You might ask: Is there a version 1.5 or 2.0?
The answer is no. After 1.4.3.2, Team Cherry only pushed tiny "steamwork" updates (like 1.4.3.3 or 1.4.4.0) that updated the Steam API or added language localization for Brazilian Portuguese. These do not change gameplay.
Thus, Hollow Knight 1.4.3.2 download is effectively the same as downloading the "latest version" on Steam today. The only distinction is that if you use the GOG offline installer (1.4.3.2), you will avoid those minor steam-specific API calls.
This is the single biggest reason. The vast majority of classic Hollow Knight mods—including Scarab, Custom Knight, Lightbringer, and the randomizer mods created between 2018 and 2021—were built for API version 1.4.3.2. Newer updates broke mod hooks and save structures. If you want a stable, massive modded experience (like Pale Court or Infinite Hallownest), you need 1.4.3.2.
The most significant impact of downloading version 1.4.3.2 is the radical reworking of several bosses. If you watch older playthroughs of Hollow Knight from 2017 or early 2018, you will notice that the fights look different.
1. The Mantis Lords Upgrade Perhaps the most celebrated change in this version was the rework of the Mantis Lords. In previous versions, they were a mid-game difficulty spike but fell off in relevance. In 1.4.3.2, the Mantis Lords received new attack patterns, faster movements, and a more aggressive AI. They transformed from a standard boss into a skill check that teaches the player how to pogo and dash with precision—a rite of passage that bridges the gap between early-game stumbling and late-game mastery.
2. The Hollow Knight Buff The penultimate boss, the Hollow Knight, was notoriously passive in earlier builds. In 1.4.3.2, Team Cherry dialed up the aggression. The boss staggers less often and attacks more frequently, making the fight feel like a tragic duel rather than a waiting game.
3. Broken Vessel and Dung Defender Various other bosses had their move sets tightened. The Broken Vessel became more chaotic (fitting for a vessel overcome by infection), and the Dung Defender had his health and patterns slightly adjusted to provide a smoother difficulty curve.
First, let’s clear the air: 1.4.3.2 is not a major content update. By the time Team Cherry rolled this out, the game had already seen its four free content packs:
Version 1.4.3.2 arrived as a stability and compatibility patch in late 2018 / early 2019 (depending on your platform). Its primary goal? To polish the already massive Godmaster expansion and prepare the game for future ports.
Steam automatically updates games to the latest version. However, if you need to ensure you are on 1.4.3.2 or revert to it:
Even a perfect download can run into problems. Here are the most common fixes:
