In Hollow Knight: Silksong, Hornet’s journey across Pharloom introduces a wide range of Crests, special items that change her combat style, healing abilities, and overall playstyle. Among these, one of the most intriguing is the Reaper Crest—a powerful artifact that transforms Hornet’s quick Needle thrusts into slower, heavier, and more deliberate slashes.
If you’re the type of player who loves high-impact attacks and a more methodical rhythm in battle, the Reaper Crest is a must-have. In this in-depth guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know:
- What the Reaper Crest is and why it matters
- Exactly where to find it in the world of Pharloom
- How to complete the challenge required to obtain it
- A breakdown of its abilities and combat advantages
- Step-by-step instructions to equip and master it
- Pro tips for exploring the Chapel of the Reaper and surviving Greymoor
By the end of this guide, you’ll be fully prepared to claim the Reaper Crest and wield it effectively throughout your Silksong adventure.
What Is the Reaper Crest?
Crests in Silksong function similarly to charms in the original Hollow Knight. They alter Hornet’s combat mechanics, defensive abilities, and even how she uses her healing technique, Bind.
The Reaper Crest stands out because it shifts Hornet’s fighting style from fast, precise thrusts into slower but more powerful sweeping motions. Instead of darting Needle strikes, you’ll perform deliberate attacks that hit harder and cover wider arcs.
Core Features of the Reaper Crest:
- Heavy Forward Slash – A slower but stronger horizontal strike.
- Quick Upward Slash – Useful for catching flying enemies or interrupting overhead threats.
- Sweeping Dash Slash – An arcing attack that begins at the ground and rises upward, ideal for crowd control.
- Wide Downward Slash – A slower, weightier version of the downward Needle strike, echoing the Knight’s classic pogo attack but with broader coverage.
- Unique Bind Effect – Not only heals Hornet, but for a limited time, it also generates extra silk when you land hits. This gives you greater sustain in prolonged fights.
- Tool Slots – Provides three slots, the same as the starting Hunter Crest, allowing flexible loadouts.
Why You Should Get the Reaper Crest
So, why bother with the Reaper Crest when Hornet’s default Needle style already feels fast and efficient?
Here’s why it’s worth the effort:
- Heavier Damage Output – While you sacrifice speed, each strike hits like a hammer. Fewer swings are needed to down tankier enemies.
- Strategic Playstyle – Perfect for players who enjoy timing attacks, waiting for openings, and punishing mistakes rather than spamming quick hits.
- Wider Attack Coverage – Sweeping and arcing motions give you crowd-control options not present in the Hunter Crest.
- Enhanced Bind Utility – The silk-generation mechanic allows you to stay aggressive without running out of resources too quickly.
- Flexibility with Tools – With three slots, you can still experiment with various support abilities and balance your build.
If you’re preparing for boss fights in Greymoor or beyond, the Reaper Crest is a game-changer.
Where to Find the Reaper Crest
The Reaper Crest is located deep in Pharloom, specifically in the Chapel of the Reaper, a haunting structure nestled within the Greymoor region.
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Reach Halfway Home – This settlement acts as a midway checkpoint in Pharloom’s western side.
- Head West into Greymoor – From Halfway Home, travel westward, keeping an eye on environmental clues like spires and faded statues that signal proximity to the chapel.
- Locate the Chapel of the Reaper – A gothic structure looming in Greymoor, the chapel serves as both a challenge arena and the resting place of the crest.
- Complete the Encounter Inside – Expect a test of skill. This may include waves of enemies, environmental hazards, or a mini-boss guarding the relic.
- Interact with the Fallen Body – Once the trial ends, you’ll find a body on the ground. Use the Bind button to absorb its essence and claim the Reaper Crest.
Tips for Navigating Greymoor
Greymoor is not a forgiving region. To successfully reach the Chapel of the Reaper, keep these tips in mind:
- Upgrade Your Needle First – Having a sharpened Needle (or better) from Bellhart will make enemies in Greymoor more manageable.
- Stock Up on Tools – Equip tools that enhance mobility or healing, as the area is dense with foes and traps.
- Map Awareness – Explore carefully. Greymoor features winding paths and vertical drops; always mark benches and shortcuts.
- Expect a Challenge – The Chapel trial is no pushover. Be prepared to adapt your strategy based on your current Crest.
How to Equip the Reaper Crest
Once you’ve claimed the Reaper Crest, equipping it is simple:
- Rest at a Bench – This opens your equipment menu.
- Navigate to the Crest Menu – You’ll see all crests you’ve unlocked so far.
- Cycle Through Your Options – Use the designated button (X on Switch/Xbox, Square on PlayStation) to highlight the Reaper Crest.
- Activate It – Once selected, Hornet’s moveset immediately changes to the Reaper Crest style.
You can switch back anytime at a bench, making experimentation easy.
How the Reaper Crest Changes Combat
Equipping the Reaper Crest transforms how you approach battles. Let’s break down its impact:
- Timing Over Speed – Attacks are slower, so precision and spacing matter more. You’ll need to anticipate enemy patterns.
- Bigger Risk, Bigger Reward – Missed swings leave you open, but landed hits often stagger or kill enemies outright.
- Boss Battles – Great for punishing large, predictable bosses. Less ideal against fast swarms unless paired with mobility tools.
- Bind Strategy – The extra silk generation encourages aggressive healing. Attack often after Binding to maximize resource gain.
Advanced Strategies with the Reaper Crest
To truly master the Reaper Crest, try these strategies:
- Pair with Dash Tools – Since your strikes are slower, pair the crest with tools that improve Hornet’s evasiveness.
- Use Terrain – Wide swings cover multiple enemies; lure them into tight corridors where you can control the fight.
- Time Your Downward Slash – The broad downward attack is excellent for pogoing on enemy heads and staying airborne longer.
- Switch When Needed – For platforming challenges or swarm areas, consider reverting to a faster Crest, then switch back for boss encounters.
Summary Table – Reaper Crest at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Chapel of the Reaper, Greymoor (west of Halfway Home) |
| Attacks | Heavy forward slash, upward cut, sweeping dash slash, wide downward arc |
| Bind Effect | Heals Hornet + generates extra silk on enemy hits for a short duration |
| Tool Slots | 3 (same as Hunter Crest) |
| Playstyle | Slower, strategic, high-impact combat |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Reaper Crest hard to obtain?
Not excessively. Reaching the Chapel requires progressing through Greymoor, but the trial is manageable with preparation.
2. Can you switch back to faster Crests after equipping the Reaper Crest?
Yes. Crests can be swapped freely at benches, so you’re never locked into one style permanently.
3. Does the Reaper Crest make Hornet slower overall?
No. Movement speed remains the same. Only your attack animations become slower and heavier.
4. Is the Reaper Crest good for all players?
It depends on playstyle. Players who enjoy methodical, high-damage attacks will love it. Those who prefer quick, reactive combat may find it limiting.
5. Can the Reaper Crest be upgraded later?
While not confirmed, some Crests may evolve or synergize with others. Keep an eye out for upgrade mechanics tied to exploration.
Final Thoughts
The Reaper Crest in Hollow Knight: Silksong is more than just another collectible—it’s a powerful tool that reshapes Hornet’s combat identity. With it equipped, every strike feels weighty, every Bind more sustainable, and every battle more tactical.
To unlock it, you’ll need to journey into Greymoor, survive the trials within the Chapel of the Reaper, and claim it from a fallen warrior. Once in your hands, the Crest offers a slower but devastatingly effective fighting style perfect for players who thrive on timing, patience, and big payoffs.
So, sharpen your skills, gear up for Greymoor, and step into the Chapel ready to claim your Reaper Crest. In the hands of a skilled player, it’s one of the most rewarding combat upgrades Silksong has to offer.
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