To unlock Steel Soul before finishing Hollow Knight: Silksong, open Extras from the main menu and enter Up, Down, Up, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right. Then start a new game in an empty save slot and select Steel Soul. You can also unlock the mode by completing the game first.
Enter the Steel Soul code from the main menu
- From the title screen, open Extras.
- Enter Up, Down, Up, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right with a controller’s directional inputs or keyboard keys. This is a shortened sequence, not the full Konami code, according to PC Gamer’s guide.
- On success, the screen briefly flashes white; PC Gamer also reports a deep whoosh sound.
- Start a new game in an empty save slot and choose Steel Soul.
Enter the sequence in Extras, not during an active run. Destructoid’s unlock guide gives the same menu route and sequence.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What happens if you die in Steel Soul?
Steel Soul is Silksong’s permadeath mode: Hornet normally does not respawn after death, and the run ends with the save profile reset. That rule has exceptions. The Hollow Knight Wiki’s Steel Soul entry notes that defeats in certain named encounters and Elegy of the Deep memories do not delete the save profile.
Recommended Free Tools
The wiki also describes mode-specific content, including the quest A Vassal Lost, an exclusive boss, and changes to some items and NPCs. The unlock itself does not require a particular platform or accessory; the sequence can be entered by keyboard or controller.
#1 Best Overall
![Hollow Knight: Silksong Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51mOgOC8xEL._SL160_.jpg)
- Discover the fallen insect kingdom of Pharloom! Explore mossy grottos, gilded cities and misted moors as you ascend to the shining citadel at the top of the world.
- Engage in lethal acrobatic action! Wield a huge suite of deadly moves as you dance between foes in swift, beautiful combat.
- Craft powerful tools! Master an ever-expanding arsenal of weapons, traps, and mechanisms to vanquish your enemies and explore new heights.
- Solve shocking quests! Hunt down rare beasts and solve ancient mysteries to grant the wishes of the downtrodden and restore the kingdom’s hope.
- Face over 200 ferocious foes! Beasts and hunters, monsters and knights. Defeat them all with bravery and skill!
Which unlock route should you use?
| Route | What it requires | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Extras-menu code | Enter the eight-input sequence, then start a new game in an empty save slot. | Players who want to try Steel Soul before completing the game. |
| Complete the game | Finish the game first; the mode then becomes available. | Players who prefer to unlock it through normal progression. |
The two unlock methods are reported by the Hollow Knight Wiki and PC Gamer. The game’s official availability announcement is on Team Cherry’s site; it does not explain the Steel Soul unlock.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
![Hollow Knight - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51nXCF+sf5L._SL160_.jpg)
- Classic side-scrolling action, with all the modern trimmings.
- Forge your own path! The world of Hallownest is expansive and open. Choose which paths you take, which enemies you face and find your own way forward.
- Evolve with powerful new skills and abilities! Gain spells, strength and speed. Leap to new heights on ethereal wings. Dash forward in a blazing flash. Blast foes with fiery Soul!
- Equip Charms! Ancient relics that offer bizarre new powers and abilities. Choose your favorites and make your journey unique!
- An enormous cast of cute and creepy characters all brought to life with traditional 2D frame-by-frame animation.
Rank #3
- Classic side-scrolling action, with all the modern trimmings.
- Tightly tuned 2D controls. Dodge, dash and slash your way through even the most deadly adversaries.
- Explore a vast interconnected world of forgotten highways, overgrown wilds and ruined cities.
- Forge your own path! The world of Hallownest is expansive and open. Choose which paths you take, which enemies you face and find your own way forward.
- Evolve with powerful new skills and abilities! Gain spells, strength and speed. Leap to new heights on ethereal wings. Dash forward in a blazing flash. Blast foes with fiery Soul!.Equip Charms! Ancient relics that offer bizarre new powers and abilities. Choose your favourites and make your journey unique!.An enormous cast of cute and creepy characters all brought to life with traditional 2D frame-by-frame animation..
Rank #2
- Hollow Knight: Silksong is the epic sequel to Hollow Knight, the award winning action-adventure.
- Journey to all-new lands, discover new powers, battle vast hordes of bugs and beasts and uncover secrets tied to your nature and your past.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
