In the released version of Hollow Knight: Silksong, the challenge mode is called Steel Soul, not Silk Soul. You can unlock it by completing the main game, or—according to PC Gamer and TechRadar—by entering a directional code in the Extras menu. Steel Soul is a high-risk permadeath run: death normally ends the run and resets that save profile.
Silk Soul or Steel Soul: which is the released mode?
“Silk Soul” was the name Team Cherry used when announcing the feature during development. Its 2019 announcement described it as a challenge to try “Once you conquer the game,” but did not explain the mode’s rules. The released mode is called Steel Soul; the Hollow Knight Wiki’s cut-content history says Silk Soul was replaced by Steel Soul.
That distinction matters if you are looking for an unlock guide: Silk Soul is historical announcement wording, not the current menu label or a separate mode with its own unlock.
Two reported ways to unlock Steel Soul
| Route | Prerequisite and action | Where it happens |
|---|---|---|
| Standard unlock | Complete the main game once, then start a new game and choose Steel Soul. | Complete a normal game; select the mode when starting a new save. |
| Early unlock code | Enter Up, Down, Up, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, then start a new game and choose Steel Soul. | Extras menu from the title screen. |
The completion unlock is reported by PC Gamer and the Hollow Knight Wiki. PC Gamer and TechRadar report the Extras-menu code as an early unlock. The official pages reviewed do not document that code, so treat it as a reported shortcut rather than an officially documented method. Both routes lead to the same mode; the sources do not describe different rules depending on which route you use.
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![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!
Enter the code from the title screen
- At the title menu, select Extras.
- Enter Up, Down, Up, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right.
- If the input is accepted, start a new game in an empty slot and select Steel Soul. PC Gamer reports a sound and brief screen flash as confirmation.
Unlock it by completing the game
Finish the main game once, then begin a new save and select Steel Soul. This is the standard unlock route reported by the Hollow Knight Wiki and PC Gamer.
What happens when you die in Steel Soul?
Death is normally run-ending: the Steel Soul save profile resets rather than letting you continue that run. The community-maintained Hollow Knight Wiki lists exceptions for certain fights and memory sequences, so “every defeat deletes your file” is too broad. Because exceptions and behavior can depend on the current game version, check current patch-specific information before committing a save you care about.
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.
Tips for approaching a Steel Soul run
The available guides establish the unlock and the mode’s general death risk, but do not provide a verified, current route, build, crest setup, or boss-by-boss strategy. The following are general risk-management suggestions, not tested Silksong tactics or proven ways to raise completion odds:
- Use a normal save to learn unfamiliar encounters before facing them in a run where death can reset the profile.
- Be selective about optional risks when you are not prepared for them.
- Pause before committing to an unfamiliar fight and make sure you understand what is at stake.
These suggestions are cautious habits, not guarantees. No specific Steel Soul setup or safest route is established here.
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..
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