Hollow Knight Alternatives and Similar Games

This 2D metroidvania is considerably short compared to Hollow Knight, but that only seems like a plus in this case as every piece of the game is carefully crafted to give you polished gameplay that isn’t mindless as well as a dark, intriguing narrative. Exploration is a joy, with backtracking to areas you can only access later when gaining certain powers. You can even choose the difficulty, letting you decide whether you want a less challenging experience that lets you easily enjoy the story, or an intense trudge through the game’s great-looking world. Not all bosses need to be fought to finish the game, and you can take them on in any order. With a bit of anime mixed in, this 2D game is worth the price tag and is definitely worth playing through.

Apart from being a much grittier 2D metroidvania, Salt and Sanctuary also lets you play together with a friend in co-op, but only locally, no online co-op unfortunately. Craft and find hundreds of different weapons as you explore a mysterious island full off hard enemies to fight. If you’re looking for a more Souls-like metroidvania then Salt and Sanctuary is worth checking out.

Hyper Light Drifter is a top-down 2D action RPG that tells its story without any dialogue. Whenever you do interact with an NPC, they’ll talk to you via images. As you take in the beautiful environments and atmospheric music you’ll get to unlock skills and upgrade weapons useful in fast-paced combat where you also must learn enemy patterns to successfully beat them. While not the same length as Hollow Knight, Hyper Light Drifter is a stylish game with a riveting interconnected world to discover.

It’s no surprise that there are various similarities between the mechanics of Hollow Knight and the games in this famous franchise. The Dark Souls games have had a huge influence on plenty of games, and Hollow Knight is no exception, but unlike Hollow Knight, the memorable worlds of Dark Souls are in 3D. Fantastic metroidvania design and challenging, exciting boss battles await you in these captivating titles.

Dead Cells is not only a 2D metroidvania, but it’s also a rogue-lite. This interesting blend of genres has led the developers to calling Dead Cells a ‘RogueVania’. The level design of metroidvanias like Hollow Knight can be found here, but the levels of Dead Cells are actually procedurally-generated. Biomes represent the only predetermined visual attribute of the 13 levels, but the layout itself is procedurally-generated. Also, as every other rogue-lite or rogue-like, if you die, it’s game over. Tough bosses and 2D gameplay dependent on your skill using tons of different weapons and spells coupled with great procedural environments makes this title one you can play through hundreds of times thanks to its great replay value. If you enjoyed Hollow Knight but are also a fan of the rogue-lite genre, then Dead Cells might be a perfect

In Axiom Verge, you play as a scientist uncovering a strange world in which you’ll come across glitchy blocks, even a gun that can turn your enemies into moving glitchy blocks. As you reveal more of the map by exploring the metroidvania world, you’ll come across various alien monsters, big bosses as well as guns, power-ups and upgrades that’ll help you further progress and solve environmental puzzles. With a 2D retro look, Axiom Verge might not be easy, but it’s a classic metroidvania that has more than meets the eye.

This modern 2D platformer with 8-bit visuals is a lighthearted adventure with funny characters and 3 campaigns you can play through, with each campaign featuring a different upgradeable knight to control. The 1st campaign titled Shovel of Hope can even be played with a friend in local co-op, while the rest have you go solo; and yes, you actually use a shovel as a weapon. Don’t expect backtracking or metroidvania-like levels in Shovel Knight as this side-scroller isn’t a metroidvania, but a nicely made linear adventure, so if you’re looking for an excellent, simpler game reminiscent of the old NES days then Shovel Knight is right up your alley.

Owlboy is a more relaxing 2D venture that puts emphasis on strong storytelling and remarkable pixel graphics. The whole sky world you get to explore is packed with atmosphere, well-written characters and a soundtrack to remember. Flying is a central mechanic in Owlboy, and as a young owl you’ll get to carry objects to solve puzzles as well as carry the young owl’s friends who will help you in various battles. If you’re looking for a calmer 2D game, then Owlboy is certainly a beautiful title you should check out.

The Ori games are one of the best-looking 2D platformers out there. In both games you play as Ori, who, in the first entry must save the forest of Nibel which is outstandingly hand-painted, while the 2nd title has you explore new beautiful areas outside of the forest. Both games, combined with top-notch platforming gameplay, also manage to excel at offering a metroidvania world. Alongside shooting enemies using Spirit Flames you also get to solve a range of puzzles while unlocking upgrades that let you reach locations you previously couldn’t. Ori and the Will of the Wisps will feel familiar as it uses a shard system that is similar to the charms you use in Hollow Knight. These games not only amaze you with their visuals, but also with their moving narrative and an enthralling orchestral soundtrack. It’s hard to describe how lifelike a