If you loved Hollow Knight, you probably didn’t love just one thing about it. You loved the way the world slowly opened up. How every upgrade mattered and the tough but fair combat, bosses that demanded patience, and controls that never got in your way. Most of all, you loved getting lost in a quiet, mysterious world that rewarded curiosity.
Good news: Hollow Knight isn’t a one-of-a-kind experience anymore.
Over the last few years, many developers have built games that focus on the same core ideas—Metroidvania exploration, tight combat, meaningful progression, and strong atmosphere—while still doing their own thing.
This list covers 15 games like Hollow Knight that are worth playing in 2026. Some lean more toward combat, others toward platforming or story, but all of them scratch that Hollow Knight itch in different ways.
Quick Comparison: Top 5 Picks
| Game | Core Similarity | Best For |
| Ori and the Blind Forest | Fluid movement + exploration | Players who loved movement-heavy sections |
| Blasphemous | Dark world + tough combat | Fans of grim tone and punishing fights |
| Dead Cells | Fast combat + upgrades | Players who want constant action |
| Salt and Sanctuary | Souls-like difficulty | Players who enjoyed boss challenges |
| Ender Lilies | Atmosphere + bosses | Players who liked slower, emotional pacing |
1. Ori and the Blind Forest
Why it’s similar
Ori and the Blind Forest shares Hollow Knight’s focus on exploration and ability-based progression. Areas are locked behind movement upgrades, encouraging backtracking and map mastery. The game rewards precision and patience, especially in later sections.
What makes it unique
Ori puts a much heavier emphasis on movement than combat. Platforming sequences are the main challenge, and the story is more emotional and direct than Hollow Knight’s quiet storytelling.
Key features:
- Fluid movement system
- Ability-based world progression
- Hand-painted environments
Price: $19.99 | Platforms: PC, Xbox One, Switch
2. Blasphemous
Why it’s similar
Blasphemous matches Hollow Knight’s difficulty and oppressive tone. Combat is deliberate, enemies punish mistakes, and exploration slowly uncovers a grim, interconnected world.
What makes it unique
Its religious horror theme is front and center. The art style, lore, and boss designs are inspired by Spanish Catholic imagery, giving it a much harsher visual identity.
Key features:
- Punishing melee combat
- Dark, religious setting
- Interconnected map design
Price: $24.99 | Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
3. Dead Cells
Why it’s similar
Dead Cells borrows Hollow Knight’s tight combat and progression systems. You unlock new abilities that permanently expand movement and exploration options.
What makes it unique
It’s a roguelite. Levels change every run, death is frequent, and the focus is on speed and mastery rather than slow exploration.
Key features:
- Fast, responsive combat
- Permanent progression upgrades
- High replay value
Price: $24.99 | Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
4. Salt and Sanctuary
Why it’s similar
Salt and Sanctuary delivers Hollow Knight’s difficulty and boss-focused design. Enemy patterns matter, stamina management is critical, and exploration feels dangerous.
What makes it unique
It leans fully into Souls-like RPG mechanics, including gear stats, skill trees, and weapon scaling.
Key features:
- Souls-style stamina combat
- Deep RPG progression
- Challenging boss fights
Price: $19.99 | Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
5. Axiom Verge
Why it’s similar
Axiom Verge uses classic Metroidvania structure: ability gating, exploration, and hidden paths everywhere.
What makes it unique
Its glitch-based mechanics and retro sci-fi setting give it a very different feel from Hollow Knight’s fantasy world.
Key features:
- Retro-inspired design
- Creative exploration tools
- Sci-fi atmosphere
Price: $19.99 | Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
6. Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights
Why it’s similar
Ender Lilies focuses on tough boss fights, slow exploration, and a somber tone. Combat requires learning patterns and managing limited resources.
What makes it unique
You don’t attack directly. Instead, you summon spirits, creating a unique combat flow.
Key features:
- Spirit-based combat system
- Emotional soundtrack
- Difficult bosses
Price: $24.99 | Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
7. Haiku the Robot
Why it’s similar
Haiku the Robot is heavily inspired by Hollow Knight, from map structure to charm-like upgrades and tight controls.
What makes it unique
It’s smaller and more focused, making it a great pick if you want a shorter experience.
Key features:
- Compact Metroidvania design
- Familiar upgrade system
- Clean pixel art
Price: $19.99 | Platforms: PC, Switch
8. The Messenger
Why it’s similar
The Messenger eventually turns into a full Metroidvania, complete with ability-gated exploration and backtracking.
What makes it unique
It starts as a linear platformer before changing structure mid-game, which keeps things fresh.
Key features:
- Precision platforming
- Time-shift mechanic
- Humor-driven writing
Price: $19.99 | Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
9. Grime
Why it’s similar
Grime shares Hollow Knight’s focus on boss fights and deliberate combat. Mistakes are punished, and mastery is rewarded.
What makes it unique
Absorbing enemies replaces traditional leveling, tying progression directly to combat skill.
Key features:
- Absorb-based progression
- High difficulty combat
- Surreal visual style
Price: $24.99 | Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
10. Rain World
Why it’s similar
Rain World emphasizes exploration and survival, much like Hollow Knight’s deeper sections.
What makes it unique
The world is hostile and unscripted. Creatures behave independently, making every encounter unpredictable.
Key features:
- Dynamic ecosystem
- Minimal guidance
- Survival-focused gameplay
Price: $19.99 | Platforms: PC, PS4, Switch
11. Hyper Light Drifter
Why it’s similar
Hyper Light Drifter shares Hollow Knight’s minimal storytelling and focus on exploration through visual cues.
What makes it unique
Combat is much faster, with ranged weapons and dashes playing a bigger role.
Key features:
- Fast-paced combat
- Minimal dialogue
- Strong visual storytelling
Price: $19.99 | Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
12. Hollow Knight: Silksong
Why it’s similar
It’s set in the same universe and builds directly on Hollow Knight’s core mechanics.
What makes it unique
Combat is faster, movement is more acrobatic, and the world is larger and more vertical.
Key features:
- Faster combat flow
- Expanded world design
- New abilities and enemies
Price: $29.99 | Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch
13. Celeste
Why it’s similar
Celeste matches Hollow Knight’s demand for precision and player improvement.
What makes it unique
It’s almost entirely platforming-focused, with a strong emotional narrative.
Key features:
- Precision platforming
- Assist options for difficulty
- Story-driven experience
Price: $19.99 | Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
14. Ghost Song
Why it’s similar
Ghost Song mirrors Hollow Knight’s slow exploration and isolated atmosphere.
What makes it unique
Combat is more methodical and ranged, leaning toward Metroid-style gunplay.
Key features:
- Atmospheric exploration
- Slow-paced combat
- Strong sense of isolation
Price: $19.99 | Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
15. Moonscars
Why it’s similar
Moonscars focuses on punishing combat and boss mastery, much like Hollow Knight’s toughest fights.
What makes it unique
Parrying is central to survival, pushing players toward aggressive, high-risk play.
Key features:
- Parry-based combat
- Dark visual tone
- Souls-like difficulty
Price: $19.99 | Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
Conclusion: What to Play First
If you’re coming from Hollow Knight, start with Ori and the Blind Forest, Blasphemous, or Ender Lilies. Those three cover movement, combat, and atmosphere—the same pillars that made Hollow Knight special.
If you want faster action, go with Dead Cells. If difficulty is your main draw, Salt and Sanctuary or Grime are solid picks.
Every game on this list respects the player’s skill and curiosity. If you’ve played any of these—or think another game belongs here—drop a comment and let other Hollow Knight fans know what to play next.
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