Alien Swarm vs Hollow Knight: Silksong
A full spec-by-spec comparison of Alien Swarm vs Hollow Knight: Silksong — engine, performance, dimensions, features and price, with the differences highlighted to help you decide.
| Specification | Alien Swarm Valve | Hollow Knight: Silksong Team Cherry |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Release Date | July 19, 2010 | September 4, 2025 |
| Availability | Released | Released |
| Developer | Valve Software | Team Cherry |
| Publisher | Valve | Team Cherry |
| Official Site | http://www.alienswarm.com | http://hollowknightsilksong.com/ |
| Gameplay | ||
| Genre | Action, Shooter | Action, Adventure, Indie, Platformer |
| Game Modes | Single-player, Multiplayer, Co-op, Online Co-op | Single-player |
| Perspective | Third-person, Top-down | 2D |
| Average Playtime | 2 hours | 24 hours |
| Platforms & Pricing | ||
| Platforms | PC | PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Apple Macintosh, Linux, Nintendo |
| Available On | Steam | Steam, GOG |
| PC Requirements | ||
| Minimum Requirements | OS: Windows® 7 / Vista / Vista64 / XP Processor: Pentium 4 3.0GHz Memory: 1 GB for XP / 2GB for Vista Graphics: DirectX 9 compatible video card with 128 MB, Shader model 2.0. ATI X800, NVidia 6600 or better Hard Drive: At least 2.5 GB of free space Sound: DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card | OS: Windows 7 Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E5200 Memory: 4 GB RAM Graphics: GeForce 9800GTX+ (1GB) DirectX: Version 10 Storage: 9 GB available space Additional Notes: 1080p, 16:9 recommended |
| Recommended Requirements | OS: Windows® 7 / Vista / Vista64 / XP Processor: Intel core 2 duo 2.4GHz Memory: 1 GB for XP / 2GB for Vista Graphics: DirectX 9 compatible video card with Shader model 3.0. NVidia 7600, ATI X1600 or better Hard Drive: At least 2.5 GB of free space Sound: DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card | OS: Windows 10 Processor: Intel Core i5 Memory: 8 GB RAM Graphics: GeForce GTX 560+ DirectX: Version 10 Storage: 9 GB available space Additional Notes: 1080p, 16:9 recommended |
| Critic & Community Scores | ||
| Metacritic | 77 / 100 | — |
| Community Rating | 3.3 / 5 (712 ratings) | 4.4 / 5 (237 ratings) |
Alien Swarm vs Hollow Knight: Silksong: which should you buy?
Both titles cater to different gaming preferences and system capabilities. Alien Swarm, released in 2010, is a lightweight third‑person shooter that runs on modest hardware (Pentium 4 3.0 GHz, 1‑2 GB RAM) and offers a short average playtime of about two hours. It is available exclusively on PC via Steam, making it a good pick for players with older machines or those who enjoy quick, multiplayer sessions. Hollow Knight: Silksong, on the other hand, is a modern 2D action‑adventure released in 2025 and available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Apple Macintosh, Linux, and Nintendo platforms. It demands more recent hardware (Intel Core i5/8 GB RAM, GeForce GTX 560+), supports 1080p resolution, and delivers a substantially longer experience of roughly twenty‑four hours. If you own a recent PC or console and are looking for an expansive, indie adventure with deep gameplay, Silksong is the clear choice. If you prefer a lighter, older shooter that can run on legacy systems and enjoy quick multiplayer sessions, Alien Swarm remains a solid option. Ultimately, the decision hinges on your hardware and how much time you want to invest in a single title.
Frequently asked questions
Which game is cheaper?
No price information is provided for either title in the data, so a cost comparison cannot be made.
Which game requires more powerful hardware?
Hollow Knight: Silksong requires a newer processor (Intel Core i5), 8 GB RAM, and a GeForce GTX 560+ graphics card, whereas Alien Swarm can run on older hardware like a Pentium 4 with 1‑2 GB RAM.
Which game offers more playtime?
Hollow Knight: Silksong averages about 24 hours of gameplay, far exceeding Alien Swarm’s average of 2 hours.
Which game is available on more platforms?
Hollow Knight: Silksong is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Apple Macintosh, Linux, and Nintendo, while Alien Swarm is available only on PC via Steam.