In the ever-expanding universe of video games, few titles can rival the awe-inspiring journey offered by Hollow Knight. Hailed as one of the best, if not the very best, 2D side-scrolling Metroidvania game of all time, it has captivated players worldwide with its hauntingly beautiful world, challenging gameplay, and deep lore.
As you delve into the mesmerizing labyrinth of Hallownest, you can’t help but wonder: are there other games out there that can capture the same magic? The answer is a resounding yes.
10 Afterimage
Afterimage shares striking parallels with Hollow Knight in the metroidvania realm, offering players a captivating 2D world enriched with colorful, anime-inspired visuals. Just like its counterpart, Afterimage features environmental hazards, including pesky spikes, that pose challenges to players’ agility and skill.
However, the game diverges by being less punishing, allowing you to level up and acquire talents, resembling passive skills that boost various attributes such as HP, MP, weapon damage, and strength.
9 Shovel Knight
Despite both being great crowdfunded titles featuring knights as protagonists, the games offer distinct gameplay experiences that cater to different gaming preferences. Shovel Knight excels in delivering an action-packed, stage-based campaign that beckons you with its consistent and exhilarating gameplay.
For those who seek a straightforward, action-filled adventure, Shovel Knight is a treasure trove of fun. It stands out for its forgiving death mechanics, akin to a warm embrace.
8 Death’s Gambit: Afterlife
While Hollow Knight offers fast-paced and precise combat, Death’s Gambit takes a slower and more strategic approach due to its reliance on an endurance system. This mechanic encourages you to carefully plan your moves and stamina consumption, adding an extra layer of tactical depth to battles.
Furthermore, both games boast engaging narratives, but Death’s Gambit: Afterlife takes the opportunity to enhance its story further in the newest revision of the game.
7 Blasphemous Series
Blasphemous has two great titles that immerse players in dark and atmospheric worlds. Hollow Knight enchants with its charming, insect-infested world, intricate lore, and challenging combat, offering players a balance of exploration and action.
In contrast, Blasphemous delves into a darker and more grotesque realm, weaving a narrative steeped in religious and macabre themes. The game’s combat leans towards brutal and visceral encounters, and the focus is on punishing difficulty.
6 Momodora: Reverie Under The Moonlight
Momodora: Reverie Under The Moonlight presents an intriguing fusion of inspirations from various renowned titles like Hollow Knight, The Legend of Zelda, and Dark Souls. Much like Hollow Knight, it features combat mechanics that are more minimalistic compared to some other Metroidvania games, emphasizing precise timing and strategic approaches.
The game’s influences from Dark Souls are evident in its bonfire-like save points and inventory system. However, Momodora stands on its own by delivering a distinct experience. Although it might be shorter in length, its concise design doesn’t diminish its emotional impact.
5 Salt And Sanctuary
For those who enjoy challenging 2D adventures, Salt and Sanctuary and Hollow Knight have many similarities that make them worth exploring. Hollow Knight is more focused on the Metroidvania style, featuring a large interconnected world to discover.
Salt and Sanctuary, on the other hand, provides a dark soulslike experience in 2D form. Both games offer challenging combat mechanics, but S&S stands out with its wider range of character builds and weapon selections.
4 Haiku, The Robot
Haiku The Robot is smartly designed, focusing on delivering a well-rounded experience without overreaching. It features engaging combat, useful abilities, and a flexible chip system that allows you to modify various abilities, adding depth to the gameplay.
The game’s meticulously crafted world and efficient fast-travel system ensure an enjoyable exploration experience. Much like Hollow Knight, Haiku The Robot doesn’t force-feed you its narrative but encourages you to discover it at your own pace.
3 Dead Cells
Dead Cells offers a thrilling and dynamic gameplay experience that shares some common ground with Hollow Knight while catering to a different gaming appetite. While both games reside in the Metroidvania genre, Dead Cells distinguishes itself with its fast-paced, combat-centric approach.
It’s the ideal choice for players who crave intense action and exhilarating challenges. With its procedurally generated maps and run-based design, Dead Cells keeps every playthrough fresh, ensuring that no two runs are ever the same.
2 Aeterna Noctis
If you’ve been patiently waiting for a Hollow Knight-like experience, and you’re also a fan of the Celeste game, Aeterna Noctis could be your answer. Just like Hollow Knight, it beautifully embraces the soulslike storytelling approach, where the narrative unfolds as you play, gradually revealing its secrets.
Aeterna Noctis also presents the opportunity for versatile character builds, adding depth to your play style. The game’s charming NPCs with evolving stories and a vast, meaningful world filled with diverse content mirror the greatness that Hollow Knight offers.
1 Ori Series
Much like Hollow Knight, Ori enchants players with a captivating narrative that tugs at heartstrings. Set in a lush and mystical forest, the game follows the journey of Ori, a guardian spirit, on a quest to save their dying home.
This emotional tale of friendship, sacrifice, and redemption unfolds within a beautifully hand-painted world filled with breathtaking scenery and perilous challenges. While navigating a Metroidvania-style world brimming with secrets and surprises, you become invested in Ori’s journeys.