Silksong: All Crests
Crests are equippable items that serve as the foundation for Hornet’s entire loadout in Hollow Knight: Silksong. Replacing the Charms of the original game, each Crest fundamentally alters Hornet’s abilities.
A Crest serves two primary functions:
- It determines the type and number of Tool slots available for your build.
- It completely changes Hornet’s moveset, altering her standard attacks, dash attacks, and more.
How Crests Work in Silksong
Section titled “How Crests Work in Silksong”Think of a Crest as a socket board for your Tools that also defines your fighting style. The Crest you equip dictates which Tools you can use and how Hornet feels in combat.
Tool Categories & Slots
Section titled “Tool Categories & Slots”Each Crest has a unique configuration of color-coded slots. There are four types of Tools you can equip:
Red (Active): Weapon-focused Tools that often grant new attacks or enhance existing ones.
Blue (Passive): Defensive Tools that provide passive buffs, protection, or utility.
Yellow (Utility): Exploration-focused Tools that assist with traversal and collection.
White (Skill): Tools that augment or modify Hornet’s core Silk Skills.
How to Unlock & Upgrade Crests
Section titled “How to Unlock & Upgrade Crests”You will unlock new Crests at key story moments. To add more Tool slots to a Crest you already own, you must find a rare item called a Memory Locket.
Once you have a Memory Locket, the upgrade process is simple:
- Sit at a Bench to open the equipment menu.
- Inspect one of the small, inactive dots on your currently equipped Crest.
- Use the Memory Locket to permanently unlock that slot for that specific Crest.
List of All Crests
Section titled “List of All Crests”Below is a list of all known Crests in Hollow Knight: Silksong. Click on any Crest to see a detailed guide on its location, moveset, and recommended builds.
Hunter Crest
The balanced starting Crest. A versatile foundation for both combat and exploration.
Starting Slots
Where to Find
Starting Crest
Reaper Crest
An offensive Crest that uses heavy, arcing slashes and reaps extra Silk from foes.
Starting Slots
Where to Find
Chapel of the Reaper, Greymoor
Wanderer Crest
An agile Crest focused on quick strikes and exploration. Ideal for pogo platforming.
Starting Slots
Where to Find
The Wormways
Beast Crest
A hyper-aggressive Crest that turns Hornet’s heal into a savage, life-stealing fury.
Starting Slots
Where to Find
Beast Chapel, The Hunter's March
Witch Crest
A mid-range Crest that uses whip-like attacks to leech life from foes.
Starting Slots
Where to Find
Location Unknown
Architect Crest
A hyper-offensive Crest that shreds foes and can craft new tools in combat.
Starting Slots
Where to Find
Location Unknown
Shaman Crest
A unique Crest with no slots that empowers Hornet’s Silk Skills with powerful runes.
Recommended Crest Builds
Section titled “Recommended Crest Builds”While every Crest is viable, some offer distinct advantages at different stages of the game. Here are our recommendations for an optimized playthrough.
The Explorer’s Build (Wanderer Crest)
Section titled “The Explorer’s Build (Wanderer Crest)”For the early game, the Wanderer Crest is highly recommended once you acquire it. Its moveset is similar to the Knight’s from the first game, and its modified down-slash makes platforming and pogoing on enemies significantly easier. The two Yellow slots are perfect for equipping utility Tools like the Compass and Magnetite Brooch to maximize your exploration efficiency.
The Harvester’s Build (Reaper Crest)
Section titled “The Harvester’s Build (Reaper Crest)”Once you reach the mid-game, the Reaper Crest becomes a powerhouse. While its attacks are slower, they have a wider range and the incredible ability to reap extra Silk from enemies. This allows you to use your powerful Silk Skills more frequently, turning tough encounters into manageable fights. Its balanced slot layout allows for a versatile build.