Are you up for the challenge? It’s no secret that Hollow Knight Silksong isn’t for the weak. It’s essentially the Dark Souls of platformer games, and if you aren’t good at timing and combat, this game will probably give you a headache. Many players believe so, but interestingly, some took it personally and finished the game with ease. If you’re one of those players who found the classic mode easy and are looking for more challenge, why not give the hardcore no-respawn mode a try? Here’s how to unlock Steel Soul Mode in Hollow Knight: Silksong.
How to Unlock Steel Soul Mode in Hollow Knight Silksong
Unlocking Steel Soul Mode in Hollow Knight Silksong works differently compared to its prequel. In the original Hollow Knight, players had to complete the game first before gaining access to the hard mode. In Silksong, however, Steel Soul Mode can be accessed at any time, as long as you know the trick. Here’s how.
- Head to the main menu of Hollow Knight Silksong
- Select Extras
- On the Extras page, enter Up, Down, Up, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right. A sound will play and the mode selection screen will appear.
- Enter the Steel Soul mode.



Once the hidden code is entered, the mode selection screen becomes permanent, and you won’t have to input it again. Now, if you want to go to this mode, you’ll have to enter into a new game and select the Steel Soul mode. Enjoy! Or maybe, suffer.
What happens in Hollow Knight Silksong mode?
On the mode selection screen, you’ll see the description “No reviving, Death is Permanent” under Steel Soul. Yup, you read that right; once you die, it’s over. Lose all your health, and you’re gone for good. The screen will display “Game Over” along with the message: “In attempting the feat, one proves their courage. May your soul find its rest.” After that, your save file will be marked as Defeated, and there’s no way to access it again.
Fortunately, you can retry by deleting that save file and making a new one again.

So yes, this mode is essentially the ultimate mode for those seeking the definitive Silksong experience. It might require a cheat code input but one would think that not many would want to suffer this fate.. Alternatively, you can also just complete the game as normal and the option to play Steel Soul mode will appear regardless after completing the main story campaign
Check out more Hollow Knight Silksong guides!
| Hollow Knight Silksong Rosary – Where to Get Rosary |
| Hollow Knight Silksong Wishes – Silver Bells Side Quest |
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