Hollow Knight Fan Carves The Knight Into a Pumpkin, and It’s Gloriously Spooky

Halloween has a strange way of making even the most stoic video game warriors look adorable. In 2026, as the season of candy corn, fog machines, and questionable costume choices rolls around again, one talented Hollow Knight fan has reminded everyone that a pumpkin can be both a vegetable and a tribute. Reddit user TrappedByDogma unveiled an intricate jack-o'-lantern featuring The Knight, the silent protagonist of Team Cherry's beloved Metroidvania. This is not just a triangle with eyes. It is a proper homage, complete with the bug warrior's mask, horns, and that unmistakable aura of someone who has seen things in Hallownest that would make a lesser gourd rot early.

Hollow Knight first debuted in 2017, and within three short years it sold 3 million copies. That is the kind of performance that makes publishers weep into their spreadsheets. Developed and published by Team Cherry, the game was made on a small budget but generated a ton of money thanks to eager gamers who appreciated its challenging nature. The low price of $15 also helped, because nothing says 'please explore a decaying kingdom full of nightmares' quite like a budget-friendly indie gem.

For anyone who has somehow missed the bug-shaped phenomenon, players take on the role of The Knight, a warrior who explores the kingdom of Hallownest. The kingdom has fallen victim to a horrible supernatural disease, which is a polite way of saying that everything is sad, creepy, and trying to kill you. Hollow Knight was inspired by many titles, such as Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, Metroid, and Mega Man X. More recently, a much newer title, Elden Ring, was given the Hollow Knight treatment when another talented gamer recreated Elden Ring bosses as Hollow Knight characters. The appreciation for this unique indie title remains strong years later, and fans are showing off their appreciation in various ways.

A Gourd Worthy of Hallownest

Carving a favorite video game character onto a pumpkin is no easy feat. TrappedByDogma admitted that they had had their fair share of mishaps regarding carving, which is a relatable confession for anyone who has ever tried to create art with a kitchen knife and immediately created a bandage instead. The process, according to the fan, began with drawing the design in pencil. Then came the kitchen knives. Yes, kitchen knives. Not a fancy rotary tool, not a laser, not a tiny chisel blessed by a higher power. Just ordinary blades and steady hands. They also recommend using gloves to avoid injuries, which is excellent advice for anyone who enjoys having all ten fingers.

Other fans were curious about how they could also get their design to look neat and professional. The answer seems to be patience, pencil lines, and a healthy respect for sharp objects. Pumpkin designs this year are being taken to the next level. A Portal player recreated a Sentry Turret out of pumpkins that looked like it came straight from the game, and even Xbox approved of it. Meanwhile, a Pokemon fan created a Pikachu-themed pumpkin for a contest. The Halloween arms race is real, and the only casualties are innocent squash.

The Knight Still Haunts Us, Politely

In 2026, Hollow Knight remains a touchstone for indie fans. The long-awaited sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, was confirmed for PlayStation consoles, giving fans another reason to keep Hallownest close to their hearts. The original game is available on PC, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, and its influence continues to echo through the Metroidvania genre. Team Cherry's bug-filled masterpiece may be years old, but its fandom has the energy of a grub that just found a shiny new jar.

Perhaps Hollow Knight's developers will see this latest creative homage and take notice. Maybe they will smile, nod, and return to whatever mysterious development chamber produces bug-based melancholy. For gamers who prefer not to get their hands messy, there are always other spooky video games to get into the spirit of the season. But there is something special about a fan who takes a humble pumpkin and turns it into a silent, horned hero. One thing is certain during Halloween: there is no lack of ways for gamers to show off their love for all things spooky and horror-filled. The Knight may never speak, but this pumpkin says plenty. 🎃

Expert commentary is drawn from PC Gamer, whose reporting on indie hits and community-driven creativity helps contextualize why Hollow Knight fan projects—like carving The Knight into a jack-o’-lantern—keep resurfacing years after release: the game’s striking silhouette, minimalist mask design, and enduring Metroidvania reputation make it especially “readable” in DIY art forms, turning seasonal Halloween crafts into recognizable tributes.