Hollow Knight: Silksong Complete Crest Collection Guide
Master every Crest in Silksong with our complete location guide, unlock requirements, and optimal build strategies for each combat style.
Crests fundamentally reshape how you experience combat in Hollow Knight: Silksong, offering distinct playstyles that go far beyond simple stat changes. Each Crest transforms Hornet's moveset, tool compatibility, and strategic approach to encounters. Whether you prefer the familiar feel of the original Hollow Knight or want to experiment with entirely new combat mechanics, mastering all eight Crests becomes essential for tackling Pharloom's diverse challenges.
Why Crests Matter More Than You Think
Unlike the charm system from the original game, Crests completely alter your fundamental combat approach. The Hunter Crest you start with represents just the beginning of a much deeper customization system. Each Crest features unique tool slot configurations, special abilities, and combat animations that can make or break specific boss encounters.
tip
Experiment with different Crests during exploration phases rather than just before boss fights. You'll discover synergies between movement abilities and combat styles that aren't immediately obvious.
Hollow Knight: Silksong: Crests Guide ...
Essential Prerequisites for Crest Hunting
Before diving into specific locations, you'll need several key abilities to access most Crests:
- Wall Jump (unlocked in Moss Grotto)
- Sprint Step (obtained in Deep Docks)
- Silkspear Skill (found in Mosshome)
- Needolin ability for late-game Crests
Most Crests hide within special Chapel areas that require completing combat challenges or puzzle sequences. These aren't simple pickup locations—expect to prove your mastery of Hornet's abilities.
Hunter Crest: Your Foundation
| Crest Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Starting Slots | 1 Red, 1 Blue, 1 Yellow |
| Max Upgrades | 2 Red, 2 Blue, 2 Yellow |
| Upgrade Location | Weavenest Atla (Eva NPC) |
You begin your journey with the Hunter Crest, but don't overlook its upgrade potential. Once you obtain Needolin, venture to Weavenest Atla and locate Eva. This mysterious character can enhance your Hunter Crest twice, dramatically expanding its tool capacity based on your Memory Locket usage across all Crests.
important
Eva's upgrades depend on how many Memory Lockets you've used to unlock tool slots. You don't need every single locket, but consistent collection pays off.
Hollow Knight: Silksong: Crests Guide ...
Wanderer Crest: Classic Combat Returns
Location: Chapel of the Wanderer (Moss Grotto) Requirements: Wall Jump ability, Simple Key (500 Rosaries from Pebb)
The Wanderer Crest delivers the closest experience to the original Hollow Knight's combat system. This makes it perfect for veterans who want familiar mechanics while exploring Silksong's new content.
Getting There:
- Purchase a Simple Key from Pebb in Bone Bottom for 500 Rosaries
- Navigate to upper Mosshome via elevator or western route through The Marrow
- Race through the dangerous Craggler's Den—use Sprint Step to avoid the acid-spitting enemy
- Unlock the door to Wormways with your Simple Key
- Navigate the worm-infested tunnels to reach the chapel
- Complete the four-wave enemy gauntlet to claim your reward
warning
Save at the bench before entering Wormways. The enemy rush sequence can be brutal if you're unprepared.
Reaper Crest: High-Risk, High-Reward
Location: Chapel of the Reaper (Greymoor) Tool Slots: 2 Red, 2 Blue, 2 Yellow
Found on the western side of Greymoor, the Reaper Crest offers excellent tool versatility. The chapel itself presents a challenging ambush scenario—survive the encounter and climb to the top to claim this balanced Crest.
How to Get the Reaper Crest in Silksong
Beast Crest: Raw Power Unleashed
Location: Chapel of the Beast (Hunter's March) Tool Slots: 2 Red, 2 Yellow
The Beast Crest emphasizes aggressive, high-damage combat. Located in eastern Hunter's March, this Crest excels when paired with damage-boosting red tools and mobility-enhancing yellow tools.
Architect Crest: Tool Master's Dream
Location: Chapel of the Architect (Underworks) Requirements: Architect's Key (110 Rosaries from Twelfth Architect) Tool Slots: 3 Red, 2 Blue, 2 Yellow
This Crest offers the most red tool slots in the game, making it ideal for players who want to stack multiple damage-enhancing effects. Purchase the Architect's Key from the Twelfth Architect in Underworks, but note they won't sell it until you've collected enough tools first.
Witch Crest: The Ultimate Challenge
Location: Bilewater (via complex quest chain) Requirements: Complete Rite of Rebirth and Infestation Operation wishes
The Witch Crest demands the most effort but rewards you with unique mechanics. This questline begins with finding the Twisted Bud in Bilewater and delivering it to Greyroot. The resulting wishes impose severe restrictions—no healing, no tools, no other Crests—but completing them unlocks this powerful option.
Witch Crest Quest Steps:
- Access Bilewater through Whispering Vaults
- Locate and collect the Twisted Bud
- Deliver it to Greyroot to start Rite of Rebirth
- Complete the wish under harsh restrictions
- Visit Yarnaby for treatment
- Finish the Infestation Operation wish
- Claim your Witch Crest
Hollow Knight: Silksong — Witch Crest ...
Late-Game Crests
Shaman Crest (Act 3 Only)
Location: Hidden tunnel above lore tablet (Moss Grotto) Requirements: Silk Soar ability
This end-game Crest features three Silk Skill slots, offering unprecedented customization for advanced players. Use Silk Soar to reach the concealed entrance near the sign in the newly accessible Moss Grotto area.
Vesticrest: The Universal Upgrade
Location: Weavenest Atla (Eva) Requirements: Unlock 4 different Crests
The Vesticrest doesn't replace other Crests—it enhances them. This special item adds one yellow tool slot to every Crest you own. Eva can upgrade it further with 12 Memory Lockets, adding blue and yellow slots.
Optimal Crest Collection Order
| Priority | Crest | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Wanderer | Familiar combat, accessible early |
| 2nd | Reaper | Excellent tool balance |
| 3rd | Beast | High damage potential |
| 4th | Vesticrest | Universal enhancement |
| 5th | Architect | Tool slot maximization |
| 6th | Witch | Unique mechanics (if desired) |
| 7th | Shaman | End-game specialization |
Pro Tip: Focus on collecting Memory Lockets throughout your journey. Eva's upgrades become significantly more powerful when you've consistently unlocked tool slots across multiple Crests.
Building Your Crest Arsenal
Each Crest excels in different scenarios. The Wanderer Crest handles general exploration beautifully, while the Architect Crest dominates when you need maximum tool synergy. Experiment with different combinations as you progress—the game's difficulty scales to accommodate various playstyles.
Remember that Crest mastery extends beyond simple collection. Understanding when to switch between different combat styles, how tool slots interact with your preferred abilities, and which Crests complement specific boss encounters will elevate your Silksong experience from good to exceptional.
The journey to collect every Crest takes you through Pharloom's most challenging areas, but the reward—complete mastery over Hornet's combat potential—makes every dangerous chapel and complex quest chain worthwhile.
Updated:
September 11th 2025
Posted:
September 11th 2025