Am I ready? › Hollow Knight

Is Hollow Knight hard? Our beginner verdict

Hollow Knight is level 5 of 5 on our beginner scale (Tough), which makes it very hard for someone who has never played. The hardest part for a newcomer is split-second timing.

Our verdict

Level 5 · Tough

Not sure where you stand? Check if you are ready in about two minutes.

Why it is hard

Hard 2D bosses and tricky platforming.
Easy to get lost.

Learning the controls: 4 of 5
Moving the camera: 1 of 5
Need for quick reactions: 5 of 5
Consequences of mistakes: 5 of 5
Amount of reading: 2 of 5

Lower numbers mean fewer demands on the player. Reviews and popularity: Proven favorite.

You are probably ready when

You've finished Super Mario Bros. Wonder without the invincible characters.

Games that could help you get comfortable

If you are new, these build the skills Hollow Knight asks for, one step at a time. You don't need to finish them all.

Super Mario Bros. WonderLevel 2 · Easy
CelesteLevel 4 · Challenging
Hollow KnightLevel 5 · Tough

Settings and tips that help

None built in; buy the map early.

Where it plays

Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, PlayStation, Xbox, PC. Players: Solo.

Check if I am ready for Hollow Knight See the full game page