Few indie games have captured the imagination of players like Hollow Knight, and its highly anticipated sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, is already shaping up to be just as deep, mysterious, and rewarding. Playing as Hornet, you’ll venture through Pharloom, a vast kingdom filled with secrets, dangerous foes, and powerful upgrades. Among the most exciting collectibles in the game are Crests—special items that alter Hornet’s abilities and enable unique playstyles.
One of the most talked-about Crests is the Shaman Crest, a rune-like emblem designed to enhance Hornet’s magical Silk Skills. While much about its exact location remains uncertain, players are already piecing together clues, strategies, and possible builds surrounding this highly sought-after upgrade.
This guide will cover everything we know about the Shaman Crest in Silksong: its effects, why it’s so exciting, where it may be found, and how to prepare your playstyle to take full advantage of it.
What is the Shaman Crest in Hollow Knight: Silksong?
The Shaman Crest is a unique, act-specific Crest introduced in Silksong. Unlike more general upgrades, this Crest focuses on empowering Hornet’s Silk-based abilities, adding mystical runes to her ranged and magical attacks.
Key Characteristics:
- Enhances Silk Skills: Powers up Hornet’s magical attacks with rune-like effects, increasing damage or adding special properties.
- Encourages ranged combat: Perfect for players who prefer to fight from a distance rather than relying heavily on melee.
- Found in Act III: According to current knowledge, the Crest only becomes available in the later stages of the game.
- Strategic focus: Supports tactical builds centered on Silk regeneration and long-range combat styles.
Unlike standard upgrades that simply boost stats, the Shaman Crest actively transforms how certain Silk Skills behave—giving Hornet’s magical arsenal a sense of elegance, versatility, and power.
Why Players Are Excited About the Shaman Crest
The hype around this Crest isn’t unfounded. Here’s why it’s become one of the most discussed items in Silksong:
- Stronger Silk Skills – Attacks like Thread Storm, Cross Stitch, or other Silk-focused abilities become rune-infused, making them deadlier in combat.
- Expanded Tactical Options – Instead of relying solely on melee, players can develop Silk-heavy strategies for long-range engagements.
- Mystical Combat Feel – The rune-infused animations and effects add a magical, thematic layer to combat that stands out from other Crests.
- Nostalgic Connection – In the original Hollow Knight, the Shaman Stone Charm was a favorite among spell-focused builds. The Shaman Crest feels like its spiritual successor, offering fans continuity in design and playstyle.
In short: if you enjoyed a spellcaster-like approach in Hollow Knight, the Shaman Crest in Silksong is made for you.
Current Knowledge: How to Get the Shaman Crest
At the time of writing, the exact location and method to obtain the Crest are not fully confirmed. However, based on community findings, leaks, and speculation, we know the following:
- The Shaman Crest is unlocked in Act III of the game.
- Rumors suggest it may be hidden in a “Shaman Room”—a special chamber tied to magical lore.
- One community report hints that the Crest is located on the far-right rooftop area of the Shaman Room, accessible only after using the Needolin traversal skill.
- Since Silksong emphasizes verticality, advanced movement mechanics like wall climbing, rope traversal, or Needolin are likely required to reach the hidden location.
While none of these details are 100% confirmed, most players agree: you’ll need to progress deep into the story, acquire advanced mobility skills, and keep an eye out for high, tucked-away areas in Act III.
How to Prepare for Finding the Shaman Crest
Since the item becomes available later in the game, you’ll want to prepare ahead of time. Here are steps to maximize your chances of obtaining and using it effectively:
1. Progress to Act III
The Crest only appears in this act, so focus on completing main quests, unlocking maps, and defeating required bosses until you advance far enough.
2. Unlock Needolin Early
The Needolin skill is repeatedly mentioned in community discussions as a possible requirement. Mastering it early ensures you won’t be stuck once you find the Crest’s location.
3. Explore Rooftops and Hidden Rooms
In true Team Cherry fashion, valuable items are rarely in plain sight. Check rooftops, secret passages, and rooms with magical aesthetics.
4. Gather Resources
Stockpile Rosaries (currency) and unlock extra Tool Slots. While it’s unclear if Rosaries are required to purchase the Crest, they are often necessary for Crests and tools in Silksong.
5. Engage with the Community
Follow Reddit threads, Discord groups, and fan wikis for the latest updates. Often, the community uncovers secrets faster than official guides.
Builds & Strategies with the Shaman Crest
Once you unlock the Crest, its true potential shines in how it reshapes combat. Here are some builds and strategies:
1. Rune-Infused Ranged Build
- Core Idea: Maximize long-range Silk attacks.
- Skills: Thread Storm, Cross Stitch.
- Support Tools: Spool Extender, Volt Filament (for Silk regeneration).
- Playstyle: Attack from distance, maintain constant Silk flow.
2. Balanced Hybrid Build
- Core Idea: Mix melee with rune-boosted Silk.
- Skills: Combine Pale Nails melee strikes with occasional Silk bursts.
- Support Tools: Tools that provide survivability (healing or defense).
- Playstyle: Switch fluidly between close-range combos and ranged finishers.
3. Boss Slayer Build
- Core Idea: Use Crest-enhanced Silk Skills to punish bosses with heavy ranged damage.
- Skills: Focus on high-damage Silk Skills, weaving them with dodges.
- Support Tools: Boost Silk recharge, reduce cooldowns.
- Playstyle: Burst damage windows while staying safe.
Comparison with Other Crests
To understand the Shaman Crest’s value, let’s compare it with other known Crests:
- Warrior’s Crest – Focuses on melee and aggressive close combat.
- Healer’s Crest – Prioritizes recovery and survivability.
- Shaman Crest – Enhances ranged Silk Skills, supporting a mystical playstyle.
Essentially, the Shaman Crest fills a niche: perfect for players who dislike melee lock-ins and prefer tactical, ranged combat with flair.
Lore & Thematic Significance
Crests in Silksong aren’t just gameplay mechanics—they’re steeped in lore. The Shaman Crest likely ties into the magical traditions of Pharloom, hinting at a sect or order of Shamans who infused their essence into runes.
This connection mirrors how charms in Hollow Knight often reflected the Forgotten Kingdom’s culture, beliefs, and history. By equipping the Crest, Hornet may be channeling the mystical wisdom of Pharloom’s Shamans, blending story and gameplay seamlessly.
What to Do Once You Have the Shaman Crest
Once you finally obtain it:
- Equip it at a Bench immediately and test how it transforms your Silk Skills.
- Experiment with combos, mixing melee attacks with rune-enhanced Silk bursts.
- Try different tools to balance offense, defense, and utility.
- Switch Crests occasionally to find the best setup for each challenge.
- Refine your builds based on enemy types—use the Crest against bosses or ranged-heavy encounters.
Community Speculation & Future Updates
Since the game is still unfolding, much of what we know about the Crest comes from leaks, fan speculation, and datamining. Team Cherry is known for rewarding exploration and mystery, so it’s possible the Crest is hidden behind an elaborate questline or boss fight.
As more players reach Act III, we’ll likely see confirmed methods of acquisition. Until then, stay curious, experiment, and share your findings with the community.
Final Thoughts
The Shaman Crest in Hollow Knight: Silksong represents everything fans love about the franchise: mystery, tactical depth, and transformative gameplay. Though its exact location is still uncertain, what we know paints a picture of a game-changing Crest for ranged, Silk-focused players.
By preparing early, mastering Needolin, and keeping resources stocked, you’ll be ready to claim it once the community uncovers its precise location. Until then, embrace the journey—because in Silksong, the path to discovery is just as rewarding as the prize.
FAQs about the Shaman Crest in Silksong
1. What does the Shaman Crest do?
It enhances Hornet’s Silk Skills with rune-like effects, making them stronger, flashier, and better for ranged combat.
2. Where is the Shaman Crest located?
It’s believed to appear in Act III, possibly in a hidden “Shaman Room” accessed with Needolin. Exact details are still unconfirmed.
3. Is the Shaman Crest similar to the Shaman Stone in Hollow Knight?
Yes. Like the Shaman Stone, it boosts magical abilities. It’s considered the spiritual successor for spell-focused builds.
4. Do I need Rosaries to get the Crest?
Not confirmed yet, but since other Crests require them, it’s smart to collect Rosaries in advance.
5. Who should use the Shaman Crest?
Players who enjoy ranged, tactical combat and Silk-heavy builds will benefit the most.
Read Also: