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Even though Hollow Knight: Silksong has only been out for a few days, some players have already finished the final boss and are ready for the next challenge. If you’re still working through the game on normal difficulty, don’t worry—there’s an alternative difficulty called Steal Soul mode that’s not too far away.
While Hornet has many tools and abilities to fight enemies in Pharloom, players have still raised concerns about how tough the game can be. Whether you’re an expert or just want to see how hard Silksong can get, Steel Soul mode is the ultimate challenge.
What Changes with Steel Soul Mode in Silksong
The main change in Steel Soul mode is the permadeath mechanic. When Hornet is defeated for the first time, your save file is erased, making it a very tough mode similar to the one in the previous game.
Tip: Quitting and saving right before dying will bring Hornet back to the last bench you used with full health, helping you avoid a complete run loss.
In the original Hollow Knight, Steel Soul mode affected shopkeepers—some NPCs that sell items would be killed or replaced. In Silksong, this mode makes certain items like Rosary Strings useless since your death results in losing everything. However, items like mask shards, tools, and powerful weapons become even more important.
Knowing which areas to avoid and when to return is crucial for surviving Steel Soul. Remember, quitting before death can be a lifesaver by letting you restart with full health.
How to Unlock Steel Soul Mode in Silksong
The intended way to unlock this end-game challenge is to complete the game once through any ending. After that, on your next save, you’ll see a prompt to choose between Classic Mode or Steel Soul.
Some players have discovered an early unlock method without beating the game first. By going into the extras menu and entering this code: Up, Down, Up, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, a sound will confirm that Steel Soul mode is unlocked—that is, even before starting your initial playthrough.
While attempting Steel Soul mode without experience in the main game is extremely challenging, it can be a fun way to test your skills and try a very different way to play. Just be prepared—it’s a tough fight even for experienced players.
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