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How to Unlock Steel Soul Mode in Hollow Knight : Silksong

Rohit Sharma
By Rohit Sharma
Oct 10, 2025
8 Mins Read
How to Unlock Steel Soul Mode in Hollow Knight : Silksong

Hey Hollow Knight: Silksong players! Found the gameplay too easy to complete? Do you want to experience more troubles? Yes, this is possible if you head on to the Steel Soul mode. What's special in this mode? You can imagine this mode knowing that every mode can be your last. A death isn't a setback in this mode but rather a complete end. 

 

Reaccessing the saved life means that you have to overwrite it. Once entered, there's no looking back; certain items will also change in this mode. The severity of the challenges will be higher, as will the thrill. 

 

Considering the Hollow Knight Steel Soul teaser, this blog is a must-read if you want to dive deeper. This article will explain the Steel Soul Mode and guide you on its significance and impact on your gameplay, so read ahead carefully. 

 

What is Steel Soul Mode? 

 

Silksong’s Steel Soul is a unique permadeath challenge mode for those who want to try their best skills. The mode is an optimum thrill as death is permanent, unlike the regular gameplay, i.e., a death means everything is finished. If you look closely, this game mode pushes you to play smartly, manage resources, and confidently engage in battles. A slight mistake can take your hours of gameplay back to where you started, so beware. 

 

If you want to unleash your true potential and know your capabilities more deeply, unlocking this mode can test this adventure-filled journey. Simply put, Hollow Knight Steel Soul mode is a perfect path for thrill-seekers who want to prove their skill mastery in the game.

 

How to Unlock Steel Soul Mode in Silksong?

 

Since you now know what the mode is all about, you might be curious how to get into it. Isn't it? Besides the traditional way to unlock the Steel Soul Mode, I will mention a short trick that can save you hours of grinding. Wanna know the process? So, continue reading to enter this legendary run where the casual play ends. 

 

  • Method 1: Complete the Main Game Story

     

    The Hollow Knight Steel Soul Mode is usually unlocked after beating the game once. If I say simply, the mode will be available after finishing the main story when starting a new life. This is the traditional way to enter a high-tier mode in any game, as is in Silksong.

     

  • Method 2: Enter the Code in the Extras Menu

     

    Want to try this challenging mode without exploring the main story? Don't worry, everything is possible if you follow what I will share now. Interestingly, the Steel Soul mode can be unlocked before finishing the game by simply entering a special code. 

     

    To do this, you must head to the Extras menu on the main screen. Once you are in the Extras menu, input the sequence: Up, Down, Up, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right. 

     

    A successful allowance to the special mode will feature a sound cue and a brief flash. If you notice the same, you will have the new option to enter into the Steel Soul mode when you start a ‘New Game.’

     

    If you die on your run, then the obvious will happen: A death screen! 

 

Why Unlocking Steel Soul Mode Is Important? 

 

Unleashing this unique Silksong mode isn't just about finding all difficulties; it's about unlocking a new layer of Silksong. This mode pushes players to do their best while keeping patience to earn an honourable badge, indicating that you have mastered the game thoroughly and are ready for the intense challenge. Beyond this, it will be a new experience where a simple encounter will become an unforgettable memory. 

 

With no second chances, you will organically learn better timing, positioning, and resource management practices. Every Hollow Knight Steel Soul mode battle will train your instincts and build confidence.

 

What Makes This Unique Mode Different from the Classic Mode?

 

Looking at the complexities, you naturally understand that Steel Soul mode isn't for everyone. It is perfect for players who want to thrive under unfavorable circumstances and push their limits to the highest extent. This mode is far advanced than the simple (classic) mode. How? Let us glance at the table below to gain a clearer understanding of the differences.

 

FeatureClassic ModeSteel Soul Mode
DeathCan be respawned at the checkpointPermanent death
RiskLowExtremely high
PressureModerateIntense
Progress RecoveryBosses and areas can be retried multiple timesNo retry concept
PlaystyleAllows players to explore and further their learningRequires caution, precision, and patience 
Ideal ForNewcomers, explorers, casual gamersVeterans, thrill- and adventure-lovers, hardcore gamers

 

Best Habits to Develop Before Trying Steel Soul Mode

 

The Steel Soul mode can threaten you even for minor mistakes. Yes, you read it absolutely accurately. In such scenarios, you must act strategically and develop favourable habits to increase your survival skills. 

 

  • Before heading into the Steel Soul mode, you must master every moment, from perfect dodging to wall-climbing, to quickly tide over the enemy's attacks. 
  • Healing at the right time can be highly beneficial for you to move ahead in the game journey. 
  • You should learn safe farming paths and shortcuts to reduce unnecessary risks. 
  • Don't forget to study the enemies' mechanics deeply to avoid their hits without hesitation. 
  • You must practice patience and avoid unnecessary fights to ensure a steady progression. 
  • For emergencies, gather necessary resources, including charms, materials, and tools.
  • Most importantly, you must train yourself under pressure, especially when your health drops. 

 

How to Regain Control of Steel Soul Mode Death?

 

In Steel Soul mode, a simple negligence can take your heartbeat to the next level even before it actually causes damage. The difference between survival and panic depends on how quickly you deal with a massacre. 

 

In such cases, the best you can do is take a moment to calm down, as rushing can even worsen the situation. If you find survival difficult in certain places, you must head towards quieter areas or safer zones before proceeding. 

 

Heal yourself before it is too late, even if you need to stop fighting for a while, as it can turn the tables quickly. You can fight weaker enemies first to continue the flow and rebuild confidence before heading towards higher risks. You should deal with every encounter carefully until you find yourself stable again. 

 

Conclusion

 

No doubt, the Hollow Knight Steel Soul Mode brings on a high-level and intense scenario you would have never imagined. But if you trust your skills and follow strategies, no one can stop you from taking over the Steel Soul mode. 

 

Entering this special mode is simple, but the real hustle for every player starts from there. The high-risk factor, permanent death fear, and no retry concept make Steel Soul a must-try experience for all those adventure-seekers. 

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Alicia
Alicia1h ago

@Tom Can you please update the copy?

Tom
Tomnow(edited)

Done, thoughts? https://orbeatx.com/

1