Dive into the hauntingly beautiful world of Hollow Knight, a Metroidvania masterpiece that has captivated gamers with its intricate worldbuilding, challenging combat, and stunning art style. Developed by Australian indie studio Team Cherry, the Hollow Knight series has redefined the genre, earning praise as one of the greatest games of all time. With the release of Hollow Knight and the highly anticipated Hollow Knight: Silksong, fans and newcomers alike are eager to explore the series in order. If you’re wondering about the Hollow Knight games in order, this guide has you covered! From the fallen kingdom of Hallownest to the mysterious Pharloom, here’s a chronological overview of the series, including release dates, gameplay details, and why these games are must-plays.
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Hollow Knight Games in Order: A Complete Timeline
1. Hollow Knight (2017)
Release Date: February 24, 2017
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Overview: Hollow Knight is a 2D Metroidvania where players control a silent insectoid warrior exploring the decaying kingdom of Hallownest, ravaged by a supernatural disease called The Infection. With nail-based combat, nonlinear exploration, and challenging boss battles, the game offers a deep narrative revealed through lore and NPC interactions. Its haunting atmosphere, hand-drawn art, and precise mechanics earned it critical acclaim, selling over 15 million copies.
Key Features:
- Nail-based combat with upgradeable abilities and spells.
- Expansive, interconnected world of Hallownest with unique areas.
- Memorable characters like The Knight, Hornet, and the Dreamers.
Why It Matters: Hollow Knight established Team Cherry as a leading indie developer, blending Metroidvania exploration with Dark Souls-like difficulty.
2. Hollow Knight: Silksong (2025)
Release Date: September 4, 2025
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Overview: Hollow Knight: Silksong follows Hornet, a fan-favorite from the original, as she navigates the new kingdom of Pharloom. This standalone sequel introduces faster, acrobatic combat, a quest system, and a crafting mechanic with tools and crests. Featuring over 200 enemies and 40 New bosses, it expands on the original’s scope while retaining its signature art and difficulty. Its release caused digital storefronts to crash, reflecting its massive anticipation.
Key Features:
- Agile, needle-based combat and silk-based abilities.
- New quest system with Gather, Wayfarer, Hunt, and Grand Hunt categories.
- Craftable tools and customizable crests for varied playstyles.
Why It Matters: Silksong builds on Hollow Knight’s legacy, offering a fresh yet familiar experience that cements Team Cherry’s reputation.
Expansions and DLCs for Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight received four free DLCs, each adding content to enrich the Hallownest experience:
Hidden Dreams (August 3, 2017): Introduced two optional boss fights, new music, and a fast-travel system via a new Stag Station.
The Grimm Troupe (October 26, 2017): Added a major questline, new bosses, charms, and enemies, with a choice to complete or banish the troupe.
Lifeblood (April 20, 2018): Focused on optimizations, a new boss, and visual enhancements to Hallownest.
Godmaster (August 23, 2018): Added the Godhome hub with boss-rush pantheons, new characters, and two unique endings.
How to Play Hollow Knight Games in Order
To fully appreciate the Hollow Knight series, follow this order: Hollow Knight (2017): Start with the base game to immerse yourself in Hallownest’s lore and mechanics. DLCs (2017-2018): Play the expansions in release order—Hidden Dreams, The Grimm Troupe, Lifeblood, then Godmaster—for a cohesive experience. Hollow Knight: Silksong (2025): While a standalone sequel, playing Hollow Knight first provides context for Hornet’s story and Pharloom’s world. This sequence ensures you grasp the narrative and gameplay progression. Silksong’s standalone nature makes it accessible, but prior knowledge enhances its depth.
Why the Hollow Knight Series Stands Out
The Hollow Knight series excels with its hand-drawn art, evocative soundtrack by Christopher Larkin, and challenging yet rewarding gameplay. Its nonlinear Metroidvania design encourages exploration, with secrets and lore hidden in every corner. Team Cherry’s dedication to quality—evident in free DLCs and Silksong’s polish—has made the series a benchmark for indie games. Its influence on the Metroidvania genre and community engagement, including fan-driven “Silkposts” and “Daily Silksong News,” highlight its cultural impact.
Conclusion:
The Hollow Knight games in order are Hollow Knight (2017) with its four free DLCs—Hidden Dreams, The Grimm Troupe, Lifeblood, and Godmaster—followed by Hollow Knight: Silksong (2025). This series offers a breathtaking journey through Hallownest and Pharloom, blending challenging gameplay with rich storytelling. Start with Hollow Knight to explore its iconic world, then dive into Silksong for Hornet’s adventure. Which Hollow Knight game are you most excited for? Share your thoughts in the comments or follow our blog for more gaming guides!
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