Exploring Games That Capture the Spirit of Hollow Knight and Silksong | Players Share Insights
Edited By
Dominic Crown
A wave of excitement is washing over the gaming community as players reflect on games that evoke feelings similar to the exploration in Hollow Knight and Silksong. As recent discussions unfold, players reveal their top picks for games that offer thrilling environments and engaging gameplay.
The Call for Exploration
Players are yearning for more games that capture the awe of discovering new biomes—an experience reminiscent of walking into Greenpath in Hollow Knight. Several notable titles emerge in conversations.
Top Recommendations from the Community
FromSoftware Titles: Players note the thrilling exploration in games like Dark Souls, where the intricate level design sparks excitement despite not being traditional Metroidvanias.
Nine Sols: This title receives mentions for its engaging exploration and atmosphere.
Environmental Station Alpha: Strongly recommended for its captivating world layout and challenges.
Ori Series: Many praise the beautiful platforming and movement mechanics, likening it to their experiences in Hollow Knight.
Super Metroid: A compact yet discovery-focused journey, celebrated for its non-linear gameplay.
Player Experiences
"While a much more compact experience, it takes a very discovery-oriented, non-handholding approach to its world," one player noted about Super Metroid. Another commented positively on Dark Souls: "The exploration feels rewarding with every twist and turn."
Players also share their struggles with the difficulty presented by these games. One said, "Yeah, they’re hard at first, but eventually it clicks. If you need any tips, just check online guides." The ongoing challenge of navigating these expansive worlds seems to connect players deeply with the game’s essence.
"Dark Souls 1 captured the sense of exploration more than 3, in my opinion," remarked a player echoing common sentiments about the series.
Challenging Gameplay and Community Support
Interestingly, while many express frustration at getting lost in these games, they also convey a sense of camaraderie within the gaming community. Several participants emphasize the value of seeking help and advice when overwhelmed by the game's challenges.
Insights on Game Design and Community
Amidst discussions, players started to highlight the design philosophy behind these rich experiences. One individual suggested, "I haven’t played a Metroidvania that gave me the same feeling as being lost as Hollow Knight. Silksong is the closest but even that couldn’t give me that exact experience." This reflects an ongoing quest for games that blend rich storylines, challenging gameplay, and memorable design.
Takeaways
✦ Players are calling for more discovery-focused games reminiscent of Hollow Knight.
✦ Titles like Dark Souls and the Ori series rank high on recommendation lists.
✦ The community renders support, easing the frustrations of challenging gameplay with cooperation and guidance.
As 2026 continues to unfold, the craving for games combining exploration with challenge remains strong in the gaming community. The insights shared might guide developers to explore new designs that resonate with players' ongoing needs for adventure and discovery.
Forecasting Trends in Game Design
Expect a surge in developers leaning towards exploration-driven experiences. With the current enthusiasm for games like Hollow Knight and the Ori series, there's a strong chance that 70 percent of new indie releases in 2027 will focus on non-linear narratives and discovery. Major studios will likely take cues from this trend, potentially leading to a revival of classic game styles intertwined with modern mechanics. As the gaming community emphasizes the joy of exploration and challenge, developers will need to balance innovative design with the rich storytelling players crave.
A Fresh Perspective from History
In the early 1980s, the home video game market faced a saturation point, similar to today’s gaming landscape. Then, a small wave of indie developers began crafting unique experiences, often inspired by older classics yet rooted in modern innovation. They shifted the entire industry’s focus. Much like these developers, today’s gaming community is pointing toward a new direction built on nostalgia but refreshed with personal experience—a transformation that echoes how art movements often emerge from periods of excess, bringing new life to what once was.