Mastering Hollow Knight: Silksong Act 1 Crests – Wanderer, Reaper & Beast Guide
If you’re diving into Hollow Knight: Silksong, you already know Hornet is back and more agile than ever. But what really sets Silksong apart from its predecessor is the Crest System.
Unlike the Charms in the original Hollow Knight, Crests aren’t just cosmetic or minor buffs—they fundamentally alter Hornet’s moveset, attack speed, pogo angles, and even the tools you can equip.
For me, the moment I realized how much Crests could change the game, it felt like discovering an entirely new layer of combat strategy. In Act 1, you’re introduced to three main Crests: The Wanderer, The Reaper, and The Beast. Each has its personality, strengths, and quirks.
Choosing the right one early can shape your entire early-game experience. So, if you want to survive Pharloom’s initial gauntlet, here’s a deep dive into securing and optimizing each Crest.
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Starting Off: The Hunter Crest
Before you chase after exotic Crests, you start with the Hunter Crest. Think of it as Hornet’s all-rounder or the “vanilla” setup—it’s solid, balanced, and familiar for fans of the original game.
Why stick with it initially:
- Balanced stats make it forgiving for new players.
- Provides two of each tool slot color (Red, Blue, Yellow).
- Evolves later if you invest Memory Lockets with Eva in Weavenest Atla.
Personally, I find it a safe choice for the very first hour or two of gameplay. But once you start craving a specific combat style, the other Crests quickly steal the spotlight.
1. The Wanderer Crest – For Players Who Love Speed
The Wanderer Crest is perfect if you like moving fast, slashing fast, and punishing enemies before they even blink. I unlocked it early, and the first thing I noticed was how nimble Hornet feels. Every strike feels fluid, almost like dancing through the enemies rather than fighting them.
Location: Chapel of the Wanderer, in the Wormways.
Step-by-Step Unlock:
- Buy a Simple Key – You’ll need 500 Rosaries. Pebb, in Bone Bottom, is your go-to vendor.
- Travel to Mosshome – Take the elevator from Bone Bottom upward.
- Craggler’s Den – Head west through The Marrow. Swift Step is crucial here; trust me, those acid-spitting mini-bosses are nasty.
- Enter the Wormways – Use your Simple Key to unlock the door.
- Survive the Gauntlet – The Chapel of the Wanderer awaits. It’s a four-wave enemy gauntlet, and surviving it is your reward.
Pro Tips:
- Wanderer excels at rapid combos, but aerial enemies can be tricky due to the slash angles.
- Pairing it with tool slots that improve mobility or range can make life much easier.
2. The Reaper Crest – My Personal Favorite
I can’t recommend this one enough if you’re a fan of heavier hits with tactical healing opportunities. The Reaper Crest feels like a bridge between the classic Hollow Knight style and Silksong’s faster combat. Every successful hit not only hits hard but feeds your Silk meter after Binding. For early bosses, this is a lifesaver.
Location: Chapel of the Reaper, tucked away in the misty Greymoor region.
How to Get It:
- Head West – Navigate the western side of Greymoor.
- Find the Chapel – Pay attention to the terrain; the more challenging the platforming, the closer you are.
- Platforming & Combat Challenge – The Crest is atop the chapel after a tough trial mixing jumps and combat.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Heavy, arcing needle strikes make combat feel impactful.
- Downward pogo mimics the original Hollow Knight nail bounce.
- Silk generation after Binding allows for frequent healing, smoothing out Act 1 boss fights.
Honestly, if I had to pick one Crest for a stress-free early run, it’s this one. The combination of survivability and satisfying strikes makes it hard to put down.
3. The Beast Crest – Pure Aggression
If your playstyle screams “hit first, survive later,” the Beast Crest is your ticket. It turns Hornet into a feral powerhouse, capable of stealing life from enemies in a way that feels visceral and satisfying.
Location: Chapel of the Beast, southeast corner of Hunter’s March.
Unlock Steps:
- Prerequisite – Drifter’s Cloak – You’ll need the dash ability. Complete the “Flexile Spines” Wish for the Seamstress in Far Fields to get it.
- Navigate to the Chapel – Southeast Hunter’s March is your destination.
- Boss Fight – Face the Savage Beastfly guarding the chapel.
- Claim the Crest – Defeat the boss and enjoy your new lifestealing attacks.
Why it’s Unique:
- Life-stealing combos make some of Act 1’s tougher fights much more manageable.
- Aggression-focused design complements fast-paced, risky gameplay.
- A fun “risk-reward” style Crest for players who love living on the edge.
Act 1 Crest Comparison Table
| Crest | Primary Benefit | Tool Slots (Base) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunter | Balanced / Standard | 2 Red, 2 Blue, 2 Yellow | Default |
| Wanderer | Speed / Critical Hits | 1 Red, 2 Blue, 3 Yellow | Wormways |
| Reaper | Silk Gain / Heavy Hits | 2 Red, 2 Blue, 2 Yellow | Greymoor |
| Beast | Lifesteal / Aggression | 3 Red, 1 Blue, 2 Yellow | Hunter’s March |
Maximizing Your Build with Memory Lockets
Once you’ve collected all three primary Act 1 Crests, your next stop should be Eva in Weavenest Atla. Memory Lockets, scattered throughout Pharloom, allow you to expand your tool slots.
Why It Matters:
- Unlocking all 12 slots across your collected Crests grants your first Vesticrest upgrade, giving a permanent extra tool slot.
- This means more flexibility in customizing your Crests for your preferred combat style.
- Personally, I like upgrading the Reaper Crest first—it just feels right to keep that Silk generation flowing.
Act 1 Memory Locket Locations – Organized by Region
Bone Bottom / Mossy Way
- Locket 1: In a hidden chest near the elevator room, no special tools needed.
- Locket 2: Requires the Pimpillo Bomb to access a cracked wall in Mossy Way.
Deep Docks
- Locket 3: Accessible via standard traversal.
- Locket 4: Hidden behind a small puzzle room, no extra tools.
Greymoor
- Locket 5: In a cave above the Reaper Chapel, requires careful platforming.
- Locket 6: Needs Grappling Ribbon to reach a high ledge over a water pit.
The Gilded City (Lower Outskirts)
- Locket 7: At the end of a side alley; straightforward.
- Locket 8: Inside a destructible wall section; no extra tools required.
Personal Take
For my current run, I’m sticking with the Reaper Crest. The combination of heavy hits, Silk gain, and that familiar downward pogo gives me a sense of continuity from the original Hollow Knight, while still letting me experiment with new moves. I’ve found that investing early in Memory Lockets makes the first bosses significantly easier, and it’s just satisfying to see Hornet’s abilities evolve so visibly.
That said, the Wanderer Crest is a blast if you enjoy high-speed combat, and the Beast Crest is pure chaos—but in the best way. Silksong does an excellent job making each Crest feel distinct, rewarding different playstyles without making any of them feel mandatory.
Conclusion
Act 1 in Hollow Knight: Silksong isn’t just about fighting your way through Pharloom—it’s about choosing a combat style and investing in it. Hunter, Wanderer, Reaper, and Beast Crests each offer unique ways to approach the early-game challenge. Unlocking Memory Lockets and upgrading with Eva adds another layer of strategy, letting you tailor Hornet to your preferred rhythm.
Whether you’re a cautious player, a speed-runner, or a thrill-seeker, there’s a Crest for you. Personally, I’ll keep swinging that Reaper Crest and savor every Silk-fed strike—it’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation.
