By striking enemies, the Knight gains Soul, which is stored in the Soul Vessel. When the Knight takes damage from an enemy or from the environment, a mask is reduced. 'Mask shards' can be collected throughout the game to increase the player's maximum health.

The Knight starts with a limited number of masks, which represent the hit points of the character. Defeated enemies drop currency called Geo. The player can learn spells, allowing for long-range attacks. Melee combat involves using the Nail to strike enemies from a short distance. In most areas of the game, players encounter hostile bugs and other creatures. The Knight wields a Nail, which is a type of sword, that is used in both combat and environmental interaction. The player controls an insect-like, silent, nameless knight while exploring the underground world. Hollow Knight is a 2D Metroidvania action-adventure game that takes place in Hallownest, a fictional ancient kingdom. Gameplay screenshot in which the player fights the first boss enemy, the False Knight. A sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, is in development. The game had sold 3 million copies as of December 2020. Hollow Knight was well received by critics, who highlighted the game's worldbuilding, character design, and combat mechanics, with emphasis on the extensive story. Upon release, Team Cherry supported the game with several expansions. It was released for Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux in early 2017 and for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One in 2018. Development was partially funded through a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign, raising over A$57,000 by the end of 2014. Influences for the game include Faxanadu, Metroid, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, and Mega Man X.

Team Cherry wanted to create a game inspired by older platformers that replicated the exploration aspects of its influences. The idea that prompted the creation of Hollow Knight originated in 2013 in the Ludum Dare game jam. Players have the opportunity to unlock new abilities as they explore each location, along with pieces of lore that are spread throughout the world. The game itself is set in diverse locations, and it features friendly and hostile bug-like characters and numerous bosses. The Knight explores Hallownest, a once thriving kingdom whose inhabitants were deprived of their minds. In the game, players control the Knight, a nameless warrior uncertain of their own identity or origin. Hollow Knight is a 2017 Metroidvania action-adventure game developed and published by Team Cherry.

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