Complete Crests Location Video Guide
Watch the complete Crests location guide, then follow the detailed breakdowns below
How the Crest System Works
Combat Changes:
Basic Attack: Each Crest modifies your primary attack pattern
Pogo Action: Downward attack mechanics change per Crest
Special Effects: Some Crests provide unique abilities
Tool Slot System:
White Slots: Abilities and passive effects
Red Slots: Throwables and consumable items
Blue Slots: Wards and defensive tools
Yellow Slots: Devices and utility tools
Memory Lockets System
Find Memory Lockets throughout your journey to unlock additional tool slots for each Crest. This allows for more complex and powerful build combinations as you progress.
1 Hunter Crest
Starting Equipment
Location: Available at the start of the campaign - no effort required!
Description: "Stalk prey and attack with lethal strikes."
Combat Mechanics:
Basic Attack: Standard lethal strikes
Pogo Action: Diagonal slash attack
Tool Slot Configuration:
Available Slots:
Unlockable Slots:
Best For:
Balanced gameplay and learning basic combat mechanics. Good starting point before specializing into other Crests.
2 Reaper Crest
Chapel of the Reaper
Location: Greymoor - Chapel of the Reaper
Description: "Attack with heavy, arcing slashes and reap additional Silk from enemies."
Combat Mechanics:
Basic Attack: Heavy, arcing slashes
Pogo Action: Slow downward slash
Special: Reap additional Silk from enemies
How to Reach:
Step 1: Navigate to the leftmost area of Greymoor zone
Step 2: Enter the Chapel of the Reaper
Step 3: Clear the gauntlet section combat challenges
Step 4: Reach the topmost room to claim the Crest
Tool Slots:
Best For:
Players who prefer powerful, slower attacks and want to maximize Silk generation for tool usage. Excellent for builds focused on frequent tool deployment and crowd control.
3 Wanderer Crest
Chapel of the Wanderer
Location: Wormways - Chapel of the Wanderer
Description: "Cut swiftly and nimbly with short, precise strikes."
Combat Mechanics:
Basic Attack: Swift, precise strikes
Pogo Action: Fast downward slash (like original Hollow Knight)
Detailed Route:
Access Point: Use elevator in Mosshome/Bone Bottom
Requirement: Purchase Simple Key for 500 Rosaries
Navigation: Float, dash, or pogo across the gap to ledge
Obstacle: Defeat acid-spitting miniboss
Secret: Use Simple Key on door in small nook (Mask Shard area)
Final Path: Go left then down shaft to Bonegrave → Chapel
Tool Slots:
Unlockable: +2 Blue, +1 Yellow
Best For:
Speed-focused players who want familiar pogo mechanics and utility-heavy builds with multiple device slots.
4 Beast Crest
Chapel of the Beast
Location: Hunter's March - Chapel of the Beast
Description: "Tear foes with savage slashes. Bind to enter a wild fury to steal life from prey."
Combat Mechanics:
Basic Attack: Savage slashing attacks
Pogo Action: Diagonal rolling slash
Bind Heal: Changes healing into temporary lifesteal effect
Acquisition Steps:
Step 1: Navigate to the rightmost edge of The Marrow
Step 2: Defeat Skarrgard miniboss to gain Hunter's March access
Step 3: Continue right until you meet Shakra the map vendor
Step 4: Pogo up the shaft to enter Chapel of the Beast
Step 5: Defeat the Savage Beastfly boss to claim reward
Tool Slots:
Unlockable: +2 Yellow
Best For:
Aggressive playstyles focused on consumables and lifesteal combat. Perfect for players who prefer high-risk, high-reward gameplay.
Crest Comparison & Recommendations
| Crest | Attack Style | Pogo Type | Special Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hunter | Lethal strikes | Diagonal slash | Balanced stats | Beginners, balanced builds |
| Reaper | Heavy arcing | Slow slash | Extra Silk generation | Tool-heavy builds, crowd control |
| Wanderer | Swift precise | Fast slash | Classic HK pogo | Speed runs, utility builds |
| Beast | Savage slashes | Rolling slash | Lifesteal Bind | Aggressive combat, survivability |
Recommended Builds & Strategies
Early Game Recommendations:
Hunter Crest: Learn basic combat and pogo mechanics with balanced tool slots.
Reaper Crest: Great second choice for Silk farming and heavier combat approach.
Advanced Builds:
Wanderer Crest: Speed-focused builds with emphasis on utility tools and devices.
Beast Crest: Aggressive lifesteal builds with maximum consumable usage.
Pro Tips for Crest Usage
Switching Strategy: Change Crests at benches based on upcoming challenges.
Memory Lockets: Prioritize finding these to unlock more tool combinations.
Experimentation: Try different Crests in various areas to find your preferred playstyle.
Slot Efficiency: Plan your tool loadout based on your current Crest's available slots.