Close search results
Close search results
×
Play YouTube video
×
Please enter a valid email address
Please choose a platform
How young was your child when they first played this?
:
 
How does your child play this? Alone, with friends, with family? How did they discover it and what kept them coming back for more?
:   :
 
To verify your input please enter your email to create an account.
Email:

Play OverviewPlay Overview

Hollow Knight (2018) is a game where you run, jump, and battle your way through the underground kingdom of Hallownest. It’s not uncommon for platform games to invest in the environments through which you pass, but the haunting depths in this game contain more than a veneer of ancient mysteries. Rendered in simple 2D visuals, the world bristles with lore and backstory to the point that this becomes as much as a driver for exploration as powering-up your abilities or defeating enemies. This simplicity also enables Hollow Knight to create a huge labyrinth of interconnected spaces, each with their own enemies, hazards, and history.

This over-delivery of world-building is more than any platform game requires, but it transforms the experience from a power fantasy to an investigation into this otherworldly civilization and alien history.

Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked Hollow Knight 4 years ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 7 months ago.
Too complex for your family? There are lots of games similar to Hollow Knight. Here are some easier younger-rated games:

Play StylePlay Style

This is an Action and Platform game with Adventure, Fighting, Narrative and Traversal elements. This is a single-player game.

DurationDuration

Play Time: This game will take between 20 hours and 30 hours to complete. You can finish the main campaign of the game in 20 hours, but more than other games this varies depending on ability and how focused you are. Many people play the game for over 70 hours before they are finished.

Age RatingsAge Ratings

Content Rating

PEGI 7 for mild violence to fantasy characters and pictures or sounds likely to be scary to young children. When attacking various bug-like creatures, they do not react realistically. There is a flash of orange and the creatures jump backwards. After a couple of hits, the creatures fall onto their backs or disappear. There are several boss characters that are scary and may be disturbing to young children. These include a battle with a large fly-like creature which, when killed, has smaller fly-like creatures come out of its body. Another scene involves a large armoured creature with a mace. When killed, the creature hits the floor and its head rolls off.

Skill Level

11+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. Still, it’s important for parents and guardians to ensure they understand in-game purchases and have spending limits set-up. Although the content is fine for younger players, this is a difficult game that requires considerable skill and perseverance. Some younger players may find the exacting challenges too frustrating.

CostsCosts

Hollow Knight usually costs £10.99 to £12.79. 

Hollow Knight

Steam StoreSALE PC £12.79 £6.39 until 21/03/2024
Switch Store Switch £10.99
Steam StoreSALE Mac £12.79 £6.39 until 21/03/2024

Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition

XBox Store Xbox One £11.99 Free

Xbox Game Pass

PlayStation Store PS4 £11.59
There are the following additional costs associated with this game:
  • In-Game Purchases: Additional in-game purchases are offered for items that enhance the experience.
 
You can purchase "Godmaster", "Lifeblood", "The Grimm Troupe" and "Hidden Dreams" content that extends the experience. These are included for free in the PlayStation and Switch versions of the game. 
 
It's important to set up your accounts and devices appropriately. More information is on our Financial Resources page.
 

DetailsGame Details

Release Date: 12/06/2018, updated in 2019

Price: 50% off

Out Now: Mac, PC, PS4, Switch and Xbox One

Skill Rating: 11+ year-olds

Players: 1

Genres: Action, Platform (Adventure, Fighting, Narrative and Traversal)

Accessibility: 19 features

Components: 2D Side-On and Cartoon

Developer: Team Cherry Games (@TeamCherryGames)


Taming Gaming Book Written by parents for parents, the database complements the in-depth discussion about video game addiction, violence, spending and online safety in the Taming Gaming book. We are an editorially independent, free resource without adverts that is supported by partnerships.

Subscribe to our free newsletter

Subscribe
Carina Initiatives
PlayStation
HSBC
GameOpedia
Xbox
YouTube
Facebook
Twitter
Discord
Contact Us
About