Skip to main content
Join The Community
- Join our community
11
Premium Benefits
24/7
Access Available
21K+
Active Members
Commenting
Join the discussion
Exclusive Articles Coming Soon
Member-only articles
Weekly Newsletters
Weekly gaming & entertainment news
Member Badges
Earn badges as you go
Exclusive Competitions
Members-only prize draws
Curated Deals Coming Soon
Tech and gaming deals worth grabbing
GET COMMUNITY ACCESS QUICK
For the quickest way to join, simply enter your email below and get access. We will send a confirmation and sign you up to our newsletter to keep you updated on all your gaming news.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
Find out more
GET Community ACCESS QUICK

Join the GamesRadar community for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation, and sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information, you confirm you are aged 16 or over, have read our Privacy Policy and agree to the Terms & Conditions. Geographical rules apply.

Background
Welcome to GamesRADAR+ Community !
Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

Badge picture
Earn your first badge
Read 1 article to unlock your first badge.
Keep earning badges
Explore ways to get more involved as a member.
Latest Games News

Latest Games News

Breaking gaming news and updates

Read Now
Latest Games Reviews

Latest Games Reviews

Expert verdicts on the newest releases

Read Now

See what you’ve unlocked.

Explore your membership benefits.

Explore
Member Exclusives

Stay Ahead with GamesRadar+

Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.

Explore

Sign Out
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+
US EditionUS CA EditionCanada UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Buying Guides
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
  • Home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Buying Guides
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Video
    • View Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
Trending
  • Summer game Fest 2026 Live
  • God of War Laufey
  • New Games 2026
  • SGF 2026 schedule
  • Summer Game Fest
  • Best gaming tech
  • Submit your clips. Win prizes
Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more


By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful


Want to add more newsletters?

GamesRadar+

Every Friday

GamesRadar+

Your weekly update on everything you could ever want to know about the games you already love, games we know you're going to love in the near future, and tales from the communities that surround them.

GTA 6 O'clock

Every Thursday

GTA 6 O'clock

Our special GTA 6 newsletter, with breaking news, insider info, and rumor analysis from the award-winning GTA 6 O'clock experts.

Knowledge

Every Friday

Knowledge

From the creators of Edge: A weekly videogame industry newsletter with analysis from expert writers, guidance from professionals, and insight into what's on the horizon.

The Setup

Every Thursday

The Setup

Hardware nerds unite, sign up to our free tech newsletter for a weekly digest of the hottest new tech, the latest gadgets on the test bench, and much more.

Switch 2 Spotlight

Every Wednesday

Switch 2 Spotlight

Sign up to our new Switch 2 newsletter, where we bring you the latest talking points on Nintendo's new console each week, bring you up to date on the news, and recommend what games to play.

The Watchlist

Every Saturday

The Watchlist

Subscribe for a weekly digest of the movie and TV news that matters, direct to your inbox. From first-look trailers, interviews, reviews and explainers, we've got you covered.

SFX

Once a month

SFX

Get sneak previews, exclusive competitions and details of special events each month!


Join the club

Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.


An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
  1. Games
  2. Action
  3. Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight breaks its own player record on Steam

News
By Anne-Marie Ostler published 10 May 2022

Five years after launch, the 2D platformer is more popular than ever

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Best Steam Games
(Image credit: Team Cherry)
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Share this article
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Subscribe to our newsletter

Hollow Knight’s concurrent player number has reached an all-time high. 

While it’s common for a game to beat its record for the highest number of players in its early days or when a shiny new slice of content gets added, it’s pretty unusual for them to randomly do so five years after launch. But that’s just what’s happened with the brilliant Metroidvania that is Hollow Knight. The wait for Hollow Knight: Silksong is hitting all of us, it would seem.

According to Steam's statistics, Hollow Knight’s concurrent player number hit an all-time high on May 7 with over 20,000 players - 20,324 to be exact. Not only did the game beat its previous record, it absolutely smashed it. A look at the monthly breakdown of peak player numbers shows that the game has been gaining increasing popularity in recent months. In March, the title was doing better than ever, with a record of 13,721 concurrent players. Compare this to May of last year, where user numbers peaked at 5,103.

Latest Videos From
Watch full video here:

So what’s the reason for the sudden interest in Hollow Knight? Well, it’s likely a few different things. A recent Steam sale saw the game’s price reduced by a hefty 60%, and seemingly many who were keen to try out the indie darling snapped it up for this low price. 

Also, thanks to the release of Elden Ring, soulsike games are more popular than ever. And with it bearing similarities to From Software’s titles in terms of mechanics, difficulty and atmosphere, Hollow Knight is a solid option for those who can’t get enough of the soulslike formula. The hype surrounding the long-awaited follow-up is likely also enticing fans back to the original as well as encouraging newcomers to see what all the fuss is about. 

You may like
  • Slay the Spire 2 Slay the Spire 2 dev "totally blown away" as the roguelike hits 573,000 Steam players: "We'll getcha one day Silksong"
  • The Knight stands blade in hand in key art for Hollow Knight, used in Edge Magazine's Time Extend feature Hollow Knight just fixed a dreadful bug after 9 years, and I don't know if I want to laugh or cry
  • Crimson Desert hero shutting his eyes Crimson Desert still reaching impressive player numbers on Steam over a month after launch, despite being single-player

A release date for the sequel to Hollow Knight has yet to be announced, and the wait for Hollow Knight: Silksong has been so excruciating that even other games are referencing it. 

When you’ve finished Team Cherry’s excellent 2D adventure, take a look at our pick of the best games like Hollow Knight.

Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
CATEGORIES
Nintendo Switch PS5 PS4 Xbox Series X Xbox One PC Gaming Platforms Nintendo PlayStation Xbox
Anne-Marie Ostler
Anne-Marie Ostler
Social Links Navigation
Freelance Writer

Originally from Ireland, I moved to the UK in 2014 to pursue a Games Journalism and PR degree at Staffordshire University. Following that, I've freelanced for GamesMaster, Games TM, Official PlayStation Magazine and, more recently, Play and GamesRadar+. My love of gaming sprang from successfully defeating that first Goomba in Super Mario Bros on the NES. These days, PlayStation is my jam. When not gaming or writing, I can usually be found scouring the internet for anything Tomb Raider related to add to my out of control memorabilia collection.

Read more
Slay the Spire 2
Roguelike Games Slay the Spire 2 dev "totally blown away" as the roguelike hits 573,000 Steam players: "We'll getcha one day Silksong"
 
 
The Knight stands blade in hand in key art for Hollow Knight, used in Edge Magazine's Time Extend feature
Action Games Hollow Knight just fixed a dreadful bug after 9 years, and I don't know if I want to laugh or cry
 
 
Crimson Desert hero shutting his eyes
Open World Games Crimson Desert still reaching impressive player numbers on Steam over a month after launch, despite being single-player
 
 
Silksong
Action Games Hollow Knight: Silksong patch 5 is is "the last significant update" before Sea of Sorrow DLC
 
 
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Action Games Hollow Knight Silksong fans convinced Sea of Sorrow's release window is confirmed with fully subjective evidence
 
 
Survival Games After 8 years, Subnautica beats its all-time Steam player peak with over 50,000 fans diving in
 
 
Latest in Action
Stellar Blade: Blood Rain heroine Evie
Action Games Stellar Blade 2 is actually Stellar Blade: Blood Rain, and it looks nothing like the first game
 
 
A screencap of the Gundam Rogue Orbit trailer featuring the head of a mech suit with glowing green eyes and a starry sky in the background.
Action Games Suit up—a stylish new Gundam game with big mechs and bigger swords is finally on its way
 
 
Lenny Kravitz as Bawma in 007 First Light
Action Games 007 First Light roadmap includes New Game Plus and more of Lenny Kravitz's Bawma
 
 
1666: Amsterdam trailer shows a woman walking through a crowd with a gray sky in the background.
Action Games Assassin's Creed creator's witchy game 1666: Amsterdam resurfaces with demo, early access this year
 
 
TMNT Last Ronin logo
Action Games Beloved Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic The Last Ronin is getting a game from action royalty
 
 
Gen Atlas
Action Games Gen Atlas is a desolate mech game from the director of Shadow of the Colossus
 
 
Latest in News
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma speaks on stage
Xbox Xbox CEO says "we have to reset the business" to "be where the world plays"
 
 
Cropped close key art of Agent 47 pulling out his gun for Hitman 2
Hitman Hitman Classic Trilogy Remastered announced, and the side-by-side comparison is lovely
 
 
Sephiroth looks down on the player, framed by light
JRPGs Final Fantasy wizard predicted the title of the third entry, Revelation, 4 years ago
 
 
Final Fantasy 7 hero Tifa smiles gently while clutching her wrist
Fighting Games Street Fighter 6 is getting the Final Fantasy 7 Tifa crossover Tekken fans have always wanted
 
 
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation
Games Here's my pick of the 5 best Summer Game Fest trailers that you should watch right now
 
 
Bigby Wolf smokes a cigarette
Adventure Games The Wolf Among Us 2 finally releases in 2027, with a remaster of the original due out this holiday season
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma speaks on stage
    1
    Xbox CEO says "we have to reset the business" to "be where the world plays"
  2. 2
    Hitman Classic Trilogy Remastered coming in 2027: it's already got a Steam page, and the side-by-side comparison is lovely
  3. 3
    This cozy indie rhythm game with Thank Goodness You're Here vibes might be my Summer Game Fest highlight, letting us run a record shop alongside an adorable dog
  4. 4
    The 6 biggest surprises at Summer Game Fest 2026, from a new Resident Evil game to Final Fantasy 7 Revelation
  5. 5
    Final Fantasy wizard predicted the title of the third entry, Revelation, 4 years ago, after correctly predicting the first two entries

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...