie Metroidvanias. Its upgrade system and challenging boss fights will hook anyone who relished Hollow Knight’s “tough but fair” philosophy.
2. Crowsworn: Gothic Thrills Meets Lightning-Fast Combat
For fans of: Bloodborne’s vibe, fluid combat, and haunting settings
Imagine Hollow Knight colliding with Bloodborne and Devil May Cry, and you’ll get Crowsworn. This highly anticipated title casts you as a plague doctor-esque hero awakening in a coffin, memory-less, in the grim world of Fearanndal. The trailer teases acrobatic combat, eldritch horrors, and a moody aesthetic drenched in shadows and despair.
Key Details:
- Release Date: TBA (Follow Mongoose Rodeo for updates!)
- Platforms: PC, Mac, Linux, Switch, Consoles
Why Play It?
Crowsworn’s promise of breakneck combat and eerie exploration makes it a must-watch for fans of games like Hollow Knight. Its Kickstarter success hints at something special—keep this on your radar.
3. Biomorph: Steal Your Enemies’ Powers
For fans of: Creative combat, Souls-like difficulty, and puzzle-solving
Biomorph flips the script with a shapeshifting twist: defeat a foe, and you can morph into their form to solve puzzles or access new areas. This mechanic adds fresh depth to exploration, while the hand-drawn world oozes danger and intrigue. Expect punishing boss fights, a sprawling map, and upgrades that make backtracking a joy.
Key Details:
- Release Dates: April 5, 2024 (PC), November 22, 2024 (PS5), February 26, 2025 (Xbox)
- Developer: Lucid Dreams Studio
Why Play It?
If Hollow Knight’s ability-gated progression hooked you, Biomorph’s morphing mechanic will feel like a natural (yet innovative) extension. Plus, its art style is stunning.
4. Nine Sols: Eastern Mythology Meets Sekiro’s Precision
For fans of: Parry-heavy combat, Sekiro, and hand-drawn visuals
Nine Sols blends Hollow Knight’s exploration with Sekiro’s parry-centric combat, all wrapped in East Asian-inspired mythology. Traverse a surreal world where every enemy encounter demands timing and strategy. The art? Gorgeous ink-washed backdrops that feel alive with detail.
Key Details:
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Consoles
- Release dates: May 29, 2024 (Windows, macOS), November 26, 2024 (Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Series X/S)
Why Play It?
This is for players who craved more combat depth in games like Hollow Knight. The parry system adds a satisfying risk-reward layer, and the setting is a breath of fresh air.
5. Animal Well: A Retro Puzzle Lover’s Dream
For fans of: Ambiguous storytelling, ’90s-era aesthetics, and non-combat challenges
Animal Well trades swords for brains. This cryptic Metroidvania focuses on puzzle-solving and atmosphere, set in a neon-drenched labyrinth teeming with strange creatures. It’s less about combat and more about unraveling secrets—perfect for those who adored Hollow Knight’s quieter, introspective moments.
Key Details:
- Release Date: May 9, 2024(Switch, PS5, Windows), October 17, 2024(Xbox Series X/S)
- Platforms: Windows, Consoles, Switch
Why Play It?
If you’re into atmospheric indie games that prioritize mood over mayhem, Animal Well’s mysterious world will captivate you.
6. Laika: Aged Through Blood—A Motorcycle Odyssey
For fans of: Emotional narratives, unique traversal, and post-apocalyptic grit*
Laika redefines Metroidvania traversal by putting you on a motorcycle. Play as Laika, a mother fox battling through a wasteland to protect her family. The gameplay mixes high-speed combat with poignant storytelling, exploring themes of sacrifice and resilience.
Key Details:
- Release Date: October 19, 2023
- Platforms: Switch, Windows, Consoles
- Developer: Brainwash Gang
Why Play It?
Laika’s blend of heart-wrenching narrative and inventive mechanics (wall-riding on a bike? Yes!) makes it a standout among games like Hollow Knight. It’s a testament to how the genre can innovate.
Final Thoughts: Dive Into These Metroidvania Gems
Hollow Knight’s legacy lives on in these titles, each offering a unique spin on the genre’s core tenets. Whether you’re drawn to Crowsworn’s gothic chaos, Biomorph’s creative combat, or Laika’s emotional journey, there’s no shortage of worlds to lose yourself in. The beauty of Metroidvania games lies in their ability to make every discovery feel earned—and these picks deliver that in spades.
