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The great debate: which game is truly harder?

The Great Debate | Hollow Knight vs. Dark Souls 3: An Ongoing Challenge

By

Sophie Patel

Apr 26, 2026, 08:14 PM

Edited By

Tanya Melton

Updated

Apr 27, 2026, 01:53 AM

2 minutes of duration

A group of gamers passionately discussing the difficulty of various video games, surrounded by consoles and game covers.
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A heated discussion continues to unfold among gamers regarding the true difficulty of Hollow Knight versus Dark Souls 3, with recent comments stirring the pot on forums about their respective challenges. Players debate gameplay styles, boss mechanics, and the impact of downloadable content (DLC) on difficulty.

Fresh Insights from the Community

Recent comments emphasize that if DLC is included in the difficulty evaluation, Hollow Knight's challenges, particularly the Pantheon levels, emerge as formidable contenders. One player pointed out, "If weโ€™re including everything and all DLC, then yeah, itโ€™s HK for sureโ€”Pantheon 5 is harder than every FromSoft game together."

Challenging DLCs in Hollow Knight

  1. Pantheons and Radiant Bosses: Users point out that the DLC endgame content, especially in Hollow Knight, adds significant difficulty. The Absolute Radiance pantheon and Path of Pain were noted as pinnacle challenges that elevate the game's overall toughness.

  2. Skill Variation: Players also mention that using upgraded abilities, such as low nail or shaman stone, can simplify some encounters, similar to using pyromancy in Dark Souls 3.

  3. Endgame Difficulty Curve: Many users seem to agree that while the base game of Hollow Knight can be easier, the intensity ramps up significantly towards the end, making it challenging depending on how it's played.

Dark Souls 3: A Complex Challenge

Supporters of Dark Souls 3 assert that its combination of intricate boss mechanics and varied play styles make it a tough contender. A user shared, "For me, Dark Souls 3 is harder throughout the entire gamethough HK is harder in its final stages."

Boss Mechanics and Play Style

  1. Gamma of Boss Complexity: Many fans have cited bosses like Friede and the Nameless King as examples of the demanding nature of Dark Souls 3, stating, "Pontiff, Gundyr, and Nameless King are all more complex than anything in HK base game."

  2. Adaptation Curve: New players to the Souls genre often find the learning curve steep. A player mentioned, "I played DS3 as my first challenging gameit felt harder by far," highlighting the role of experience in interpreting difficulty.

  3. Endgame DLC: Noting that the DLC in DS3 furthers its challenge, players are mixed on how it compares to Hollow Knight's tougher sections.

Divergent Opinions Amidst the Debate

While some gamers see value in comparing both titles, others feel they should remain distinct due to their gameplay differences. One user proclaimed, "Apples to oranges," stressing that gameplay styles vary significantly between the two.

"How could you even compare HK to Dark Souls?" expressed frustration from another gamer.

Takeaways from the Ongoing Discussion

๐Ÿ’ก Challenging DLC: DLCs play a critical role in heightening game difficulty, particularly for Hollow Knight.

โš”๏ธ Varied Play Styles: Player skill and experience significantly shape how difficult each game feels.

๐Ÿค” Complexity Matters: Many users agree that core gameplay mechanics largely dictate perceived difficulty.

In summary, the clash over which game is truly harder fuels ongoing dialogue, showcasing varied player experiences. As new gamers enter the fray, this debate promises to evolve with fresh perspectives, ensuring it remains a hot topic in gaming circles.