Steel Soul Mode |
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-min.jpg "Steel Soul Mode Hollow Knight Silksong Wiki Guide") |
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Steel Soul Mode is a special game mode where death is permanent. If Hornet is defeated, the save file is lost, and the run ends. This mode can be unlocked by finishing the main story or by entering a secret button code in the Extras menu.
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Steel Soul Mode in Hollow Knight Silksong is a special game mode made for players who want a harder challenge. In this mode, death is permanent, so one mistake ends the entire run and sends you back to the very start. An exclusive quest can also be played in this mode, which introduces a new boss. Steel Soul Mode can be unlocked by finishing the main story once or by entering a simple button code in the Extras menu.
How to Unlock Steel Soul Mode in Hollow Knight Silksong
- The most straightforward method is to complete the main story at least once. After beating the game, Steel Soul Mode will automatically become available as a new game option. This is the standard way to unlock it and guarantees access without any extra steps.
- Another option is to use a special button code from the main menu. From the title screen, open the Extras menu. If you are using a controller, press the following sequence: Up, Down, Up, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right. If the code is entered correctly, the screen will flash white for a brief moment to show that it worked. After this, start a new game and you will see Steel Soul Mode listed along with Classic Mode.
- Both methods unlock the same feature, so you can either play through the game first or use the code if you want immediate access.
Silksong Steel Soul Mode Tips and Tricks for Players
- It is strongly recommended to obtain the Reaper Crest as early as you can. This crest allows you to deal heavy damage to enemies while drawing extra Silk from them. Additionally, small orbs of Silk can be produced and obtained to refill your Silk quickly. This effect will last until Hornet receives damage.
- A useful technique in combat is to perform downward attacks on enemies, as it allows you to bounce off of them. This will give some distance between you and the enemy to avoid their attacks.
- Avoid fighting enemies that are not required to progress through the story, and take on enemies that are required for story progression or to obtain important key items.
All Exclusive Content and Changes in Steel Soul Mode
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.
Exclusive Quest - A Vassal Lost
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.
Dead Bug's Purse Replaced with Shell Satchel
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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.
The Shell Satchel can be found on the body of a dead bug in Wormways, click here to find it on the map. From the Shellwood Bench (West), continue west onto the vertical path. Make your way to the opposite side using Clawline and Drifter's Cloak, land on the platform and continue this path to Wormways. Hop onto the small platform to find the corpse with the Shell Satchel.
Styx Replaced with Skynx
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In Steel Soul Mode, 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.
Anonymous"This crest allows you to deal heavy damage to enemies while drawing extra Silk from them is what I would say if I were a liar."
- As of 1/13/2026 10:20 AM Central
Excuse me? Who hijacked this wiki page to confirm their angry bias?
- Anonymous
My advice to anyone who wants to try this go for the fractured mask the second you get the sprint just stay focused and determined and most importantly pray for strength Jesus will grant you it if you accept him
- Anonymous
Reaper crest sucks, Wanderer is better, Wanderer or hunter, any, just NOT reaper
- Anonymous
beating steel soul will also give you the steel menu theme and also a shiny new paint for your bell home as a little bonus
From glackum on discord:
so safe bosses in steel soul are uh
let you leave:
-z*ngo
-seth
-savage beastfly 2
-skull tyrant 1 & 2
-fourth chorus
-moorwing but also you can reaper kill this on the ceiling by the upper transition
-pinstress
-watcher at the edge
bosses you that dont crush your save on death
-first sinner
-verdania
-coral tower
-nyleth
-karmelita
-shakra
-maybe act2 Garmond?
- Anonymous
Does dying in a dream also mean deleting your save file? This wasn't the case in the original with dream battles
These game modes only exist because we have an increasing amount of western and eastern youth who really have nothing better to do than play video games. They have no wives, no good careers, no prospects to have children, and no sense of community. With any of these things you simply dont have time to replay a 30 hour video game because you died on a boss. Life is turning into a black mirror episode where people are just chronically online or chronically on some entertainment device because there is nothing else left for them. Its quite sad.
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