You’ve just triumphantly completed Hollow Knight: Silksong, overcoming some of the most challenging bosses in Metroidvania gaming. The satisfaction of seeing the credits roll is incomparable, but what’s this? A new mode has emerged—Steel Soul. If you’re familiar with the original Hollow Knight, you’re already aware of the significance of this mode; it represents the pinnacle of challenge for those who have nerves of steel.
One Life. No Respawns. While this challenge may have seemed manageable in the original game, Silksong raises the stakes considerably. You’re here to conquer this formidable mode, so let’s jump right in. If I can do it, I believe you can too.
Essential Strategies for Steel Soul
Before embarking on your Steel Soul journey, equip yourself with a few crucial items that will enhance your survivability.
First and foremost, prioritize acquiring mask shards. Maintaining your health is vital due to the high damage output of many foes, and every additional mask can be the difference between life and a frustrating five-hour trek back to your previous checkpoint.
If you find yourself down to only two masks, don’t hesitate to reset your game. This challenge is formidable enough without self-imposed restrictions. Do you want the achievement or not? Remember, there are two tools that I consider absolutely essential:
|
Tool |
Description |
Location |
Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Fractured Mask |
This crucial item prevents critical damage that can lead to an instant game over, essentially granting you an additional mask. The moment you hear it crack, exit the game; it’s not worth the risk to hang on. |
Mottled Skarr (Hunter’s March) |
260 Rosaries |
|
Plasmium Phial |
While not always necessary, this tool can absorb an additional hit near the end of a tough battle, buying you crucial time to finish the fight. |
Professor Zylotol (Wormways) |
Reward from a Wish |
Beyond these essentials, choose tools that enhance your longevity rather than those that advocate for an aggressive playstyle. Recommended options include: Multibinder, Longclaw, Warding Bell, Ascendant’s Grip, Magnetite Dice, Flintslate & Cogfly.
When it comes to Crests, I found the Wanderer’s Crest too tempting, leading me to reckless aggression. Now, I exclusively recommend the Hunter’s Crest, upgraded by Eva. Although it may prolong battles, this tactical approach fosters safer play, strengthening your skills over time.
Beginning Your Steel Soul Adventure
By this point, you’ve completed Silksong at least once, so you’re familiar with the general layout and route of the game. In your early stages, you’ll be quite fragile, but reaching Widow should take no longer than 2–3 hours, so dying early on is not overly punishing. Once you defeat Widow, it’s time to get serious about the challenge at hand.
To check if you’re in Steel mode, glance at the color of the indicator in the top left corner: Red signifies normal mode, while Grey means you’re in Steel Soul. Begin by departing from Moss Grotto, making your way through the Marrow, and acquiring the Silkspear while battling the Bellbeast. Focus on unlocking all movement abilities promptly.
Next, venture to the Deep Docks to grab Swift Step and confront the Lace. These encounters will feel easier on a second playthrough, so they shouldn’t pose a significant challenge. I also recommend obtaining the Magma Bell while you’re in the vicinity.
Progress to Far Fields and secure the Warding Bell located in the lower section of the main vertical area. If you choose to collect nearby Craftmetal, be cautious; it’s a hazardous area. Finish the Flexile Spines Wish, and you can secure your first Mask Shard with the Drifter’s Cloak at the top of the area.
At this stage, you have two paths: continue through Greymoor or hunt for the 5 Fleas if you’re uncertain about defeating Moorwing. The Fleas can be found using the map below:
Proceed through Bellhart to Shellwood, where you can collect another Mask Piece and potentially bypass Sister Splinter using a Taunt Skip—a technique involving taunting a flying flower enemy and pogoing off of it. This bypass isn’t mandatory, but it’s simple and worth considering. You can also acquire Cling Grip, drastically widening your access to the game world.
Before facing Widow, aim to secure two additional Mask Shards: one found just beneath the Simple Key Door in Wormways, and the other from Pebb in Bone Bottom. This will bring your total to 6 masks, providing ample health for the impending encounter.
The Ascent to the Citadel
Congratulations, you’ve acquired the Needolin—this is where the real run begins.
Start by returning to Bone Bottom and heading down to Weavenest Atla using the Needolin door. Here, upgrade your Hunter Crest with Eva for a substantial 20% DPS boost.
This might seem minor, but once you master dodging, you’ll consistently benefit from this buff. This added power, particularly in synergy with Flintslate, will prove invaluable. Ensure you collect the Spool Fragment and Mask Shard during your visit.
Next, you can navigate through Hunter’s March. I recommend resting in the room below and picking up the Sting Shards from the Deep Docks. These will significantly enhance your effectiveness.
Battle the formidable Ant enemy, and then make your way to the Arena Room. This area can be intimidating; however, concentrate more on evading than attacking. After your successful navigation, acquire the Fractured Mask from Mottled Skarr. At this point, your survivability will greatly increase—just remember, if you hear that mask crack, quit immediately; there’s no shame in being cautious!
Your next goal is to collect the Plasmium Phial from the Wormways to further enhance your durability. Should you run low, returning for it might be necessary but worth it.
Now, take a deep breath. You face a choice: ring the five bells and confront the Judge, or navigate through the Mist to battle the Phantom.
For me, the choice is clear; The Last Judge is significantly more manageable than battling The Mist and Phantom. Equip the Magma Bell for your encounter with the Judge, transitioning the fight into an almost easy mode scenario—no more surprise two-mask attacks!
Engaging in the Mist is treacherous, especially with just six masks, and you can easily turn a game into frustration. Additionally, Phantom offers no easy tactics, meaning you’re bound to a test of skill. This isn’t a race; focus on the option that provides a smoother experience.
Navigating the Citadel
Welcome to The Citadel. Just as in Act 1, upgrade your movement abilities before tackling the significant challenges here. Start by heading straight for Songclave and take down the Cogwork Dancers slowly. They are predictable foes; using Flea Juice during this battle can be notably effective.
Return to Songclave, obtain the White Key, follow the east path to Whiteward, journey down into the Underworks, and proceed to confront Clawline. If you possess rosaries, seize this moment to acquire a Crafting Kit upgrade.
Continuing our movement mechanic upgrades, the next destination is Mount Fay. Travel back to the Dancers’ arena, descend eastward for a Mask Shard, and persist towards your exit leading to The Slab. This segment is much easier thanks to your upgraded gear. Activate the Bellway Station and proceed west through the icy terrain.
Alongside your acquired Flintslate, you’ll be able to manage your cold meter effectively.
Continue through Mount Fay as usual, obtaining the Faydown Cloak from the summit, then claiming a Mask Shard located southwest inside the hollow tower before pausing for a well-deserved rest.
Rushing Toward the Cradle
Enhancing Your Arsenal
Now that the entire world is at your fingertips, utilize your abilities to upgrade every aspect of your skills until you feel completely prepared for what lies ahead. Here’s a quick checklist of essential upgrades:
- Upgrade your needle by defeating Trobbio and collecting Pale Oil from the Whispering Vaults, then finish the Taste of Pharloom Wish for additional Oil.
- Visit Grindle in the Blasted Steps to obtain the Thief’s Mark tool, allowing you to gather relics and farm enemies in the Citadel for rosaries.
- Move east from Memorium to the Putrified Ducts to collect valuable items like Longclaw and the Key of the Apostate.
- Utilize your rosaries to acquire every available Mask Shard, Tool, and Memory Locket.
- Track down any remaining Mask Shards, Memory Lockets, and Crests while upgrading your gear with Eva.
- Collect every Tool Pouch and Crafting Kit upgrade for added security.
- Don’t forget to purchase the Steel-Silver paint job for your Bellhome to ensure you stand out!
You don’t have to accomplish everything on this list unless you’re pursuing the coveted 100% achievement (which I did).Just do enough to bolster your confidence before facing robust adversaries such as the High Halls Forum fight.
By now, you should boast 9 Masks of Health, while the additional 4 are locked until Act 3, which we won’t concern ourselves with at this moment.
The Ultimate Boss Rush
Having successfully prepared, retrieve the sacred cylinder from the Vaults and activate it to unlock the initial melody. Ascend the Cogwork Tower and solve the puzzle to unveil the second melody.
After taking a moment to breathe, you’re ready to revisit the High Halls and tackle the Forum battle. To my surprise, I found this encounter to be considerably easier than anticipated. I managed to win on my first attempt due to being overprepared.
With 9 Masks, a +3 Needle, and Flintslate at your disposal, this section should be a walk in the park. Maintain composure, especially as the double mini-boss appears. Make wise use of your silk; Silkspear will be your go-to here. Aim for 12 unscathed hits, and note how much greater damage you can inflict.
Once you emerge victorious, return to the elevator to confront Lace once more. Despite all your upgrades, Lace can still pose a challenge. Stay focused on landing single attacks; don’t rush it. You’re almost there, and with a few attempts, I learned that aggression can be your downfall.
With Lace defeated, the final challenge awaits: Grand Mother Silk, which at this point seems deceptively easy, possibly simpler than Lace and the High Halls combined. Congratulations, you’ve completed the game and earned the Steel Soul achievement!
That wasn’t so insurmountable, was it? Now, the real test is whether you’re ready to take on Act 3.
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