Brown, M. [Game Maker's Toolkit]. (2019, October 31). The World Design of Hollow Knight | Boss Keys [Video File]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/7ITtPPE-pXE
In 2010, fans of Metroidvania games faced a challenging year. Iconic franchises like Metroid and Castlevania shifted away from their exploration-heavy roots, with games like Metroid: Other M focusing on action and Castlevania: Lords of Shadow adopting a brawler style. However, indie developers stepped in, exploring the Metroidvania formula with titles like Cave Story, Aquaria, and Shadow Complex, culminating in Hollow Knight in 2017.
Hollow Knight is set in the interconnected kingdom of Hallownest. The player begins in Dirtmouth, a quiet town, and gradually unlocks new areas through exploration and upgrades like the Mantis Claw and Crystal Heart. Each zone is distinct in visuals, gameplay, and enemies, offering unique challenges, such as the trampolines in the Fungal Wastes or the darkness of Deepnest. The design encourages navigation and spatial reasoning while maintaining freshness through diverse mechanics and aesthetics.
The game balances linearity and freedom. Early on, players follow a guided sequence, but after acquiring key abilities, the world opens dramatically. Team Cherry designed multiple paths to key areas, minimizing frustration and fostering player agency. For example, players can access the City of Tears through various routes or bypass certain bosses like the Mantis Lords using alternate paths. This design promotes curiosity and exploration, ensuring players rarely feel stuck.
A standout feature is the game's mapping system. Players must buy incomplete maps from Cornifer and use a quill to update them at benches. A compass charm allows players to locate themselves on the map but competes with other charm slots, creating strategic decisions. This system fosters a sense of discovery and personal connection to the world.
Hollow Knight also embraces non-linearity by allowing sequence breaking. Techniques like nail-bouncing or leveraging the Vengeful Spirit’s recoil enable players to bypass intended routes. These intentional and emergent shortcuts create a feeling of mastery and individuality in each player’s journey.
The game is filled with optional bosses, hidden areas, and collectibles like charms and mask shards. These enrich the experience by rewarding exploration with practical upgrades and lore. The presence of characters like Zote and side quests, such as rescuing Grubfather’s children, adds depth and a sense of life to Hallownest.
Team Cherry’s approach respects players’ intelligence, offering minimal handholding and encouraging independent exploration. This philosophy ensures that every discovery feels earned, fostering immersion and wonder. The true ending, involving the Void Heart and a final battle against Radiance, highlights the game’s layered narrative and depth, though some players may find the endgame less intuitive.
Hollow Knight diverges from traditional Metroidvanias by emphasizing wonder and vast exploration over puzzle-like progression. Its intricate design, freedom, and respect for the player cement it as one of the greatest Metroidvanias. As Team Cherry gears up for Silksong, fans eagerly await another masterpiece.