Finishing a game you loved leaves a specific kind of gap, and searching for games similar to hollow knight is how most people try to fill it. The picks below are grouped by what they actually share with Hollow Knight, not by store tags.

The difference between a smooth run and a frustrating one usually comes down to preparation, not skill. If something here stops matching what you see on screen, the game has probably changed a value in an update. Treat the numbers as a guideline; your exact result depends on your setup and current version.

The short answer

There is no perfect clone of Hollow Knight, but two or three games get close on the part that mattered most — pace, tension or the loop itself.

What people actually miss about Hollow Knight

Most advice on this topic assumes you already know half the answer, which is exactly the problem. There is a fast way and a safe way, and they are not the same thing. If something here stops matching what you see on screen, the game has probably changed a value in an update. Start with the simplest option before touching anything that is hard to reverse.

If something here stops matching what you see on screen, the game has probably changed a value in an update. Price and platform narrow this faster than any taste-based argument. There is a fast way and a safe way, and they are not the same thing.

The closest matches

The approach below has been checked against the current version rather than a patch from two years ago. If something here stops matching what you see on screen, the game has probably changed a value in an update. The community figured most of this out through repetition, and the pattern has held up well.

  • Check the version you are running before following any step-by-step advice.
  • Back up your save if the game gives you the option.
  • Write down what you changed, so you can undo it if the result gets worse.
  • Test one change at a time instead of five at once.

Worth a look if you want something lighter

A game can share every mechanic and still feel nothing alike, which is why genre tags are a poor filter here. It helps to know why a step exists, because then you can adapt it when your situation differs slightly. Most advice on this topic assumes you already know half the answer, which is exactly the problem. Anything marked optional really is optional, so skip it without guilt.

There is a fast way and a safe way, and they are not the same thing. Nothing below requires mods, paid tools or an account on some sketchy site. Half the appeal of Hollow Knight was pacing, and pacing is the hardest thing for a recommendation list to match.

Mistakes worth avoiding

  • Following a guide written for an older version and assuming nothing moved.
  • Trusting a video thumbnail over the actual patch notes.
  • Changing several settings at once, then having no idea which one helped.
  • Skipping the preparation step because it looks boring, then repeating the hard part four times.

Frequently asked questions

Which one is closest to Hollow Knight?

The first pick, if you care about the loop. If you cared more about the writing or the atmosphere, the second one lands closer.

Are any of these free?

Some have free demos or trial weekends, which is the cheapest way to find out whether the comparison holds for you.

Is there a faster method?

Usually yes, and usually it is riskier. The route above trades a little speed for a much lower chance of having to start over.

Games Similar to Hollow Knight is not complicated once the order of operations is clear, and now it is.