Silksong’s Secret Permadeath Mode: The Ultimate Challenge Awaits
▼ Summary
– Hollow Knight: Silksong’s first patch will slightly reduce the difficulty of early game bosses Moorwing and Sister Splinter.
– The game features a Steel Soul permadeath mode that makes the game harder by eliminating the ability to recover from death.
– Players can immediately unlock Steel Soul mode by entering the Konami code (Up, Down, Up, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right) in the Extras menu.
– The Konami code works with both controllers and keyboards in Silksong, as confirmed through testing.
– The first patch is expected next week, but players can currently access public beta branches on Steam and GOG to preview changes.
While many players eagerly await the upcoming patch for Hollow Knight: Silksong that promises to tone down the challenge of certain early bosses, a hidden feature offers the exact opposite experience. A secret permadeath mode, known as Steel Soul, is already accessible from the very beginning for those daring enough to seek it out.
This mode, familiar to veterans of the original Hollow Knight, introduces a punishing rule: a single death means the end of your adventure. No second chances, no respawns, just the harsh finality of failure. Though Steel Soul is typically unlocked only after completing the game once, Silksong hides an alternate path to activate it immediately.
By navigating to the Extras menu and inputting the classic Konami code, Up, Down, Up, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, players can unlock Steel Soul mode right from the start. This iconic sequence, originally created to aid developers, has become one of gaming’s most recognizable Easter eggs. Its inclusion here feels like a respectful nod to retro gaming culture.
Testing confirms the code works flawlessly, whether using a controller or keyboard. Entering the command triggers a satisfying visual and audio cue, instantly adding the permadeath option to the new game menu.
For those who relish extreme challenges, this means no waiting is required to test their skills against Silksong’s most demanding mode. A handful of players have already conquered it, proving that while brutal, the feat is possible.
Of course, not everyone seeks greater punishment. If easing into the game sounds more appealing, the anticipated patch arriving next week will offer a gentler introduction. Public beta branches on Steam and GOG currently allow players to preview these adjustments.
Whether you choose to embrace the pain or play it safe, Silksong continues to cater to a wide spectrum of players, from the masochistically bold to the cautiously curious.
(Source: PC Gamer)
