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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesHollow Knight supports keyboard and controller play, and its controls can be remapped. The defaults below are grouped by device, so check the column for your input method; these are starting bindings, not required buttons. The game’s options text recommends a controller, but keyboard controls are documented as well.
Default Hollow Knight controls
The action names are the most reliable reference if you have changed bindings. The defaults below are listed in the Hollow Knight controls reference; Xbox, DualShock 4, and Nintendo Switch layouts are separate rather than interchangeable.
| Action | What it does | PC keyboard | Xbox | DualShock 4 | Nintendo Switch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JUMP | Jump; bounce off walls with Mantis Claw; activate Monarch Wings in mid-air. | Z | A | Cross | B |
| ATTACK | Attack with the Nail; hold to charge Nail Arts. | X | X | Square | Y |
| FOCUS / CAST | Cast spells; hold to use Focus. | A | B | Circle | A |
| DREAM NAIL | Hold to use Dream Nail or Dreamgate. | D | Y | Triangle | X |
| QUICK CAST | Cast spells. | F | Left trigger | L2 | ZL |
| DASH | Use Mothwing Cloak or Shade Cloak. | C | Right trigger | R2 | ZR |
| PAUSE | Open pause/menu options. | Esc | Menu | Options | Plus |
| INVENTORY | Open the last viewed inventory, map, journal, or charms page. | I | View | Touch pad | Minus |
| SUPER DASH | Hold to use Crystal Heart. | S | Left bumper | L1 | L |
| QUICK MAP | Hold to view the area map; double-tap to view the full map. | Tab | Right bumper | R1 | R |
| LOOK UP / DOWN | Hold to view the area above or below the current field of view. | Up / Down arrows | Up / Down on D-pad | Up / Down on D-pad | Up / Down on D-pad |
| UP / DOWN / LEFT / RIGHT | Move, navigate menus, aim Nail attacks, change Nail Art or spell, and activate or warp to a Dreamgate. | Arrow keys | D-pad | D-pad | D-pad |
Keyboard or controller?
The options text says, “Use of a controller is highly recommended.” That is a recommendation, not a requirement: the controls reference lists keyboard defaults, and the game’s preferences include keyboard bindings. Choose the input method you prefer; the available material does not establish that one is objectively better or faster.
How remapping affects the reference
Controls are remappable on PC and console releases, so a changed setup may not match the defaults in the table. Look for the action name in the game’s controls or controller settings and follow the binding shown there. The reference supports remapping but does not establish exact current menu paths or version-specific behavior.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
![HOLLOW KNIGHT [E10]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51gHoLA9kNL._SL160_.jpg)
- Includes four giant bonus content packs: Hidden Dreams, The Grimm Troupe, Lifeblood, and Godmaster
- Classic side-scrolling action, with all 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
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.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
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