Best 2D Games to Play after Hollow Knight in 2024 (2024)

Hollow Knight has set a high bar for 2D games with its detailed world, tough gameplay, and stunning art style. If you're looking for similar experiences that offer the same level of exploration and challenge, there are plenty of 2D games out there to dive into. This guide showcases some of the top 2D games you should check out, each bringing its own fresh twist to the genre.

If you’re a fan of 2D games, you might want to elevate your gaming experience with the right accessories. After all, a precision platformer deserves responsive inputs. Take a look at some of the best gaming controllers available to make every jump, attack, and dodge feel just right.

Game Rant’s Best 2D Games to Play after Hollow Knight

Best Overall 2D Game for Hollow Knight Fans

Ori and The Blind Forest

4.5

See Also

Rebirth and DLC+ – Steam SoloBest Metroidvania like Games for Nintendo Switch Enthusiasts in 2024

The forest of Nibel is dying. After a powerful storm sets a series of devastating events in motion, an unlikely hero must journey to find his courage and confront a dark nemesis to save his home. “Ori and the Blind Forest” tells the tale of a young orphan destined for heroics, through a visually stunning action-platformer crafted by Moon Studios for PC. Featuring hand-painted artwork, meticulously animated character performance, and a fully orchestrated score, “Ori and the Blind Forest” explores a deeply emotional story about love and sacrifice, and the hope that exists in us all.

Platformer

Adventure

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating:90/100 Critics Recommend:96%

Platform(s)

Xbox One , Switch , PC

Released

March 11, 2015

Developer(s)

Moon Studios

Publisher(s)

Microsoft Game Studios

Engine

Unity

ESRB

E For Everyone due to Mild Fantasy Violence

How Long To Beat

9 Hours

X|S Enhanced

No

File Size Xbox Series

9 GB (November 2023)

Pros

• Stunning hand-painted visuals
• Engaging and emotional storyline
• Challenging platforming mechanics

Cons

• Not enhanced for Xbox Series X|S
• Limited combat focus

See at Official Site$20 at SteamSee at Xbox Games Store$20 at Nintendo eShop$27 at WalmartSee at Best Buy

Ori and the Blind Forest is the best overall 2D game for Hollow Knight fans, offering a unique blend of challenging platforming and a deeply emotional storyline. Developed by Moon Studios, this game is celebrated for its stunning hand-painted visuals and a narrative that resonates deeply with players. The intricate design and exquisite soundtrack further enhance the immersive experience, keeping players engaged throughout.

Although not optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Ori and the Blind Forest shines through its captivating narrative and satisfying platforming challenges. Its heartwarming story and the fair amount of challenge it provides make it an essential play, solidifying its reputation as the best overall 2D game for Hollow Knight fans.

Best Nintendo Switch 2D Game for Hollow Knight Fans

Slay the Spire

4.5

We fused card games and roguelikes together to make the best single player deckbuilder we could. Craft a unique deck, encounter bizarre creatures, discover relics of immense power, and Slay the Spire!

Choose your cards wisely! Discover hundreds of cards to add to your deck with each attempt at climbing the Spire. Select cards that work together to efficiently dispatch foes and reach the top

Whenever you embark on a journey up the Spire, the layout differs each time. Choose a risky or safe path, face different enemies, choose different cards, discover different relics, and even fight different bosses!

Powerful items known as relics can be found throughout the Spire. The effects of these relics can greatly enhance your deck through powerful interactions. But beware, obtaining a relic may cost you more than just gold…

Roguelike

Deckbuilding

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating:89/100 Critics Recommend:100%

Platform(s)

Android , iOS , PC , PS4 , Switch , Xbox One

Released

January 23, 2019

Developer(s)

Mega Crit

Publisher(s)

Humble Bundle

Engine

libGDX

ESRB

E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Tobacco Reference

How Long To Beat

12 Hours

Steam Deck Compatibility

Verified

X|S Enhanced

No

PS Plus Availability

Extra & Premium

File Size Xbox Series

575 MB (December 2023)

Pros

• Highly replayable due to roguelike elements
• Strategic deck-building gameplay
• Verified for Steam Deck compatibility

Cons

• Not enhanced for Xbox Series X|S
• Can be challenging for new players

$9 at Playstation Store

Slay the Spire, developed by Mega Crit, is the best Nintendo Switch 2D game for Hollow Knight fans seeking a strategic challenge. The game combines roguelike progression with deck-building mechanics, offering a distinctive experience that sets it apart from other 2D titles. Available across various platforms, including Android, iOS, PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One, it's an ideal choice for those looking for an engaging game to enjoy on the go.

While Slay the Spire might present a learning curve for newcomers, its replay value and strategic depth make it well worth the effort. The game’s availability on nearly every major platform, including its Steam Deck verification, means you can dive into its compelling gameplay wherever you are. This versatility, coupled with its engaging mechanics, solidifies its position as the best Nintendo Switch 2D game for Hollow Knight fans eager to explore something new and equally rewarding.

Best Xbox 2D Game for Hollow Knight Fans

Balatro

Balatro is a poker-inspired roguelike deck builder all about creating powerful synergies and winning big.

The poker roguelike. Balatro is a hypnotically satisfying deckbuilder where you play illegal poker hands, discover game-changing jokers, and trigger adrenaline-pumping, outrageous combos.

Combine valid poker hands with unique Joker cards in order to create varied synergies and builds. Earn enough chips to beat devious blinds, all while uncovering hidden bonus hands and decks as you progress. You’re going to need every edge you can get in order to reach the boss blind, beat the final ante and secure victory

Strategy

Digital Card Game

Roguelike

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating:91/100 Critics Recommend:100%

Platform(s)

PC , PS4 , PS5 , Switch , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S

Released

February 20, 2024

Developer(s)

LocalThunk

Publisher(s)

Playstack

Engine

LÖVE

ESRB

E For Everyone

Pros

• Extensive deck-building mechanics
• Highly addictive gameplay
• Visually polished with engaging effects

Cons

• Challenging for beginners
• Can be overwhelming at times

$15 at Nintendo eShop$15 at Steam$15 at Xbox Games Store

Balatro is considered the best Xbox 2D game for Hollow Knight fans seeking a fresh yet familiar experience. The game captivates with its deck-building mechanics, offering players endless possibilities to craft powerful synergies that make each run feel distinct. Its polished visuals and engaging gameplay further solidify its reputation as a standout in its genre.

While Balatro may present a steep learning curve for newcomers, its depth and strategic demands make it an excellent choice for experienced gamers who enjoy a challenging roguelike. The complexity and excitement of mastering its mechanics position it as the best Xbox 2D game for Hollow Knight fans.

Best RPG 2D Game for Hollow Knight Fans

The Binding of Isaac

When Isaac’s mother starts hearing the voice of God demanding a sacrifice be made to prove her faith, Isaac escapes into the basem*nt facing droves of deranged enemies, lost brothers and sisters, his fears, and eventually his mother.

The Binding of Isaac is a randomly generated action RPG shooter with heavy Rogue-like elements. Following Isaac on his journey players will find bizarre treasures that change Isaac’s form giving him super human abilities and enabling him to fight off droves of mysterious creatures, discover secrets and fight his way to safety.

Roguelike

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating:87/100 Critics Recommend:91%

Platform(s)

PC , PlayStation 4 , PlayStation 5 , Nintendo Wii U , Xbox One , Xbox Series S , Xbox Series X

Released

September 28, 2011

Developer(s)

Edmund McMillen , Florian Himsl

Publisher(s)

Edmund McMillen

Engine

Adobe Flash

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ due to Violence, Blood and Gore, Crude Humor

Steam Deck Compatibility

Verified

Split Screen Orientation

N/A (Shared Screen)

Number of Players

1-4

Local Co-Op Support

1-4 Players

Pros

• Endless replayability with unique runs
• Deep and dark narrative
• Expansive item and character variety

Cons

• Visuals may be off-putting
• High difficulty curve

$75 at Amazon$15 at Playstation Store

The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is the best RPG 2D game for Hollow Knight fans seeking a dark and twisted adventure. With its deep narrative and ever-changing gameplay, this game provides a distinct experience with every run, making it a top choice for those who crave endless replayability. It's the perfect match for fans of challenging adventures.

While the game's brutal difficulty and unsettling themes might not suit everyone's taste, the vast content, including a variety of items and characters, offers a truly rewarding experience for those ready to take on the challenge. The multiplayer mode adds an extra layer of fun, further proving why The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is the best RPG 2D game for Hollow Knight fans eager to explore a rich, roguelike world.

Best Single-player 2D Game for Hollow Knight Fans

Animal Well

Hatch from your flower and spelunk through the beautiful and sometimes haunting world of Animal Well, a pixelated wonder rendered in intricate audio and visual detail. Encounter lively creatures small and large, helpful and ominous as you discover unconventional upgrades and unravel the well’s secrets. This is a truly unique experience that can make you laugh in fear, surprise, or delight.

Metroidvania

Puzzle

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating:89/100 Critics Recommend:98%

Platform(s)

PS5 , PC , Nintendo Switch

Released

May 9, 2024

Developer(s)

Shared Memory

Publisher(s)

Bigmode

Engine

Proprietary Engine

ESRB

E For Everyone Due To Mild Fantasy Violence

How Long To Beat

7 Hours

PS Plus Availability

Extra & Premium

Pros

• Stunning atmospheric visuals
• Engaging puzzle and platforming mechanics
• Metroidvania elements with a fresh twist

Cons

• Relatively short playtime
• Some puzzles may be too challenging

$25 at Playstation Store$25 at Steam

Animal Well is the best single-player 2D game for Hollow Knight fans, offering a captivating mix of Metroidvania-style exploration and intricate puzzles. The game's maze-like world is both eerie and mesmerizing, drawing players into a beautifully crafted environment filled with animals and rich scenery. Its focus on discovery and exploration makes it perfect for those who appreciate a deeper, immersive experience.

Though the playtime might be shorter than some titles, the quality of the game is undeniable. The challenging puzzles add to the sense of achievement with each step, making Animal Well the best single-player 2D game for Hollow Knight fans seeking a fulfilling adventure.

Best Multiplayer 2D Game for Hollow Knight Fans

Terraria

3.5

Dig, Fight, Explore, Build: The very world is at your fingertips as you fight for survival, fortune, and glory. Will you delve deep into cavernous expanses in search of treasure and raw materials with which to craft ever-evolving gear, machinery, and aesthetics? Perhaps you will choose instead to seek out ever-greater foes to test your mettle in combat? Maybe you will decide to construct your own city to house the host of mysterious allies you may encounter along your travels?

In the World of Terraria, the choice is yours!

Blending elements of classic action games with the freedom of sandbox-style creativity, Terraria is a unique gaming experience where both the journey and the destination are completely in the player’s control. The Terraria adventure is truly as unique as the players themselves!

Are you up for the monumental task of exploring, creating, and defending a world of your own?

Action

Adventure

Sandbox

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating:79/100 Critics Recommend:76%

Platform(s)

PC , PS3 , PS4 , PS5 , Xbox 360 , Xbox One , Xbox Series S , Xbox Series X , Switch , Vita , iOS , Android , macOS , Linux , 3DS , Stadia

Released

May 16, 2011

Developer(s)

Re-Logic

Publisher(s)

505 Games

Multiplayer

Online Multiplayer

Engine

Proprietary

ESRB

T for Teen: Blood and Gore, Cartoon Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol

How Long To Beat

100 Hours

Steam Deck Compatibility

Verified

X|S Enhanced

No

PS Plus Availability

Extra & Premium

File Size Xbox Series

418 MB (March 2023)

Pros

• Expansive world with endless exploration
• Fun and engaging multiplayer mode
• Regular updates adding new content

Cons

• Challenging for beginners
• Can be overwhelming due to its complexity

See at Official Site$20 at Xbox Games Store$20 at Playstation Store$30 at Nintendo eShop$15 at Walmart$30 at Best Buy$30 at Amazon

Terraria stands out as the best multiplayer 2D game for Hollow Knight fans, offering a rich sandbox experience that masterfully combines exploration, combat, and creativity. The game's retro pixel art and immersive environments give it a distinctive charm, while its intricate crafting system and wide range of items keep you engaged for hours. This depth, along with the endless opportunities for exploration, makes it an excellent choice for Hollow Knight fans.

Although the game might feel a bit overwhelming for newcomers, the multiplayer mode enhances the fun. With its fitting music, sound effects, and frequent updates, Terraria remains the best multiplayer 2D game for Hollow Knight fans seeking an engaging sandbox experience.

Picking the Best 2D Games

When choosing a 2D game, consider factors like:

• Art Style: A unique and appealing art style can improve the gaming experience.
• Difficulty Level: Look for a game that matches your preferred challenge, from casual to hardcore.
• Storyline: Engaging narratives can make a 2D game truly unforgettable.

FAQ

Q: What makes Hollow Knight a standout in the Metroidvania genre?

Hollow Knight is renowned for its intricate world design, challenging combat, and deep lore. The game combines exploration, platforming, and combat in a way that rewards persistence and skill, making it a benchmark for the Metroidvania genre.

Q: How does Hollow Knight compare to other Metroidvania games?

Hollow Knight is often compared favorably due to its polished mechanics, expansive world, and atmospheric storytelling. Its difficulty level and content depth make it more challenging than some other titles in the genre.

Q: Is Hollow Knight suitable for beginners in the Metroidvania genre?

While Hollow Knight is approachable for newcomers, its difficulty curve can be steep. Players new to the genre may find it challenging, but the game’s design encourages learning and improvement, making it rewarding for those who stick with it.