Hollow Knight runs on Mac through Steam or GOG, but requires a few extra steps because the game was built for Windows

Hollow Knight does not have a native Mac version. To play it on macOS, you need to use Proton, a compatibility layer that lets Windows games run on Mac and Linux. Proton is built into Steam and works automatically — you download Hollow Knight through Steam, enable Proton in your settings, and launch the game. The process takes about five minutes total.

If you own Hollow Knight on GOG instead of Steam, you will need to use a separate tool called Crossover (paid, around $40) or Lutris (free, more technical). Steam is the simpler route for most people.

Key Takeaways

  • Steam on Mac includes Proton built in, so you do not need to install anything extra to run Hollow Knight.
  • You must own Hollow Knight on Steam; the game costs $15 and goes on sale during Steam events.
  • Proton works automatically once enabled, but you may need to restart Steam or your Mac if the game does not launch on the first try.
  • Performance depends on your Mac's processor and graphics — older Macs may experience slower frame rates or occasional stuttering.

Installing Steam and Hollow Knight

Download Steam from steampowered.com and install it on your Mac. Open the Steam app, create or sign into your account, and search for "Hollow Knight" in the store. The game costs $15 USD (prices vary by region). Click "Add to Cart" and complete the purchase, or add it to your wishlist if you want to wait for a sale.

Once you own Hollow Knight, go to your Library, find the game, and click "Install". Steam will download the Windows version automatically — this is normal and expected. The download is about 3.5 GB and may take 10 to 30 minutes depending on your internet speed.

Enabling Proton for Hollow Knight

After the download finishes, right-click Hollow Knight in your Library and select "Properties". Scroll down to the "Compatibility" section. Check the box that says "Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool" and select Proton from the dropdown menu. Steam will show you which version of Proton is recommended — use that version unless you have a specific reason to choose a different one.

Close the Properties window. The next time you click "Play", Steam will launch Hollow Knight through Proton. The first launch may take 30 seconds to a minute longer than usual while Proton sets up the environment.

Troubleshooting if the game will not start

If Hollow Knight does not launch after you click Play, try restarting Steam completely. Close the Steam app entirely (not just the window — use Command+Q or right-click the Steam icon in the dock and select "Quit"). Wait 10 seconds, then reopen Steam and try launching Hollow Knight again.

If the game still does not start, restart your Mac. This clears temporary files that sometimes interfere with Proton. After your Mac restarts, open Steam and launch Hollow Knight. If you continue to see an error message, check the Steam Community discussions for Hollow Knight — other Mac players often post solutions for specific error codes.

Performance expectations on Mac

Hollow Knight runs well on most modern Macs because the game is not graphically demanding. On an M1, M2, or M3 Mac, you should expect smooth 60 frames per second at the default resolution. On older Intel Macs or base-model M1 machines, frame rates may dip to 45 to 50 fps in areas with many enemies or visual effects, but the game remains fully playable.

If you experience stuttering or lag, try lowering the resolution or frame rate cap in Hollow Knight's graphics settings. Open the game, go to Settings, and look for Display or Graphics options. Reducing resolution from 1080p to 720p often eliminates stuttering without making the game look significantly worse on a laptop screen.

Playing Hollow Knight from GOG instead of Steam

If you bought Hollow Knight on GOG, you cannot use Proton directly. GOG does not include Proton in its Mac app. Instead, you have two options: buy the game again on Steam (it costs the same $15), or use Crossover, a paid tool that works similarly to Proton but requires a separate purchase and setup.

Crossover is made by Codeweavers and costs around $40 for a one-time license. It includes a graphical interface that walks you through installing Windows games. If you already own Hollow Knight on GOG and do not want to repurchase it, Crossover is worth considering. For most people, buying Hollow Knight on Steam is simpler and cheaper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my save file transfer if I buy Hollow Knight on Steam after playing it elsewhere?

No. Save files are stored separately for each platform. If you played Hollow Knight on Windows or Nintendo Switch, your progress does not carry over to the Steam version on Mac. You will start a new game. However, your save file on the original platform remains unchanged if you ever go back to it.

Can I use a controller to play Hollow Knight on Mac?

Yes. Hollow Knight supports most controllers, including PlayStation and Xbox controllers. Connect your controller to your Mac via Bluetooth or USB, launch Hollow Knight, and the game will detect it automatically. You can remap buttons in the game's settings if the default layout does not suit you.

Does Proton work on all Macs, or only newer ones?

Proton works on Intel Macs running macOS 10.13 or later and on Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3, etc.). Older Macs with PowerPC processors are not supported. If your Mac is more than 10 years old, check your Mac model and macOS version before purchasing Hollow Knight.

What happens if Steam updates Proton while I am playing?

Steam does not update Proton while the game is running. Updates happen in the background when Steam is closed. If you see a notification that Proton has been updated, simply restart Steam and launch Hollow Knight again — no action is required on your part.