Hollow Knight Bank

Waren Burn

2 min read

·

04-12-2024

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The seemingly simple world of Hallownest in Hollow Knight hides a surprisingly complex economic system. While not explicitly detailed, careful observation and interpretation of the game's lore reveal a fascinating, albeit fragmented, picture of the Kingdom's financial infrastructure, which we'll explore in this article. We'll delve into the currency, banking practices (or the lack thereof), and the overall economic state of a kingdom on the brink of collapse.

The Geo: Hallownest's Currency

The Geo, small, shiny pebbles, serves as the primary currency throughout Hallownest. Its prevalence suggests a relatively stable, albeit possibly fragile, economic system built around resource gathering and trade. The sheer volume of Geo required to upgrade abilities and purchase essential items hints at a relatively high cost of living, or perhaps a large-scale trading economy that requires significant monetary exchange. The ease with which Geo is obtained throughout the game also points towards a widespread availability of resources, at least prior to the Infection's spread.

The Role (or Lack Thereof) of Banking

Unlike many fantasy settings with established banks or guilds managing currency, Hallownest appears to lack a formal banking system. Shopkeepers directly handle transactions, and the player character essentially acts as their own bank, carrying all their Geo on their person. This absence suggests a possible reason for the kingdom's instability. Without a centralized system to manage and protect wealth, the economy is inherently vulnerable, particularly during times of crisis like the Infection. This lack of formal banking could also indicate a simpler, potentially less developed, economy compared to more established kingdoms.

Economic Implications of the Infection

The Infection's devastating effects are not limited to the physical realm. The widespread illness and decay would have crippled Hallownest's economy. Reduced productivity, loss of skilled labor, and the disruption of trade routes would have severely impacted the availability and circulation of Geo. The fact that many shops and services become inaccessible as the game progresses further reinforces this idea. The scarcity of resources and the desperation of the remaining inhabitants likely contributed to the overall economic downturn of the kingdom.

Speculation and Conclusion

While not explicitly addressed in the game's narrative, the lack of a formal banking system in Hallownest may be a contributing factor to the kingdom's downfall. Coupled with the devastating Infection, the Kingdom’s inherent economic vulnerability likely hastened its decline. The game cleverly uses environmental storytelling to hint at a far more complex economic situation than initially appears, further enriching the lore and the overall narrative. Analyzing Hallownest's financial state allows for a deeper understanding of the game's setting and the wider implications of the events within it.