Hollow Knight Silksong Secret Mode Guide (Steel Soul)

Hollow Knight Silksong has a notoriously tough gameplay style, but players recently discovered a hidden permadeath mode that cranks the difficulty to new extremes. This Steel Soul Mode isn’t visible by default—instead, it must be unlocked using a secret input sequence.

Activating Steel Soul Mode

This mode introduces permanent consequences: dying even once erases your save file. To access it:

Navigate to the Extras menu from the title screen.
Input this directional code using your D-pad: Up, Down, Up, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right.
A confirmation message will appear if successful.

Tip: If the code fails, try entering it slowly while ensuring you’re on the correct menu.

What Makes Steel Soul Mode Brutal

Beyond permadeath, this mode tweaks core mechanics:

Enemies deal more damage, and healing becomes riskier.
Every decision matters—no checkpoints or revives.
Mastery of combat timing and Silk abilities is essential.

Designed for veterans, it demands flawless execution and map memorization.

Why Embrace the Challenge?

Steel Soul Mode offers the ultimate test for those seeking adrenaline-fueled stakes. It rewards precision and strategic planning, echoing the original Hollow Knight’s unforgiving Steel Heart mode. For many, the satisfaction of conquering Pharloom without dying outweighs the frustration of starting over.