Hollow Knight

Basketball Stars 2026

Beneath the crumbling ruins of Hallownest, Hollow Knight weaves a dark, enchanting tale through a 2D Metroidvania masterpiece that redefines platforming.

Mastering the Basics: A Ballet of Combat and Movement

Hollow Knight’s core gameplay is a delicate dance of agility and aggression, setting it apart from platformers with simpler mechanics. It’s less about barreling through levels and more about mastering a rhythm that blends movement and combat into a fluid performance.

Core Controls

Move: A/D or arrow keys glide you through Hallownest’s winding paths
Jump: W or Spacebar launches you over pits or onto precarious ledges
Dash: A quick tap (Shift or assigned key) lets you slip past danger or cross gaps

Nail Combat and Soul System

At the heart of combat is your Nail, a trusty blade for slashing foes with precise timing. But Hollow Knight elevates this beyond basic attacks with the Soul system. Each strike on an enemy gathers Soul, a resource you can channel to

Heal: Restore health mid-battle, a clutch mechanic when cornered
Cast Spells: Unleash abilities like a piercing projectile or a devastating area attack

Upgrades and Abilities: Rewriting the Rules of Hallownest

Hollow Knight’s progression system is where it truly shines, transforming how you move, fight, and explore. Each new ability feels like a key to a previously locked door, setting it apart from platformers with static movesets

Dash (Mothwing Cloak): A swift horizontal burst that dodges attacks or crosses chasms, opening new routes and adding flair to combat
Wall Climb (Mantis Claw): Cling to walls and leap upward, turning vertical spaces into playgrounds and unlocking hidden nooks
Double Jump (Monarch Wings): Soar higher with a second jump, reaching lofty platforms and adding acrobatic options in fights