Silksong cheat code unlocks Steel Soul permadeath mode for higher difficulty

Players have found a cheat code in Hollow Knight: Silksong that unlocks Steel Soul permadeath mode immediately.

Hollow Knight: Silksong players have discovered a hidden cheat code that allows immediate access to the game’s toughest challenge, Steel Soul mode.

Steel Soul is a permadeath difficulty option in which benches no longer act as respawn points, and a single death results in a complete save file wipe.

In the original Hollow Knight, the mode could only be unlocked after finishing the game once, but Team Cherry has changed that approach for the sequel.

Players uncovered that by entering “Up, Down, Up, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right” in the Extras menu on the title screen, Steel Soul mode is instantly unlocked. The discovery first appeared through data mining and was quickly confirmed by players who tested it in-game.

This gives players the choice to begin their first playthrough under the most punishing conditions, something that was previously restricted until later runs.

Thanks to Silksong’s multiple save slots, players can now maintain a standard playthrough alongside a Steel Soul run without overwriting progress.

Team Cherry’s metroidvania has already built a reputation for its demanding combat and platforming. Silksong continues that legacy, with discussions around difficulty becoming a major talking point since launch.

Some modders have even released adjustments to make the early game easier, underlining how divisive the challenge can be among players.

Despite its difficulty, Silksong has attracted huge numbers since its release. Within two days of launch, the game reached a peak player count of nearly 600,000, showing the strong demand for the sequel after years of anticipation.

The addition of a hidden code granting immediate Steel Soul access raises the stakes for those who want the most intense version of Silksong’s world.