Hollow Knight: Silksong was released on September 4th. And it launched, didn’t just crash storefronts; it also crushed many players’ hopes of finishing it without smashing their controllers.
If you thought the base game is brutal, you can add an extra layer of misery (and bragging rights) by unlocking Steel Soul Mode, the permadeath option where you get only one life, before you even start your first playthrough. The twist: it’s hidden behind an input code.
Access Steel Soul Mode In Hollow Knight: Silksong From Day One: Here’s How
Normally, unlocking Steel Soul Mode is a hard task in itself; you’ve to beat Silksong once, and as a ‘reward’, it gives the harder mode. But if you’re a seasoned player and want to push yourself to the absolute limit from the very beginning, there’s a hidden cheat code that gives you access right away.
Here’s exactly how to unlock the Steel Soul mode early:
- Start the game and wait until you’re at the main menu
- Instead of starting the game or going into settings, we enter the Extra Menu
- Here, enter the famous Konami Code: Up, Down, Up, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right
- Wait for the game to change the sound effects
- Then, create a new save file (if you’re already on a run), and now you will see Steel Soul Mode as an option
Once unlocked, Steel Soul Mode is permanent on your account, but remember, unlocking it is not the challenge here. It is a mode that offers no second chances.
One death and your save file will display “Defeated”, forcing you to start from scratch. If that sounds exciting rather than terrifying… you’re ready for the fun challenge.
Survival of the Sharpest: Strategies and Rewards for Steel Soul Mode
Steel Soul Mode isn’t just a test of skill; it’s also a test of nerves. If you’re brave enough to take on Hornet’s journey with only one life, knowing a few tricks can make the difference between rage-quitting and ultimate triumph. Here are some tips:
- Force-Quit Exploit: If you die, but before the game auto-saves, and you quickly close the game, you can save your run. This requires fast reflexes and precise timing.
- Pause-and-Quit Trick: When you know you are at the last leg with no healings, pause and exit the game. Reloading your save will respawn you at the last checkpoint.
- Use Benches Strategically: To make the above 2 tips useful, you need to plan your route to rest at benches before entering difficult areas or boss fights.
- Practice in normal mode: Yes, you have unlocked the Steel Soul mode early, but that doesn’t mean that’s the only option. Get used to the controls and enemy patterns in normal mode.
Steel Soul Mode isn’t just for the hardcore gamers; it’s also for the completionist who wants to collect every trophy possible, and Silksong has 2 achievements tied to this mode:
- Steel Soul: Complete the game in Steel Soul Mode.
- Steel Heart: Achieve 100% completion and finish in Steel Soul Mode.
From normal mode to Steel Soul mode, with its brutal permadeath rules, every victory in Silksong is hard-earned and satisfying.
Now the question remains: Are you brave enough to take on Steel Soul Mode, or will you stick to the normal path first? Let us know below.
