Games Like Hollow Knight With Soul and Challenge

If you’re a fan of Hollow Knight’s haunting world, tight platforming, and soul-crushing difficulty, you’re probably itching for more games that capture that same magic. This list is for gamers in 2025 hunting for Metroidvania gems or action-platformers that echo Hollow Knight’s vibe—think intricate worlds, challenging combat, and stories that linger. We’ve curated 10 titles, from heavy hitters to a hidden gem, across various platforms, with detailed breakdowns to help you find your next obsession.

Metroid Dread – A sci-fi Metroidvania masterpiece with relentless action

Summary: Metroid Dread follows bounty hunter Samus Aran as she explores the planet ZDR, pursued by deadly E.M.M.I. robots. This 2D action-adventure game leans hard into exploration and tense combat, with a sleek, futuristic aesthetic.
Key Gameplay Features:

• Genre: Metroidvania, action-adventure
• Art Style: Polished 2D with sci-fi pixel art
• Story: Samus uncovers the mystery of the X Parasite and her pursuers, blending action with subtle narrative depth
• Platform: Nintendo Switch
• Gameplay: Non-linear exploration, ability-based progression (like morph ball and cloaking), and intense boss fights
  Why It’s Similar to Hollow Knight: Like Hollow Knight, Metroid Dread thrives on exploration in a sprawling, interconnected world where new abilities unlock previously inaccessible areas. Both games feature challenging enemies and epic boss battles that demand precision, with moody atmospheres that pull you into their universes. While Dread is more linear, its tight controls and world-building make it a must-play for Hollow Knight fans.
  Release Year: 2021
  Platform Availability: Nintendo Switch

Ori and the Will of the Wisps – A breathtaking journey through a dying forest

Summary: This sequel to Ori and the Blind Forest sees the spirit Ori saving a decaying world while searching for a lost friend. It’s a visual and emotional stunner with fluid platforming and combat.
Key Gameplay Features:

• Genre: Metroidvania, platformer
• Art Style: Hand-drawn, vibrant, with a painterly aesthetic
• Story: A heartfelt tale of loss and hope, told through environmental storytelling
• Platform: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
• Gameplay: Fast-paced platforming, ability upgrades (like dash and bash), and dynamic combat
  Why It’s Similar to Hollow Knight: Ori shares Hollow Knight’s focus on exploration and punishing yet rewarding difficulty. Its lush, interconnected world and precise movement echo Hallownest’s labyrinthine depths, though Ori leans more hopeful than gothic. The combat and charm-like ability system will feel familiar to Hollow Knight players.
  Release Year: 2020
  Platform Availability: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch

Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights – A melancholic Metroidvania with a unique combat twist

Summary: In Ender Lilies, you play as Lily, a priestess purifying a cursed kingdom by recruiting defeated enemies as spectral allies. It’s a somber, atmospheric adventure with a focus on exploration.
Key Gameplay Features:

• Genre: Metroidvania, action RPG
• Art Style: Hand-drawn, dark yet colorful
• Story: A tragic narrative of a fallen kingdom, revealed through exploration
• Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
• Gameplay: 2D side-scrolling, ability-based progression, and a combat system where you summon spirits for attacks
  Why It’s Similar to Hollow Knight: Ender Lilies mirrors Hollow Knight’s gloomy tone and non-linear exploration. Its combat, while more action-oriented, rewards strategic play like Hollow Knight’s nail-based fights. The interconnected levels and haunting aesthetic make it a strong pick for fans.
  Release Year: 2021
  Platform Availability: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Blasphemous 2 – A brutal, gothic pilgrimage through a cursed world

Summary: Blasphemous 2 follows The Penitent One on a quest through a grotesque, religious-themed world. It’s a Metroidvania with punishing combat and a deep, unsettling story.
Key Gameplay Features:

• Genre: Metroidvania, action-platformer
• Art Style: Pixel art with a grim, baroque aesthetic
• Story: A dark, lore-heavy tale of guilt and redemption
• Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
• Gameplay: Melee-focused combat, ability unlocks, and intricate platforming
  Why It’s Similar to Hollow Knight: The grim atmosphere, challenging boss fights, and deep lore make Blasphemous 2 a spiritual cousin to Hollow Knight. Both games revel in their oppressive worlds and demand precision in combat and exploration, though Blasphemous 2 leans heavier into religious horror.
  Release Year: 2023
  Platform Availability: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Rain World – A hidden gem where survival is the ultimate challenge

Summary: Rain World casts you as a slugcat navigating a crumbling, predator-filled ecosystem. This indie darling is unforgiving, with a focus on survival and exploration.
Key Gameplay Features:

• Genre: Survival platformer, Metroidvania
• Art Style: Minimalist, hand-drawn pixel art
• Story: Minimal narrative, told through environmental interactions
• Platform: PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Linux, Mac
• Gameplay: Non-linear exploration, risk-reward survival mechanics, and dynamic AI enemies
  Why It’s Similar to Hollow Knight: Rain World’s desolate, interconnected world and punishing difficulty echo Hollow Knight’s Hallownest. Its emphasis on exploration and environmental storytelling will resonate with fans, though its survival focus and lack of direct combat set it apart. This is the hidden gem for those craving something unique.
  Release Year: 2017
  Platform Availability: PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Linux, Mac

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night – A modern Castlevania with deep RPG roots

Summary: From Koji Igarashi, Bloodstained follows Miriam, an alchemically altered heroine, as she explores a demon-infested castle. It’s a love letter to classic Castlevania games.
Key Gameplay Features:

• Genre: Metroidvania, action RPG
• Art Style: 2.5D gothic pixel art
• Story: A supernatural tale of betrayal and power
• Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Mac, Linux
• Gameplay: Exploration, shard-based ability system, and customizable combat
  Why It’s Similar to Hollow Knight: As a cornerstone of the Metroidvania genre, Bloodstained shares Hollow Knight’s focus on non-linear exploration and ability gating. Its deep customization and challenging bosses will feel right at home for Hollow Knight players.
  Release Year: 2019
  Platform Availability: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Mac, Linux

Nine Sols – A dao-punk Metroidvania with razor-sharp combat

Summary: Nine Sols blends sci-fi and mythology in a tale of revenge across a vibrant, anime-inspired world. You play as Yi, a warrior mastering parry-based combat.
Key Gameplay Features:

• Genre: Metroidvania, action-platformer
• Art Style: Anime/manga-inspired, vibrant 2D
• Story: A revenge-driven narrative with rich world-building
• Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch
• Gameplay: Precision-based combat, exploration, and ability unlocks
  Why It’s Similar to Hollow Knight: Nine Sols captures Hollow Knight’s tight controls and challenging combat, with a parry system that demands skill. Its interconnected world and deep lore make it a great fit for fans seeking a fresh aesthetic.
  Release Year: 2023
  Platform Availability: PC, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch

Guacamelee! 2 – A vibrant, luchador-fueled Metroidvania romp

Summary: Guacamelee! 2 follows luchador Juan in a colorful, Mexican-inspired world, blending humor with tight platforming and combat.
Key Gameplay Features:

• Genre: Metroidvania, action-platformer
• Art Style: Bright, hand-drawn 2D
• Story: A comedic yet heartfelt tale of saving the Mexiverse
• Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
• Gameplay: Melee combat, dimension-switching mechanics, and exploration
  Why It’s Similar to Hollow Knight: Like Hollow Knight, Guacamelee! 2 offers intricate level design and ability-gated exploration. Its fast-paced combat and secret-filled world will appeal to fans, though its tone is lighter and more playful.
  Release Year: 2018
  Platform Availability: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Axiom Verge 2 – A sci-fi Metroidvania with a retro soul

Summary: Axiom Verge 2 follows Indra, exploring a strange, interconnected world with hacking mechanics and alien tech. It’s a love letter to retro sci-fi.
Key Gameplay Features:

• Genre: Metroidvania, action-platformer
• Art Style: NES-style pixel art
• Story: A mysterious narrative about identity and technology
• Platform: PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Linux
• Gameplay: Exploration, unique hacking mechanics, and ability progression
  Why It’s Similar to Hollow Knight: Axiom Verge 2 shares Hollow Knight’s non-linear exploration and atmospheric world. Its retro aesthetic and challenging platforming make it a solid pick for fans craving a sci-fi twist.
  Release Year: 2021
  Platform Availability: PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Linux

Hades – A roguelike with Metroidvania flair and godly combat

Summary: Hades puts you in the shoes of Zagreus, son of Hades, as he battles through the Underworld to reach the surface. It’s a roguelike with narrative depth and slick combat.
Key Gameplay Features:

• Genre: Roguelike, action RPG
• Art Style: Vibrant, hand-drawn 2D
• Story: A mythic tale of family and rebellion
• Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
• Gameplay: Fast-paced hack-and-slash, randomized runs, and permanent upgrades
  Why It’s Similar to Hollow Knight: While not a pure Metroidvania, Hades captures Hollow Knight’s tight combat and rewarding progression. Its atmospheric world and challenging encounters make it a great fit for fans seeking action-packed gameplay.
  Release Year: 2020
  Platform Availability: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch