City of Tears

Lore & Background

In its prime, the City of Tears was a beacon of civilization, ruled directly by the Pale King. The city's architecture reflects a time of grandeur, with towering spires and ornate bridges connecting districts dedicated to different aspects of life. However, the descent into madness began when the Infection spread from the depths below, corrupting the minds of its citizens and turning the once-bustling streets into ghostly echoes of their former selves.

In Their Own Story

The rain does not stop here; it is a constant weeping that soaks through the chitin of every traveler. You step onto the slick cobblestones of the main plaza, where the shadows of great statues loom over empty market stalls. A lone Mantis Lord patrols the upper walkways, its movements slow and deliberate, guarding secrets long forgotten by the living. Below, in the flooded lower districts, the water reflects a sky that never changes, mirroring the sorrow trapped within these walls.

Reader's Guide

The City of Tears acts as the central hub for exploration in Hallownest, offering access to nearly every other major region through its interconnected pathways. It is here that players first encounter the depth of the kingdom's tragedy, seeing the contrast between its majestic ruins and the creeping corruption. Navigating this area requires careful platforming across broken bridges and avoiding the relentless rain that obscures vision. Key items like the Shade Cloak can be found here, aiding in future traversal. The city also houses essential NPCs who provide lore and services, making it a critical stop for any Knight seeking to understand the kingdom's fall. Its significance lies not just as a transit point, but as a narrative anchor. The City of Tears represents the height of Hallownest's civilization before its collapse, serving as a somber reminder of what was lost.

Did You Know?

• The rain in this city is supernatural and does not originate from clouds or weather patterns above ground.
• The Mantis Tribe guarded the entrance to the Fungal Wastes and the Mantis Lords' arena, not the City of Tears.
• Many of the buildings in the upper districts were once homes to the kingdom's elite citizens and scholars.
• The city contains a hidden entrance to the Royal Waterways, revealing its role as a major transportation hub.
• While often mistaken for a City resident, the Broken Vessel is actually found wandering the Forgotten Crossroads.

Compositional Origins and Artistic Direction

Christopher Larkin joined Team Cherry as the lead composer and sound designer following the success of their Kickstarter campaign. Initially approached to pitch thematic ideas, he was tasked with crafting a score defined by 'dark elegance' and minimal instrumentation while maintaining a classical, melancholic atmosphere. Drawing inspiration from iconic titles like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Final Fantasy VII, Larkin developed a unique auditory identity for Hallownest. His approach involved extensive use of soft piano alongside woodwinds such as the flute and oboe, and the organ. He strategically selected instruments to match specific in-game environments; for instance, he utilized harps and marimbas for 'Greenpath' to evoke nature, while reserving the organ for the 'Soul Sanctum' to replicate a sacred, scholarly ambiance.

Album Releases and Physical Formats

The musical landscape of Hollow Knight is divided into two distinct albums. The primary soundtrack, covering the base game, debuted digitally on Bandcamp in February 2017 before its wider release on GOG and Steam later that month. This collection was subsequently pressed onto vinyl in early 2018. A second, shorter album titled 'Gods and Nightmares' followed, featuring music from four free content packs. Released digitally in August 2018 with a vinyl edition arriving late that year, this sequel expanded the auditory experience without altering the core aesthetic. These releases ensured fans could enjoy the score both as part of the gaming experience and as standalone musical collections across various digital and physical media platforms.

Instrumentation and Vocal Contributions

While Larkin composed the majority of the score, specific tracks featured notable guest musicians to enhance their emotional depth. Timothy Cheel contributed viola performances to the tracks 'Dirtmouth' and the title track 'Hollow Knight,' adding a rich string texture to these pivotal moments. The iconic piece 'City of Tears' was elevated by soprano vocals provided by Amelia Jones, creating a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere central to the game's identity. Furthermore, the 'Gods and Nightmares' album included 'Pale Court,' which featured performances by the Accord Quartet and Péter Kiss, with arrangements handled by Steven Tanoto. These collaborations highlighted how specific instrumental choices were tailored to fit the narrative weight of different areas within the game world.

Critical Reception and Atmospheric Impact

Critics widely acclaimed Larkin's work for its ability to define the mournful tone of Hallownest while seamlessly integrating with sound design. Reviewers from outlets like IGN, Kotaku, and GameSpot praised how individual melodies shift dynamically as players traverse screens, breathing immense personality into each location. The score was described as 'masterfully orchestrated' and 'unparalleled,' with specific tracks like 'City of Tears' cited for their ability to induce deep melancholy. Boss battle themes were also highlighted for capturing the ruthlessness of enemies, while other compositions successfully hinted at curiosity and rejuvenation. Ultimately, the music is credited with welcoming players into the forsaken world and elevating the game's overall artistic standing.