Okay, so I decided to challenge myself with “Steel Heart” mode in Hollow Knight. You know, the one where if you die, that’s it, game over, start from scratch. Yeah, I’m a glutton for punishment, I guess.
First things first, I beat the regular game to even unlock this crazy mode. It’s a requirement. You can’t just jump into this without knowing the ropes. After that first victory, I saw “Steel Soul” as an option when starting a new game. Clicked that, and I was off to the races.
Early Game Hustle
- Right from the get-go, I focused on hoarding Geo. Every little bit counts when you can’t afford to die. I smashed every pot, killed every little critter, and basically scraped together every last coin I could find.
- I prioritized getting the essential stuff first. Like, I beelined for the Mothwing Cloak and Mantis Claw. Gotta have that mobility, you know? No fancy detours, just straight to the point.
- Avoided unnecessary risks like the plague. Seriously, if a boss or area looked too dicey, I just skipped it for later. No shame in that when one death means game over.
Mid-Game Grind
- Once I got those core movement abilities, I started to open up a bit more. I explored more thoroughly, collected more charms, and upgraded my nail whenever I could.
- I spent a lot of time farming Geo in the early to mid-game areas. It’s tedious, yeah, but having a fat stack of cash for upgrades and charms is a lifesaver.
- This is where I really started to master the bosses. I practiced them over and over in my regular save file until I could beat them without taking a hit. No way I was going into a boss fight blind in Steel Heart mode. I began to collect grim flames.
Late Game Push
- By this point, I felt pretty confident. I had most of the charms, a fully upgraded nail, and a good chunk of health and soul upgrades. I finished collecting grim flames.
- Even so, I still took it slow and steady. Overpreparing was my mantra. Before every major boss or challenge, I made sure I had the best possible charm setup and a full stock of health.
- Finally, after hours of careful play, I reached that 100% completion mark. Let me tell you, the feeling of relief and accomplishment was incredible. I even managed to do it in under 20 hours, which was a nice bonus. I beat the final boss and it’s done.
It was a rough ride, no doubt. Lots of tense moments, close calls, and frustrating setbacks. But I persevered, I learned from my mistakes, and I eventually conquered Steel Heart mode. It’s definitely one of my proudest gaming achievements. If you are also interested in this, just do it, you will get a lot.
