New Game Plus, New Game +, or NG+ for Hollow Knight Silksong is not included, this means playing a new game will start from the beginning. Alternatively, Steel Soul Mode is introduced and can be played upon completing the game once or by inputting a special code in the Extras menu. While no game progress or items are carried over to Steel Soul Mode, this mode offers players a difficult challenge by implementing a permadeath system with additional item, NPC, and quest changes.
Hollow Knight Silksong New Game Plus Guide
Does Hollow Knight Silksong have New Game Plus?
As of now, Hollow Knight Silksong does not include a New Game Plus feature. If you want to begin a fresh run, you must start completely from scratch, as items, abilities, and upgrades earned in your first playthrough will not carry over to a new game.
Instead of a traditional New Game Plus, the game offers a special mode known as Steel Soul Mode. This secret mode can be unlocked by either completing the game once or by entering a specific code in the Extras menu. Steel Soul Mode raises the difficulty by making every enemy and boss stronger while also adding a permadeath system. A single defeat will end the run and force you to start over, creating a high-stakes challenge for experienced players.
-min.jpg "Soul Steel Mode Hollow Knight Silksong Wiki Guide")
What is Soul Steel Mode in Hollow Knight Silksong?
Steel Soul Mode is a special game mode for players who wish for more challenge in their runs. This mode introduces the permadeath system, which means you will need to start over from the beginning if you die on your run. Some additional changes involve an exclusive quest, A Vassal Lost, where the new boss, Summoned Saviour, is introduced. There are also some item changes and NPC changes.
To unlock this mode, you will simply need to complete the game once. Alternatively, you can enter the sequence: Up, Down, Up, Down, Left, Right, Up in the Extras menu to unlock this mode.
Exclusive Features for Soul Steel Mode in HK Silksong
Permadeath
Steel Soul Mode introduces a permadeath system, which is the biggest difference from the normal game. In this mode, death is permanent. This means your save file will not be saved and can not be reloaded if you die during your run and you will need to start from the beginning of the game.
A suggestion is to save and quit the game and reload it if you find that you are low in health, this will reload the game back to the last bench used, but with full health, allowing you to continue your run with the safety of a full healthbar. Alternatively, you can equip the Fractured Mask that you can purchase from the Mottled Skarr Merchant in Hunter's March for 260 Rosaries. If you receive critical damage, the mask will shatter. That is your que to save your game and reload it and then equip the mask again. This can be useful when going against difficult bosses.
The A Vassal Lost can be found exclusively when playing in Steel Soul Mode. You will need to unlock the Steel Soul Mode, and carefully make your way to the Blasted Steps where you can find Steel Seer Zi, click here to check the map location. Speak to Steel Seer Zi and exhaust all their dialogue options.
Exclusive Quest
The A Vassal Lost can be found exclusively when playing in Steel Soul Mode. You will need to unlock the Steel Soul Mode, and carefully make your way to the Blasted Steps where you can find Steel Seer Zi, click here to check the map location. Speak to Steel Seer Zi and exhaust all their dialogue options.
In this quest, you will need to investigate 3 resting sites marked on your map and make your way to Sula, who can be found in Bonegrave in Bone Bottom. You will be met with the Summoned Saviour, who can be found here on the map. Defeat the Summoned Saviour and speak with Sula. Exhaust their dialogue and return to Steel Seer Zi in Blasted Steps to complete the quest and be rewarded with the Growstone.
Item and NPC Replacements
In Steel Soul Mode, the Dead Bug's Purse is replaced by the Shell Satchel once you reach its location in the Wormways area. This item can only be found in Steel Soul Mode, so you are required to complete the game once or input the code to enter Steel Soul Mode. While the Dead Bug's Purse allows you to retain some of your rosaries upon death, the Shell Satchel lets you increase the quantity of crafted tools.
Additionally, Styx can no longer be found in their usual spot in Sinner's Road. Instead, you will find a ghostly figure named Skynx. Skynx acts as the merchant of this area where you can sell them various items, such as your Silkeaters for Rosaries. Skynx can be found in the same room as Styx which is here on the map. Which is behind a breakable wall, head through the opening to find Skynx instead of Styx.
