What to know
- Reaper Crest is widely considered the strongest overall, especially for combat and getting good “bang for your bind.”
- Witch and Shaman Crests are often praised for high damage or strong skill/tool synergy, though they typically unlock later.
- Architect and Wanderer are strong “utility / exploration / balanced” crests rather than raw powerhouses.
- Hunter and Beast Crests tend to fall behind in late game or high-skill content, but they have uses, especially early game or specialized builds.
Hollow Knight: Silksong has several unique crests that significantly affect gameplay by modifying Hornet's attacks, silk skill slots, and combat approach. Knowing the strengths and ideal use cases for each crest is key to mastering combat challenges and boss fights. The crests also differ in how many and what color slots they provide for attaching Hornet’s diverse tools and silk skills.
Silksong crest tier overview and ranking
Based on recent player consensus and our own guides updated through September 2025, here is how Silksong’s crests generally rank from most impactful to situational or niche:
| Tier | Crest | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| S-Tier | Reaper | Top combat pick; powerful damage, excellent pogo/hitbox control, silk regeneration on bind. | None significant—works everywhere. |
| Witch | High damage, synergizes with silk skills and abilities; late-game powerhouse. | Requires tool/skill unlocks to shine. | |
| Shaman | Boosts silk skill usage and range; strong caster build option. | Less effective without heavy silk skill reliance. | |
| A-Tier | Architect | Strong tool synergy; good for creative builds with upgrades. | Situational, weaker without proper tools. |
| Wanderer | Faster attacks and balanced stats; reliable for exploration. | Outclassed later by higher tiers. | |
| B-Tier | Hunter | Well-rounded starter crest, solid early on. | Falls off in damage and utility late-game. |
| Beast | Offers lifesteal and niche bonuses; rewarding for skilled players. | Requires precise play; less flexible. |
Why the S-tier crests stand out
Reaper Crest: Known for its reliable downward pogo attack and silk regeneration on binding, it’s very forgiving for less precise players and excellent for prolonged fights or exploration safety.
Witch Crest: Focuses on increased damage and range, making it an ideal boss-killer with explosive silk bind effects.
Shaman Crest: Enables spamming three silk skills simultaneously, perfect for players who favor ranged attacks and spell-like damage.
A and B tier crests are for special builds
Architect Crest: Highly favored for builds focusing on red tools and damage output; it features potent charged attacks and is a strong choice for boss encounters.
Wanderer Crest: Emulates classic attack moves with a chance for critical strikes, rewarding players who adapt to its style.
Hunter Crest: Starting crest with upgrades through an NPC named Eva; it generates focus for damage boosts but requires high player skill for full effect.
Beast Crest: Often underrated, it can achieve high DPS with specific combos but is less accessible or straightforward.
How to choose the right crest for your playstyle
Choosing a crest depends on how Hornet is built and the challenges ahead. Consider these factors:
- For safer play and consistent silk regeneration, the Reaper Crest is best.
- To maximize damage with silk skills, Shaman Crest provides flexibility and power.
- Architect Crest shines in tool-heavy, aggressive DPS builds.
- Wanderer and Hunter Crests reward skillful players with unique combos and focus mechanics.
- Beast Crest fits niche DPS roles but may require more experience to utilize fully.
Silksong crest locations summary table
| Crest | Location / Unlock Method |
|---|---|
| Hunter | Starting crest, upgrade at Weavenest Alta with Eva |
| Wanderer | Chapel of the Wanderer, Bonegrave |
| Beast | Chapel of the Beast, Hunter’s March |
| Reaper | Chapel of the Reaper, Greymoor |
| Architect | Chapel of the Architect, Underworks |
| Witch | Northwest Greymoor, post-Twisted Bud questline |
| Shaman | Near Ruined Chapel, Act 3 |
- Most crests must be found in various zones like Greymoor, Bonegrave, and Weavenest Alta.
- The Hunter Crest can be upgraded by NPC Eva in Weavenest Alta, enhancing focus generation and damage.
- Architect Crest requires collecting many tools and keys to access its chapel, unlocking its full potential.
- Others like the Shaman Crest unlock late in Act 3, so progress and exploration are crucial.
Different crests fundamentally change how Hornet fights and explores. The best crest often depends on the player's skill and preferred combat style, but the Reaper Crest remains generally the most accessible and versatile. Players are encouraged to experiment with higher-tier crests like Witch, Shaman, and Architect to find powerful synergies with their chosen tools and tactics.
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