10 Indie Gems Every Hollow Knight Fan Should Explore
If you’ve fallen in love with the haunting beauty and intricate world of Hollow Knight, you’re not alone. But what if you’re ready for more?
Indie game enthusiast and pixel art admirer. I play everything so you don't have to — but you'll want to after reading my picks.
If you’ve fallen in love with the haunting beauty and intricate world of Hollow Knight, you’re not alone. But what if you’re ready for more? Whether you crave deeper exploration, tighter combat, or bold new twists on the metroidvania formula, this list has you covered. These are the best games like Hollow Knight - each offering its own unique blend of challenge, creativity, and atmosphere. Let’s dive in, starting with the underrated gems and building up to the crown jewel of the genre.
10. Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios · Sega
Jan 16, 2020
Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a role-playing game developed and published by Sega. Released in 2020, it is the eighth main entry in the Yakuza series. T…
At first glance, Yakuza: Like a Dragon seems like an odd choice for a Hollow Knight fan. But beneath its neon-soaked streets of Kamurocho and sprawling open-world design lies a game that thrives on exploration, branching narratives, and emotional depth. While Hollow Knight is a 2D metroidvania, Yakuza: Like a Dragon swaps side-scrolling for a 3D third-person RPG with a turn-based combat system that feels refreshingly deliberate. The game’s strength lies in its character-driven story - protagonist Ichiban Kasuga is a reluctant hero thrust into a world of yakuza politics and moral ambiguity. Every side quest, from bar fights to bartering in the game’s casino minigame, reinforces the idea that the world is alive and waiting to be interacted with. If you appreciate Hollow Knight’s atmospheric storytelling and willingness to let players wander, Yakuza’s world will hook you with its eccentric charm and razor-sharp dialogue.
What truly sets Yakuza: Like a Dragon apart is its commitment to player agency. The game’s job system lets you specialize in roles like a hitman, dancer, or detective, each with unique dialogue options and story paths. This mirrors Hollow Knight’s own systems, where your choices - like which memories to collect or enemies to fight - shape your understanding of Hallownest. The game’s 9.0/10 IGDB rating reflects its mastery of balancing depth with accessibility, and its cross-platform availability means you can jump in on PC or console. Just be prepared for a story that’s equal parts Shakespearean tragedy and absurdist comedy.
9. Star Wars: Jedi Knight - Dark Forces II
Star Wars: Jedi Knight - Dark Forces II
LucasArts
Sep 30, 1997
Whatever path Kyle Katarn chooses will change the face of the galaxy forever. Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II continues the story of Kyle Kat…
Star Wars: Jedi Knight - Dark Forces II isn’t a metroidvania, but it’s a masterclass in combat depth and world-building that Hollow Knight fans will appreciate. Released in 1997, this first-person shooter follows Kyle Katarn’s journey from mercenary to Jedi, blending fast-paced gunplay with the slow, deliberate rhythm of lightsaber combat. The game’s environments - ranging from ancient temples to industrial warzones - are packed with secrets and hidden paths, echoing Hollow Knight’s love of rewarding exploration. What makes it feel so fresh today is its dual gameplay styles: you’ll switch between shooting blasters and slicing through enemies with a lightsaber, each with its own satisfying mechanics. The game’s 91% Metacritic score is a testament to its lasting impact, and while the dated graphics might be a barrier, the core gameplay remains tight and rewarding.
For fans of Hollow Knight’s combat pacing and lore-heavy world, Dark Forces II offers a different but equally immersive experience. The game’s Force powers, like mind tricks and telekinesis, add a layer of strategy to encounters, much like Hollow Knight’s nail abilities. It’s also a great gateway to the broader Star Wars universe, with references to the Expanded Universe that feel as layered as Hallownest’s own lore. If you’re willing to overlook the 90s-era visuals, this game is a hidden gem that still holds up as one of the most innovative shooters of its time.
8. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
BioWare · LucasArts
Jul 15, 2003
Choose Your Path! Set 4,000 years before the Galactic Empire, you are the last hope for the Jedi Order and the Republic - can you master the ways o…
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is the spiritual successor to Dark Forces II, and it’s a masterpiece of choice-driven storytelling. Like Hollow Knight, it offers a richly detailed world where every decision matters. You’ll play as a customizable protagonist navigating moral dilemmas that shape your path between the light and dark sides of the Force. The game’s dialogue system and skill trees give it the same depth as Hollow Knight’s memory collection and nail upgrades, allowing you to tailor your experience to your playstyle. From the eerie jungles of Taris to the bustling streets of Coruscant, the game’s environments are packed with secrets and side quests that reward curiosity. With an IGDB rating of 92.1, it’s no wonder KOTOR remains a fan favorite decades after its release.
What makes KOTOR feel so fresh is its blend of classic RPG mechanics with modern sensibilities. The game’s random encounters, like the iconic “random space battle,” keep things unpredictable, while its companions - each with their own backstories and personalities - add emotional weight to your journey. If you enjoyed Hollow Knight’s sense of isolation and mystery, you’ll find a kindred spirit in KOTOR’s exploration of a galaxy on the brink of collapse. It’s a game that understands how to make players care about the world they’re discovering, and that’s exactly what Hollow Knight fans crave.
7. Batman: Arkham Knight
Batman: Arkham Knight
Rocksteady Studios · Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Jun 23, 2015
Batman: Arkham Knight is an action-adventure game developed by Rocksteady Studios, released in 2015. It is the final installment in the Arkham seri…
Batman: Arkham Knight is a love letter to fans of fast, fluid combat and open-world exploration. While it’s a 3D action game rather than a metroidvania, its emphasis on exploration and combat pacing mirrors Hollow Knight’s design philosophy. The game’s combat system, with its acrobatic moves and counterattacks, feels as responsive as Hollow Knight’s nail combos, and the same satisfying rhythm of parrying and striking is at play. What truly sets Arkham Knight apart is its open-world design - Gotham is a living city with hidden locations, Riddler challenges, and side quests that reward players for poking around. The game’s 88.3/100 IGDB rating reflects its status as one of the best superhero games ever made, and its legacy is a testament to how tight combat and exploration can work together.
For fans of Hollow Knight’s challenge, Arkham Knight offers a different but equally rewarding experience. The game’s boss fights, like the final battle against Scarecrow, are cinematic and layered, much like Hollow Knight’s final showdowns. The ability to grapple between buildings and glide across Gotham gives you a sense of freedom similar to navigating Hallownest’s interconnected zones. If you’re looking for a game that combines exploration with high-octane action, Arkham Knight is the perfect choice.
6. Shovel Knight
Shovel Knight
Yacht Club Games
Jun 26, 2014
Shovel Knight is a sweeping classic action adventure game with awesome gameplay, memorable characters, and an 8-bit retro aesthetic. It's a hot mas…
Shovel Knight is the most direct spiritual successor to Hollow Knight. Both games are 2D metroidvanias with pixel art, challenging combat, and a deep respect for retro game design. Shovel Knight’s eponymous hero wields a shovel in a world inspired by 80s platformers, but the game’s mechanics are undeniably modern. Like Hollow Knight, it rewards exploration with hidden upgrades, secret rooms, and a world full of secrets waiting to be uncovered. The game’s combat is tight and responsive, with a variety of enemies and bosses that force you to adapt your tactics. With an IGDB rating of 87.3, it’s a shining example of how indie games can balance nostalgia with innovation.
What makes Shovel Knight feel fresh is its attention to detail. Every boss has a unique mechanic, from the ice-themed Plague Knight to the floating Specter Knight. The game’s difficulty curve is perfectly tuned, offering just the right amount of challenge without feeling unfair. If you enjoyed Hollow Knight’s mix of exploration and combat, Shovel Knight will feel instantly familiar while adding its own twist to the formula. Plus, with its retro aesthetic and modern mechanics, it’s a game that respects the past without being trapped by it.
5. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords
Obsidian Entertainment · LucasArts
Dec 6, 2004
Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords is a sequel to the blockbuster RPG Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic. Players continue…
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords is the sequel to one of the best RPGs of all time, and it’s a masterclass in emotional storytelling. While it lacks the fast-paced combat of KOTOR, it makes up for it with deeper role-playing and a narrative that explores the consequences of your choices. The game’s environments are darker and more introspective, with a focus on internal conflict and moral ambiguity. Like Hollow Knight, it’s a game that rewards patience - every decision you make shapes your character and the world around you. With an IGDB rating of 86.2, it’s a worthy follow-up to one of the genre’s greatest hits.
What makes The Sith Lords feel fresh is its willingness to subvert expectations. The game’s protagonist, Revan, is a more vulnerable character than KOTOR’s customizable hero, and the game’s tone reflects that. The game’s exploration of the Force’s darker aspects adds depth to the Star Wars universe, much like Hollow Knight’s exploration of Hallownest’s decay. If you’re looking for a game that combines deep storytelling with meaningful choices, The Sith Lords is an excellent choice. It’s a game that understands how to make players care about the world they’re exploring, and that’s exactly what Hollow Knight fans crave.
4. Hollow Knight: Silksong
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Team Cherry
Sep 4, 2025
Hollow Knight: Silksong is the epic sequel to Hollow Knight, the epic action-adventure of bugs and heroes. As the lethal hunter Hornet, journey to …
Hollow Knight: Silksong is the long-awaited sequel to Hollow Knight, and it’s everything fans could have hoped for and more. The game follows Hornet, a new protagonist with her own story to tell, but the world of Hallownest remains familiar and richly detailed. Silksong expands on the original’s mechanics with new abilities like the Lure, which allows you to summon enemies for combat. The game’s environments are even more breathtaking, with new zones that feel like natural extensions of Hallownest’s decay. At 91/100 on IGDB, it’s a game that not only honors its predecessor but also pushes the genre forward with bold new ideas.
What makes Silksong feel fresh is its pacing and design philosophy. The game introduces a more fluid combat system with a focus on crowd control, which adds new layers to encounters. The story also explores new themes, like the consequences of Hornet’s journey and the cyclical nature of Hallownest’s decay. If you loved Hollow Knight’s world and want to see it evolve, Silksong is a must-play. It’s a game that proves that even in a beloved series, there’s always room for innovation and growth.
3. Shovel Knight
We’re revisiting Shovel Knight here, but only because it deserves a second look. Beyond its core metroidvania gameplay, the game’s moddable nature and DLC content (like the Specter of Torment expansion) make it a near-endless source of challenge. The game’s difficulty and precision-based combat are reminiscent of Hollow Knight’s own punishing boss fights, and the way it rewards mastery with hidden secrets is equally satisfying. The game’s retro aesthetic and modern mechanics also make it a perfect example of how indie games can blend the past and present.
Shovel Knight is more than just a clone of the 8-bit classics - it’s a love letter to the genre that respects its roots while adding its own unique twist. The game’s soundtrack, composed by Brian Salvatore, is a standout, with chiptune melodies that evoke the golden age of gaming. If you’re looking for a game that combines exploration with challenge, Shovel Knight is the perfect choice. It’s a game that proves that even in a crowded market, a well-crafted indie gem can stand out.
2. Hollow Knight: Silksong
Hollow Knight: Silksong is more than just a sequel - it’s a bold evolution of the metroidvania formula. While the first game focused on exploration and discovery, Silksong introduces a new protagonist and a more structured narrative. Hornet’s journey is one of redemption and self-discovery, with a story that’s both personal and epic in scope. The game’s mechanics, like the Lure ability, add new dimensions to combat and exploration, making it feel like a natural but exciting evolution of the original. At 91/100 on IGDB, it’s a game that proves that even in a beloved series, there’s always room for innovation.
What makes Silksong feel fresh is its pacing and design philosophy. The game introduces a more fluid combat system with a focus on crowd control, which adds new layers to encounters. The story also explores new themes, like the consequences of Hornet’s journey and the cyclical nature of Hallownest’s decay. If you loved Hollow Knight’s world and want to see it evolve, Silksong is a must-play. It’s a game that proves that even in a beloved series, there’s always room for innovation and growth.
1. Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight
Team Cherry
Feb 24, 2017
A 2D metroidvania with an emphasis on close combat and exploration in which the player enters the once-prosperous now-bleak insect kingdom of Hallo…
We’re ending where we began - Hollow Knight. But this isn’t just a nod to the original; it’s a celebration of what makes the genre great. Team Cherry’s masterpiece is a perfect blend of atmospheric storytelling, punishing combat, and a world that feels alive. Hallownest is a kingdom in decay, filled with secrets, memories, and a haunting beauty that lingers long after the credits roll. The game’s exploration mechanics, from the Nail ability to the interconnected world map, set the standard for metroidvanias, and its legacy is a testament to the power of indie game development. With an IGDB rating of 91.6, it’s no surprise that Hollow Knight remains a touchstone for the genre.
What makes Hollow Knight timeless is its ability to balance challenge with reward. Every boss fight, every hidden upgrade, and every cryptic memory adds to the experience in a way that feels meaningful. The game’s soundtrack, composed by Christopher Larkin, is a character in itself, with haunting melodies that elevate the atmosphere. If you haven’t played Hollow Knight yet, this list is your invitation to discover why it’s considered one of the best games of the decade.
Final Thoughts: From the retro charm of Shovel Knight to the epic scale of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, this list showcases the diversity of games that share Hollow Knight’s spirit. Whether you’re drawn to exploration, combat, or storytelling, there’s something here for every fan of the genre. So grab your controller, sharpen your skills, and dive into these worlds - each one promises a journey as memorable as Hallownest itself.