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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Plan on roughly 20–30 hours to reach an ending, about 40 hours for broad 100% completion, or around 55–66 hours for a completionist run. These are estimates, not official playtime targets: the answer depends on what counts as “beating” the game and how you play.
How long is Hollow Knight by goal?
| Goal | Estimated time | What the figure means |
|---|---|---|
| Reach an ending | About 20–30 hours | A first story-ending run; a separate guide estimates 20–27 hours for a blind first ending. |
| Main story | 27 hours | HowLongToBeat figures reproduced by Acclaimed Video Games, accessed in 2026. |
| Main story plus extras | 42 hours | HowLongToBeat figures reproduced by Acclaimed Video Games, accessed in 2026. |
| Broad 100% completion | About 40–66 hours | Acclaimed Video Games reproduces a 66-hour HowLongToBeat figure for 100%; Rogue Ranker separately estimates about 40 hours. Definitions and play styles differ, so these estimates should not be treated as interchangeable. |
| 112% completion | About 55–65 hours, or around 60 hours in another guide | Editorial estimates from a third-party time guide and Rogue Ranker, respectively; neither is an official Team Cherry statistic. |
The ranges are useful for planning, but they do not establish a single typical time. The tracker-based figures and editorial guides use different sources and completion definitions; there is no first-party completion-time statistic in the sources cited here.
Why do Hollow Knight playtimes vary?
Your finish line matters
Reaching an ending is a smaller goal than exploring optional content or pursuing the highest completion percentage. Nintendo describes Hallownest as an expansive, interconnected world where players can choose their routes, and lists four free content packs that add quests, bosses, upgrades, charms and other content. Those additions make “beat the game” and “see or complete nearly everything” distinctly different goals. Nintendo’s game listing
Exploration, familiarity and retries add time
A player following a guided route may spend less time deciding where to go than someone exploring blind. Experience with Metroidvanias can also affect navigation, while boss retries and optional challenges can extend a run. The estimates do not account for each player’s route or skill, so use them as broad expectations rather than a schedule.
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- Classic side-scrolling action, with all the modern trimmings.
- Tightly tuned 2D controls. Dodge, dash and slash your way through even the most deadly adversaries.
- Explore a vast interconnected world of forgotten highways, overgrown wilds and ruined cities.
- Forge your own path! The world of Hallownest is expansive and open. Choose which paths you take, which enemies you face and find your own way forward.
- Evolve with powerful new skills and abilities! Gain spells, strength and speed. Leap to new heights on ethereal wings. Dash forward in a blazing flash. Blast foes with fiery Soul!.Equip Charms! Ancient relics that offer bizarre new powers and abilities. Choose your favourites and make your journey unique!.An enormous cast of cute and creepy characters all brought to life with traditional 2D frame-by-frame animation..
What does 100% or 112% completion mean for your estimate?
Completion percentages are not simply a clock multiplier: 100% and 112% are different targets, and the cited guides do not establish identical definitions for their figures. Check which milestone a time estimate describes before comparing it with your own plan. If you mainly want to see the story through to an ending, the 20–30-hour range is the more relevant starting point; if you want optional challenges and a high completion percentage, budget substantially more time.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which platforms include the content packs?
Nintendo’s US listing is for the digital Nintendo Switch edition and marks the game as supported on Nintendo Switch 2; it says four free content packs are included. Steam lists Hollow Knight as a single-player PC game and describes free additions including Godmaster, Lifeblood and The Grimm Troupe. Store availability and edition formats can vary by region and change over time, so check the relevant storefront for your platform. Steam listing
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Classic side-scrolling action, with all the modern trimmings. Dodge, dash and slash your way through even the most deadly adversaries.
- Tightly tuned 2D controls. Dodge, dash and slash your way through even the most deadly adversaries.
- Forge your own path! The world of Hallownest is expansive and open. Choose which paths you take, which enemies you face and find your own way forward.
- An enormous cast of cute and creepy characters all brought to life with traditional 2D frame-by-frame animation.
- Leap into minds with the Dream Nail. Uncover a whole other side to the characters you meet and the enemies you face.
Rank #4
- Classic side-scrolling action, with all the modern trimmings. Dodge, dash and slash your way through even the most deadly adversaries.
- Tightly tuned 2D controls. Dodge, dash and slash your way through even the most deadly adversaries.
- Forge your own path! The world of Hallownest is expansive and open. Choose which paths you take, which enemies you face and find your own way forward.
- An enormous cast of cute and creepy characters all brought to life with traditional 2D frame-by-frame animation.
- Leap into minds with the Dream Nail. Uncover a whole other side to the characters you meet and the enemies you face.
Rank #3
![Hollow Knight: Silksong Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51mOgOC8xEL._SL160_.jpg)
- Discover the fallen insect kingdom of Pharloom! Explore mossy grottos, gilded cities and misted moors as you ascend to the shining citadel at the top of the world.
- Engage in lethal acrobatic action! Wield a huge suite of deadly moves as you dance between foes in swift, beautiful combat.
- Craft powerful tools! Master an ever-expanding arsenal of weapons, traps, and mechanisms to vanquish your enemies and explore new heights.
- Solve shocking quests! Hunt down rare beasts and solve ancient mysteries to grant the wishes of the downtrodden and restore the kingdom’s hope.
- Face over 200 ferocious foes! Beasts and hunters, monsters and knights. Defeat them all with bravery and skill!
Rank #2
![Hollow Knight - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51nXCF+sf5L._SL160_.jpg)
- Classic side-scrolling action, with all the modern trimmings.
- Forge your own path! The world of Hallownest is expansive and open. Choose which paths you take, which enemies you face and find your own way forward.
- Evolve with powerful new skills and abilities! Gain spells, strength and speed. Leap to new heights on ethereal wings. Dash forward in a blazing flash. Blast foes with fiery Soul!
- Equip Charms! Ancient relics that offer bizarre new powers and abilities. Choose your favorites and make your journey unique!
- An enormous cast of cute and creepy characters all brought to life with traditional 2D frame-by-frame animation.
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