Hollow Knight on Nintendo Switch: A Definitive Metroidvania Experience

Since its surprise release on the Nintendo Switch eShop during E3 2018, Hollow Knight has established itself as a milestone not just for indie games, but for the entire Metroidvania genre.

Developed by Team Cherry, this atmospheric action-adventure quickly became a benchmark for game design, art direction, and immersive storytelling.

For Nintendo Switch owners and fans of indie titles, Hollow Knight has proven to be more than a nostalgic nod to the classics—it’s an experience standing tall among the genre’s greats. Set in Hallownest, a kingdom overrun by decay and mysterious afflictions, players assume the role of a silent, mysterious knight.

Rather than spelling out the lore through heavy exposition, Hollow Knight encourages players to uncover the kingdom’s secrets organically—by exploring, observing, and piecing together narrative fragments.

As the world unfolds, each non-playable character exhibits their own distinct personality, adding flavor and emotional depth, while the dialogue and lore deliver a poetic, evocative tone.

Though the game shrouds its plot in mystery, the story avoids intruding upon the action and rewards inquisitive players with a layered, interconnected narrative. Visually, Hollow Knight is a triumph, sporting distinctive hand-drawn art that balances the ‘adorable’ and the ‘unnerving’.

Every character and enemy—from the charming Grubs to the deeply unsettling denizens of Deepnest—feels unique and purposeful.

The vast environments, like the vibrant Greenpath or the somber City of Tears, showcase artistic variety and atmospheric detail rarely matched in the genre.

The acclaimed soundtrack by composer Christopher Larkin further amplifies the desolate beauty of Hallownest, with subtle, haunting melodies interwoven with impactful sound effects to create an immersive experience. Gameplay-wise, Hollow Knight embodies the spirit of Metroidvania design: deep exploration, meaningful upgrades, and rewarding backtracking.

While its special abilities (such as dashes and wall jumps) may appear familiar, it’s how these skills weave into level design that sets the game apart.

Team Cherry carefully constructed an expansive world that remains approachable and rewarding, often requiring players to venture into uncharted areas, updating their maps only at scattered benches.

This deliberate design choice heightens the sense of adventure, uncertainty, and accomplishment as players chart their path. One of Hollow Knight’s hallmark achievements is its combat system.

Unlike many Metroidvanias where combat takes a back seat to exploration, Team Cherry delivers fast-paced, close-quarters action that demands precision, adaptability, and strategic use of resources.

Players must choose whether to deliver rapid attacks, unleash charged strikes, cast spells, or heal amidst intense battles, while customizable Charms allow for personalized playstyles.

Boss encounters are particularly memorable, blending pattern recognition, fair challenge, and a palpable sense of progress—with each defeat serving as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. The game also offers substantial value: a single playthrough can exceed 20 hours with ease, and content depth allows players to achieve high completion rates without external guides.

Hollow Knight is celebrated not as a mere homage to its Metroidvania predecessors, but as a game that elevates the genre through innovation and mastery of design. Team Cherry’s achievements with Hollow Knight have not gone unnoticed.

The title’s critical and commercial success on the Nintendo Switch eShop solidified its place as one of the most highly recommended indie titles on the platform.

With ongoing anticipation for its sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, the legacy of this modern classic continues to grow.

For those seeking a defining Nintendo Switch experience, Hollow Knight remains an essential journey—one that will be discussed and admired for years to come.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Team Cherry Metroidvania Hollow Knight eShop Hallownest Nintendo Direct