Getting Started with Hollow Knight Modding
Scarab install, Modding API auto-install, Randomizer 4, and HKMP multiplayer
Hollow Knight modding centres on Scarab, a community-built mod launcher that handles the API install, dependency tracking, and curated mod browsing. This guide walks the standard install.
Step 1 — Install Scarab
Scarab is the community mod launcher. Download the latest release.
On first launch, point Scarab at your Hollow Knight install. Scarab auto-installs the Hollow Knight Modding API.
Step 2 — Browse and install mods
Scarab's main view is a list of curated mods. Click Install on any.
Three popular picks:
- Randomizer 4 — the headline mod. Shuffles items across the game.
- DebugMod — developer tools for testing and routing.
- HKMP (Hollow Knight Multiplayer) — community-built multiplayer (peer-to-peer).
Scarab handles dependencies. Most mods need only the API plus possibly one other dependency.
Step 3 — Launch
Launch Hollow Knight normally. Mods load via the API.
The main menu typically shows mods are active. Randomizer 4 adds its own menu options for race seeds and configuration.
Step 4 — Save handling
Hollow Knight saves are at %AppData%/../LocalLow/Team Cherry/Hollow Knight/.
Modded saves (Randomizer 4 especially) are mod-specific. Switching between modded and vanilla saves is fine; mixing them within a save isn't.
Common gotchas
- Scarab can't find game. Re-point Scarab at the Hollow Knight install directory.
- Mod conflict. Rare in Scarab's curated list. If you install non-Scarab mods alongside, conflicts can appear.
- API version mismatch. Scarab auto-updates the API. If you manually installed an older API, Scarab may complain.
- HKMP disconnects. Multiplayer mod is peer-to-peer; latency matters.
If you're waiting for Silksong's modding scene to develop, this is the foundation it'll likely build on.