A 2D metroidvania with an emphasis on close combat and exploration in which the player enters the once-prosperous now-bleak insect kingdom of Hallownest, travels through its various districts, meets friendly inhabitants, fights hostile ones and uncovers the kingdom's history while improving their combat abilities and movement arsenal by fighting bosses and accessing out-of-the-way areas.

The Collector’s Edition includes a metal brooch with display stand, a wall hook, a dual-pronged fastener, a 14-page Quirrel comic book, a gift-box-style case with gold-foil filigree and a clear printed sleeve, a Switch-exclusive bonus cleaning cloth, a gold-foil art print set by Ari Gibson and a physical copy of the game including all DLC: Hidden Dreams, The Grimm Troupe, Lifeblood, and Godmaster.