Hollow Knight review

Hollow Knight takes first place because it offers the most game for the least money of any 2D title here. Team Cherry describes it as a classically styled 2D action adventure set in Hallownest, a ruined insect kingdom of caverns, ancient cities and wastes that connect into one large map. You fight more than 130 enemies and 30 bosses, gain spells, a dash and wings, and equip Charms that change how your character plays. Four free expansions, Hidden Dreams, The Grimm Troupe, Lifeblood and Godmaster, added bosses, quests and refinements without raising the price. Every character is animated frame by frame, and Christopher Larkin wrote the score. On Steam, 97% of more than 186,000 English reviews are positive, the joint best ratio on this list. The downsides: it is hard, you must buy and complete maps yourself, and the opening hours can feel lost. At $14.99, it is still the safest first pick.

Who it is for

Players who want a large side-scrolling world to explore, tough boss fights and a low price.

Price

$14.99 one-time purchase on Steam (US store).

all in a classic, hand-drawn 2D style. $14.99 Buy on Steam
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 11, 2026.

Key features

• A vast interconnected world of highways, overgrown wilds and ruined cities
• Over 130 enemies and 30 bosses, tracked in a Hunter's Journal
• Charms that add new powers and change how you play
• Mapping tools you buy in game: compasses, quills, maps and pins
• Four free content packs, including Godmaster and The Grimm Troupe

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: 97% of 186,339 English Steam reviews are positive
• Strength: $14.99, the second cheapest game on this list
• Strength: Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux with 4 GB of RAM
• Weakness: Hard bosses and a punishing early game
• Weakness: Maps must be bought and filled in, which slows new players
• Weakness: Steel Soul Mode unlocks only after you finish the game

Key facts

• Developer: Team Cherry
• Price: $14.99
• Steam reviews: 97% of 186,339 (English)
• Released: February 24, 2017
• Minimum RAM: 4 GB

Where it ranks

Hollow Knight is No. 1 in our Best 2D Games verdict.