How to unlock Steel Soul Mode (Permadeath) in Hollow Knight Silksong

For the hardcore fans, the Steel Soul Mode, also known as the permadeath game mode, is back in Hollow Knight: Silksong. This game mode will put your skills to the test as you only have one life throughout your playthrough. This means you will have to complete the game without dying or risk losing your whole progress. 

The regular difficulty of the game is already punishing. However, Steel Soul Mode is more brutal and will serve as the real challenge for players who are looking for a nightmarish experience.

Normally, you can unlock the Steel Soul Mode in Hollow Knight Silksong by playing the game and finishing it. Starting another playthrough will let you choose the Steel Soul permadeath difficulty.

However, there is a second secret way to unlock this game mode early. All you have to do is input a secret code that’s a loose reference to the iconic Konami code. Here is a step-by-step guide on how you can unlock the Steel Soul Mode in Hollow Knight Silksong using the sedret code:

If you are using a keyboard, use the directional keys. However, for controllers, you need to use the D-Pad or Joystick for the secret code. Once your input is successful, you should hear an audio cue to indicate that you unlocked the new game mode.

You can check out the Steel Soul Mode in Hollow Knight Silksong by starting a new save game. It will now show two difficulty types instead of one. There is also a difficulty indicator on the side of your health bar. This will help you differentiate which game mode you are playing. Normal mode has a rusty maroon color, while Steel Soul Mode has a silver color. 

The premise of each game mode is pretty straightforward. If you unlocked a new game mode, you will be prompted with which difficulty you want to play upon starting a new game. 

While it is implied that death is permanent in Steel Soul Mode in Hollow Knight Silksong, some exploits let you circumvent this. When you think you are about to die, you can hit pause and reload your save before the game registers your death. Another exploit is to force close the game just before Hornet dies, and the game saves your progress.  Reloading a save will take you back to your previously used bench with full health. But then again, why even bother playing permadeath mode if you are going to exploit your way out of a challenge?

If you somehow complete Steel Soul Mode in Hollow Knight Silksong, you can get two achievements.

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