Complete Tools & Crests Equipment System Guide: Master Silksong's Combat

Hollow Knight Silksong's equipment system completely revolutionizes how you approach combat and exploration. The new Tools & Crests system replaces Hollow Knight's charms with a dynamic, build-focused approach that fundamentally changes your playstyle. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to master Hornet's arsenal.

🚨 Revolutionary System Change

Why This Matters More Than Charms

Original Hollow Knight: Static charm system - equip and forget Silksong Innovation: Dynamic Crest loadouts that alter core gameplay

Fundamental Differences:

• Crests change your basic attacks - different movesets per Crest
• Tools provide active abilities - consumable and renewable
• Builds dramatically alter playstyle - not just minor stat bonuses
• Strategic depth increased - loadout planning becomes crucial

Critical Understanding: This isn't just gear - it's choosing your entire combat philosophy.

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⚔️ Understanding the Three-Tier Tool System

Red Tools: Combat Consumables

Function: Limited-use offensive abilities that refill when resting at benches Cost: Shell Shards required for refills - resource management crucial Usage: Active combat abilities for specific situations

Key Red Tools:

Straight Pin:

• Effect: Ranged needle throws without Silk consumption
• Usage: Boss fights and distant enemies
• Strategy: Conserve for challenging encounters

Sting Shard:

• Effect: Trap placement around combat areas
• Usage: Mobile boss fights (excellent vs. Lace)
• Technique: Pre-place traps before engaging

Explosive Tools:

• Effect: Area damage and wall breaking
• Usage: Crowd control and environmental puzzles
• Resource Cost: Higher Shell Shard consumption

Blue Tools: Utility & Exploration

Function: Exploration and environmental interaction abilities Benefit: Permanent effects while equipped - no consumption Impact: Access new areas and solve puzzles

Essential Blue Tools:

Drifter's Cloak:

• Source: Seamstress quest completion
• Effect: Enhanced aerial mobility
• Critical For: Multiple Mask Shard locations

Faydown Cloak:

• Source: Mount Fay summit
• Effect: Double jump ability
• Game Changer: Fundamentally transforms exploration

Environmental Tools:

• Various underwater breathing and environmental resistance abilities
• Required for accessing specific areas and collectibles

Yellow Tools: Passive Enhancements

Function: Permanent passive benefits while equipped Effect: Stat bonuses and ability modifications Strategy: Always equipped - no consumption mechanics

Key Yellow Tool Categories:

Health Enhancement:

• Stack with Mask Shards for maximum survivability
• Critical for late-game boss encounters

Silk Efficiency:

• Reduce Silk consumption for abilities
• Increase Silk generation from combat
• Essential for sustained healing and skill usage

Combat Bonuses:

• Damage increases and attack speed modifications
• Specialized effects for specific situations

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🏆 Complete Crests Guide & Locations

Understanding Crest Fundamentals

Core Function: Crests are your base combat system - they determine:

• Basic attack patterns and combos
• Pogo (downward attack) mechanics
• Available Tool slots (Red/Blue/Yellow)
• Combat feel and timing

Strategic Impact: Choosing a Crest = choosing your entire approach to combat

Wanderer Crest: The Balanced Foundation

Location: Chapel of the Wanderer (west of Bone Bottom) Accessibility: Early game - available shortly after tutorial Playstyle: Most similar to original Hollow Knight controls

Slot Configuration:

• 1 Red Slot: Limited offensive tools
• 1 Blue Slot: Single utility option
• 1 Yellow Slot: One passive enhancement

Combat Style:

• Familiar attack patterns for Hollow Knight veterans
• Balanced approach to combat encounters
• Good learning Crest for understanding system

Best For: New players and those wanting familiar mechanics

Reaper Crest: Aggressive Specialization

Location: Chapel of the Reaper (left side of Greymoor) Accessibility: Mid-game - requires area progression Challenge: Combat gauntlet must be cleared to access

Access Method:

1. Navigate to Greymoor and head left
2. Find Chapel of the Reaper entrance
3. Complete combat gauntlet - significant difficulty spike
4. Reach topmost chapel room for Crest acquisition

Combat Philosophy:

• Aggressive, high-damage attack patterns
• Risk/reward mechanics - high damage but vulnerable windows
• Specialized for experienced players seeking challenge

Slot Configuration: More offensive-focused slots - exact numbers being discovered

Beast Crest: Late-Game Power

Location: Chapel of the Beast (Hunter's March endpoint) Accessibility: Late-game - requires significant progression Guardian: Tough boss fight protects this Crest

Access Requirements:

1. Complete Hunter's March area progression
2. Defeat chapel guardian boss - major combat challenge
3. Navigate to chapel interior for Crest collection

Combat Specialization:

• Unique attack patterns unlike other Crests
• Specialized mechanics for advanced players
• High risk, high reward combat style

Strategic Value: Endgame optimization for experienced players

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🔧 Crest Upgrade System: Memory Lockets

Understanding Slot Expansion

Upgrade Currency: Memory Lockets - rare and valuable items Function: Unlock additional Tool slots on chosen Crest Strategy: Permanent investment - choose wisely

Critical Decision Points:

• Upgrades don't transfer between Crests
• Should hoard Memory Lockets until committing to main Crest
• Each additional slot dramatically increases power

Memory Locket Locations

Known Sources (Being Discovered):

• Major boss defeats - significant encounters reward lockets
• Hidden exploration rewards - thorough area coverage
• Quest completion bonuses - major NPC questlines
• Secret area discoveries - advanced exploration rewards

Usage Strategy:

1. Experiment with all Crests before upgrading
2. Choose main Crest based on preferred playstyle
3. Invest Memory Lockets in chosen specialization
4. Save some lockets for situation-specific builds

Advanced Build Planning

Specialization Approach: Focus upgrades on one primary Crest Versatility Approach: Spread upgrades across multiple Crests for flexibility Situational Approach: Different Crests for different challenge types

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🛠️ Crafting & Maintenance System

Passive Crafting Revolution

Design Philosophy: No active crafting required - completely passive system Function: Automatic Red Tool replenishment when resting at benches Resource: Shell Shards serve as crafting currency

How It Works:

1. Use Red Tools during exploration/combat
2. Rest at any bench with sufficient Shell Shards
3. Tools automatically refill - no crafting menus
4. Continue exploration with restored equipment

Resource Management Strategy

Shell Shard Sources:

• Enemy defeats - primary generation method
• Environmental collection - scattered throughout areas
• Quest rewards - major questline bonuses
• Hidden caches - thorough exploration rewards

Spending Priorities:

1. Red Tool refills - essential for combat effectiveness
2. Emergency restocking - before major boss encounters
3. Exploration preparation - full stocks before unknown areas

Crafting Efficiency Tips

Bench Network Utilization: Plan routes between benches for optimal refill timing Resource Conservation: Use Red Tools strategically - not for every encounter Pre-Boss Preparation: Always refill before major encounters

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🎯 Optimal Build Strategies

Early Game Build (Wanderer Crest Focus)

Crest Choice: Wanderer Crest - familiar and accessible Tool Priorities:

• Red: Straight Pin for ranged combat
• Blue: First available utility tool
• Yellow: Health enhancement for survivability

Strategy: Learn system mechanics while maintaining familiar combat feel

Mid Game Transition (Exploring Options)

Experimentation Phase: Try all available Crests before committing upgrades Build Testing:

• Reaper Crest for aggressive encounters
• Wanderer Crest for balanced exploration
• Tool combinations for specific challenges

Resource Planning: Hoard Memory Lockets until deciding on main specialization

Late Game Optimization (Specialized Builds)

Boss Fighter Build:

• Crest: Reaper (high damage) or Beast (unique mechanics)
• Red Tools: Maximum damage and crowd control
• Blue Tools: Mobility enhancements for positioning
• Yellow Tools: Combat efficiency and survivability

Explorer Build:

• Crest: Wanderer (balanced) with maximum upgrade investment
• Blue Tools: All mobility and environmental tools
• Yellow Tools: Resource efficiency and quality of life
• Red Tools: Minimal - focus on utility

100% Completion Build:

• Flexible Crest choice based on current challenge
• All available Tools collected and organized
• Multiple specialized loadouts for different situations

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🚨 Common Equipment Mistakes

Resource Mismanagement

Problem: Wasting Shell Shards on unnecessary Red Tool refills Solution: Conservative Red Tool usage - save for challenging encounters Prevention: Learn when Tools are actually needed vs. basic combat

Premature Upgrades

Problem: Spending Memory Lockets before understanding all Crests Solution: Complete experimentation phase before major investments Strategy: Test all Crests thoroughly in various situations

Inflexible Build Thinking

Problem: One build for all situations approach Solution: Situational Crest swapping for different challenges Technique: Plan multiple specialized builds for optimal performance

Ignoring Tool Categories

Problem: Focusing only on Red Tools while ignoring Blue/Yellow benefits Solution: Balanced tool collection across all categories Impact: Blue and Yellow Tools often provide more value than Red Tools

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🏆 System Mastery Goals

Beginner Mastery

Understanding: Grasp basic Tool categories and Crest functions Application: Effective use of Wanderer Crest with basic Tools Resource Management: Sustainable Shell Shard economy

Intermediate Mastery

Experimentation: Comfortable with all available Crests Specialization: Chosen main Crest with focused upgrades Situational Awareness: Different Tools for different challenges

Advanced Mastery

Build Optimization: Multiple specialized builds for various situations Resource Efficiency: Optimal Memory Locket and Shell Shard usage Combat Integration: Seamless Tool integration into combat flow Strategic Planning: Build planning for upcoming challenges

Expert Mastery

Perfect Integration: Equipment choices match challenge requirements Resource Mastery: Never limited by Shell Shard or Memory Locket availability Adaptive Strategy: Real-time build adjustments for optimal performance Teaching Others: Understanding deep enough to guide other players

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🎯 Equipment System Philosophy

Silksong's Innovation: Equipment as playstyle choice rather than minor bonuses Strategic Depth: Build planning becomes as important as execution skill Player Expression: Multiple viable approaches to same challenges Continuous Evolution: System grows with player understanding and game progression

Final Wisdom: Master the system gradually - don't rush to perfect builds. The journey of discovering optimal Tool and Crest combinations is as rewarding as achieving perfect optimization.

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Ready to put these builds to the test? Check our boss fight strategies for specific Tool and Crest recommendations for each encounter.