Hollow Knight Modding on OpenMods

Hollow Knight's Scarab and Modding API

Hollow Knight (2017) is Team Cherry's Metroidvania. The modding scene is built around the Hollow Knight Modding API (HKMP project) and Scarab, a community-built mod launcher. The catalogue is mostly gameplay additions, new charms, randomizers, custom skins.

The most-played mod by a significant margin is Hollow Knight Randomizer 4, which shuffles item locations across the entire game. The community speedrunning and Discord scene around the randomizer is active.

The toolchain

• Scarab: community mod launcher. Browses and installs mods from a curated list.
• Hollow Knight Modding API: foundational framework most mods depend on.
• Manual install: drop mods into Hollow Knight's install directory.

What you'll find on OpenMods

Hollow Knight mods live primarily on Scarab's curated list and GitHub. OpenMods catalogues GitHub-published Hollow Knight mods.

Practical notes

• Scarab is the recommended path. Handles API installation, dependency resolution, version updates.
• Randomizer 4 is the headline mod. Shuffles every item location. Active community for race events.
• Silksong release will likely fragment the community. As of 2026, Silksong's status varies; expect a new modding scene there.