Hollow Knight Silksong: Permadeath Mode Challenges Every Completionist

Hollow Knight Silksong: Permadeath Mode Challenges Every Completionist

If you’re a gamer who enjoys a hefty challenge, you may have heard whispers about how intensely difficult Hollow Knight: Silksong can be. It’s true: the game is unapologetically tough. Yet, for seasoned players, slicing through Pharloom’s trials feels almost effortless. If you consider yourself among the elite, there’s an exciting Easter egg waiting for you. You can unlock a Permadeath mode called Steel Soul with a simple code. Here’s how the Hollow Knight: Silksong Konami code operates and what Steel Soul mode entails.

What Is the Silksong Konami Code?

The Konami code first gained fame in Konami’s NES classic, Contra, where it granted players 30 extra lives. Unlike its original purpose, the code in Silksong is less forgiving, instead offering a challenging Permadeath mode. This slightly modified version of the classic Konami code can be input to unlock a new game mode called Steel Soul.

Steel Soul Mode Silksong

The gaming community quickly found this unique difficulty setting while exploring Silksong mods. Initially shared by a Reddit user, you’ll notice it’s not the traditional Konami code but a revised version. The classic code reads: Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, and Start. This brings us to an interesting question…

How to Unlock Silksong Permadeath Steel Soul Mode

To activate the Silksong Konami code, navigate to the Extras menu and press: Up, Down, Up, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right. This combination works on both a controller and a keyboard. For controllers, simply follow this sequence using the D-pads.

Hollow Knight Silksong main menu

Once you’ve entered the code, you must start a new game to engage with the Permadeath difficulty. Simply select a new save slot and choose the Steel Soul mode to proceed. Curious how the Permadeath works? Let me break it down for you.

Hollow Knight Silksong Steel Soul Mode Explained

Steel Soul mode is an advanced difficulty setting in Hollow Knight: Silksong that maximizes challenge. The mode’s description clearly states, “No reviving. Death is permanent.” Although it’s referred to as a cheat code, it ironically negates many of the benefits typically associated with cheats.

In Steel Soul mode, any death results in a game over, and your save becomes permanently inaccessible. The instant you die, the game displays a permanent game-over screen. If you try to continue, your save slot remains locked, leaving you with no option but to delete your file and start anew.

Permadeath Game Over Silksong
Silksong steel soul defeated save slot

Considering how punishing Silksong already is, even for veterans, this mode is designed for players seeking the highest challenge. Steel Soul was previously unlocked in the first game after clearing the campaign. However, in Silksong, all it takes is inputting a quick code at the menu screen.

The irony is clearly evident: a code that traditionally provided extra lives now eliminates your safety net completely. It’s a cheeky tribute to gaming history and a statement that Silksong won’t offer you shortcuts. Instead, it challenges you to pursue the hardest path available. For a game focused on trial, error, and precision, this approach feels absolutely fitting. It will undoubtedly prolong the experience of playing Silksong.

Are you bold enough to tackle the permadeath Steel Soul mode in Hollow Knight: Silksong using the Konami code, or do you think the standard difficulty is challenging enough? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

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