How Long to Beat Hollow Knight With All DLC?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Hollow Knight, the critically acclaimed Metroidvania from Team Cherry, is renowned for its beautiful art style, challenging gameplay, and vast, interconnected world. A common question for prospective players (and those already hooked!) is: How long does it take to beat Hollow Knight with all its DLC? The answer, as with many sprawling games, isn’t a simple one. On average, completing the main story of Hollow Knight takes around 25-30 hours. However, incorporating all the free DLC (Hidden Dreams, The Grimm Troupe, Lifeblood, and Godmaster) significantly extends the playtime. Aiming for a 100% completion run, including all DLC content, will likely take between 60-80 hours, and possibly even more for less experienced players or those aiming for specific achievements.
Breaking Down the Playtime
It’s crucial to understand that the playtime in Hollow Knight is heavily dependent on individual skill, playstyle, and completion goals. Here’s a more granular look at potential playtime ranges:
- Main Story Only: 25-30 hours
- Main Story + Some DLC Content (e.g., Grimm Troupe): 35-45 hours
- Completionist Run (All DLC, most optional content): 60-80 hours
- True 100% Completion (All achievements, all journal entries, Pantheons with all Bindings): 80+ hours (and possibly well over 100 for some!)
The DLCs add substantial content, including new areas, bosses, challenges, and lore. Ignoring them would be missing a large part of what makes Hollow Knight so special. For instance, the Godmaster DLC, with its difficult Pantheon challenges, can add dozens of hours to your playthrough, especially if you’re determined to conquer all the bosses with all available bindings.
Factors Affecting Your Playtime
Several factors can influence how long it takes you to complete Hollow Knight:
- Experience with Metroidvania Games: If you’re familiar with the genre, you’ll likely pick up the mechanics and exploration aspects more quickly.
- Combat Skill: Hollow Knight‘s combat is challenging, and mastering it will significantly reduce the time spent fighting bosses and navigating difficult areas.
- Exploration Style: Are you a thorough explorer who checks every nook and cranny, or do you prefer to stick to the main path?
- Use of Guides: Consulting online guides and walkthroughs can speed up your progress but may detract from the sense of discovery.
- Difficulty Level: While Hollow Knight doesn’t have traditional difficulty settings, you can make the game easier by focusing on certain charms and strategies.
- Completion Goals: Do you simply want to beat the final boss, or are you aiming for 100% completion?
Tips to Optimize Your Playtime (Without Spoilers!)
- Focus on Exploration: Don’t be afraid to wander off the beaten path. Many secrets and upgrades are hidden in unexpected places.
- Experiment with Charms: Different charm combinations can drastically alter your playstyle and make certain encounters easier.
- Learn Enemy Patterns: Understanding enemy attacks and behaviors is crucial for survival.
- Don’t Give Up: Hollow Knight is a challenging game, but perseverance is key.
- Use Maps and Markers: The in-game map is invaluable for navigation. Mark areas of interest or places you want to revisit later.
- Upgrade Your Nail: Upgrading your weapon (the nail) significantly increases your damage output.
- Collect Soul Vessels: Increasing your soul capacity allows you to use more spells, which can be very helpful in combat.
Hollow Knight: A Journey Worth Taking
Regardless of how long it takes you to complete Hollow Knight, the experience is undeniably rewarding. The game’s atmosphere, story, and gameplay are all top-notch, making it a must-play for fans of the Metroidvania genre and beyond. So, prepare to spend many enjoyable hours exploring the hauntingly beautiful world of Hallownest!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the playtime and content of Hollow Knight with all DLC:
1. Is Hollow Knight difficult?
Yes, Hollow Knight is known for its challenging difficulty. Mastering the combat system and learning enemy patterns are crucial for success. However, the difficulty is generally considered fair and rewarding.
2. Do I need to play the DLC separately?
No, the DLC content is integrated seamlessly into the main game. There are no separate downloads or installations required. It is all part of the base game.
3. What is the hardest boss in Hollow Knight?
Many players consider the Radiance and Absolute Radiance (found in the Godmaster DLC) to be the hardest bosses in the game due to their complex attack patterns and high damage output. Some also find Nightmare King Grimm to be a significant challenge.
4. Is Hollow Knight worth playing?
Absolutely! Hollow Knight is widely regarded as one of the best Metroidvania games ever made. Its beautiful art style, engaging story, and challenging gameplay make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
5. How many endings does Hollow Knight have?
Hollow Knight has multiple endings, with the “true” ending requiring you to complete certain prerequisites and face a specific boss.
6. What does 100% completion in Hollow Knight entail?
100% completion typically involves beating all bosses, collecting all items, filling out the Hunter’s Journal, completing all quests, and unlocking all charms. The in-game percentage counter stops at 112% which includes DLC completion.
7. Can I play Hollow Knight with a controller?
Yes, Hollow Knight is fully compatible with controllers, and many players prefer using a controller over a keyboard and mouse.
8. Is Hollow Knight a Soulslike game?
While Hollow Knight shares some similarities with Dark Souls, such as challenging combat and a focus on exploration, it is primarily a Metroidvania game.
9. What is the Hunter’s Journal?
The Hunter’s Journal is an in-game encyclopedia that records information about all the creatures you encounter in Hallownest. Completing the Journal is a significant part of the game’s completion goals.
10. How do I access the DLC content?
The DLC content is accessed by exploring the game world and finding the relevant locations and characters. There are no special requirements beyond progressing through the game.
11. What are Bindings in the Godmaster DLC?
Bindings are optional restrictions you can apply to Pantheon runs in the Godmaster DLC. These restrictions include limiting your health, soul usage, nail damage, and charm usage, significantly increasing the difficulty.
12. What is the Grimm Troupe DLC about?
The Grimm Troupe DLC introduces a new questline involving a traveling circus and a powerful entity known as the Grimm Troupe Master. It features new bosses, charms, and lore.
13. How much does Hollow Knight cost?
The price of Hollow Knight varies depending on the platform, but it is generally considered to be a very affordable game, especially given the amount of content it offers.
14. Is there a Hollow Knight sequel?
Yes! The sequel to Hollow Knight, titled Hollow Knight: Silksong, is currently in development. It will feature a new protagonist (Hornet) and a new kingdom to explore.
15. What are the best charms for beginners in Hollow Knight?
Some of the best charms for beginners include Quick Focus, Shape of Unn, Fragile Strength (or Unbreakable Strength once obtained), and Longnail/Mark of Pride. These charms can significantly improve your survivability and damage output early in the game.