The inclusion of GNU Li... in the keyword suggests this release is packaged for GNU/Linux operating systems (often simply called Linux). Unlike running the Windows version through Steam Play (Proton) or Wine, this is a native port. Native ports offer several advantages:
Team Cherry worked with an external porter (often Ethan Lee, known for his work on Celeste and Shovel Knight Linux ports) to ensure the game runs smoothly on Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Arch, and other distributions.
Even with a native port, some users report problems. Here are quick fixes for version 1.5.78.11833:
Problem: Game won’t start, error about libsteam_api.so
Solution: Install steam-devices or run steam once to create the required links. Hollow Knight - 1.5.78.11833 - MULTi10 - GNU Li...
Problem: No sound via ALSA or PipeWire
Solution: Install pulseaudio or pipewire-pulse; the game expects a PulseAudio-compatible layer.
Problem: Controller not recognized
Solution: Use xboxdrv or ds4drv for non-native pads. Steam Input can also remap keyboards to gamepads.
Problem: Low FPS in the City of Tears or Fungal Wastes
Solution: Disable “HDR” in game settings, reduce particle effects, or force OpenGL 3.3 with MESA_GL_VERSION_OVERRIDE=3.3. The inclusion of GNU Li
This content is for informational purposes only. Ensure you own a legitimate copy of Hollow Knight from an authorized distributor (e.g., Steam, GOG, Humble Store) before downloading any pre-packaged Linux version. The GNU/Linux native binaries are officially supported by Team Cherry.
Prerequisites:
From package (e.g., .deb, .rpm, or portable .tar.xz): Team Cherry worked with an external porter (often
# Extract archive
tar -xvf Hollow.Knight.v1.5.78.11833-linux.tar.xz
This specific version is a milestone. If you want to update to the final "Hidden Dreams" or the current version, note that Team Cherry removed native Linux 32-bit support in later builds. To preserve 32-bit compatibility or specific speedrun glitches (e.g., the "Inventory Drop Glitch" patched after 1.5.78), you should archive this binary.
To prevent automatic updates on Steam: Right-click Hollow Knight > Properties > Updates > "Only update this game when I launch it" – then always launch via the native binary directly.
The Hollow Knight modding scene (Scarab, Lumafly) primarily targets Windows. However, version 1.5.78.11833 is oddly the most mod-compatible Linux build.