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. 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. Players control the Knight, a nameless warrior uncertain of their own identity or origin. Development was partially funded through a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign, raising over A$57,000 by the end of 2014. Team Cherry wanted to create a game inspired by older platformers that replicated the exploration aspects of its influences. It was released for Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux in early 2017 and for the Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4, and Xbox One in 2018. Hollow Knight is a 2017 Metroidvania action-adventure game developed and published by Team Cherry.

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