Wondering what the Steel Soul mode is in Hollow Knight Silksong? Despite the tough and punishing nature of the main Silksong game, there is a hidden permadeath mode known as Steel Soul. This mode doesn’t change much of how you play Silksong on a functional level, but once you start you’ll definitely have to play the game differently if you want to make it to the end.
In this low guide we will share How to unlock Steel Soul mode and everything you need to know about how this recent way for the Hornet to navigate through the threatening world of Pharloom works.
How to unlock Steel Soul mode
Steel Soul mode in Silksong can be unlocked in two ways: by completing the true ending of the game or by entering a specific code on the Extras page in the main menu.
The inputs to activate Steel Soul mode are in order: up, down, up, down, left, right, left, right on the D-Pad. Fans of older games may recognize this classic Konami code, and if you enter it correctly, you’ll hear a beep and the background of the main menu will change slightly.
Please note that you must enter the code before entering any other information on the Add-ons page. Doing anything before entering the code probably won’t activate Secret Mode.
How does Steel Soul mode work?
Once you have unlocked Steel Soul Mode, you can select it when starting a recent save file. Here’s the catch: in Steel Soul mode, death is eternal. You don’t respawn on the bench, and the only way to try again is to delete your save and start over.
You have no choice in this matter either. When you return to the save screen, your failed Steel Soul file will be marked as “Defeated” and your only option will be to completely wipe the space. It doesn’t matter where you die or how much of the game you have completed.
The main reason to try Steel Soul mode is to give yourself a much greater challenge and force you to play Silksong in a completely different way. There are a few story and gameplay changes hidden throughout the game, but the huge majority of the game remains unchanged. The Great Groal is still troublesome, just like any other challenge that gave you trouble on a standard saving throw.
If you want to have the best chance of fighting in Steel Soul mode, you need to know where to find all the Shakra maps and how to defeat all 48 Silksong bosses. Our complete 39-part walkthrough will ensure you miss absolutely nothing on your journey through Pharloom. Good luck!
