The Shaman Crest is one of the most powerful crests you can obtain in Hollow Knight: Silksong. Unlike other crests that become available in the early or mid-game, this one is locked behind Act 3, making it a true end-game reward. Its unique ability to boost Silk Skills and extend Hornet’s reach makes it essential for players who want to dominate late-game bosses and tough encounters.
The Shaman Crest isn’t just another slot item—it transforms the way you fight. When equipped, it allows Hornet to cast blade waves forward, imbuing Silk Skills with runes that enhance their effects. This slower but wider attack style is perfect for controlling space and keeping enemies at mid-range instead of trading blows up close.
See also: Silksong The Slab Map Location and How to Unlock It
By default, the crest unlocks three white slots, but with Memory Lockets, you can add two extra blue slots. Combined with upgrades from Vesticrests in Weavenest Atla, the Shaman Crest becomes one of the most flexible loadouts in the game.
How to Unlock the Shaman Crest
Getting the Shaman Crest requires patience, as it only becomes available in Act 3. Here’s the full walkthrough:
- Unlock Silk Soar
- Before you can even attempt this, you must acquire the Silk Soar ability in the Abyss. This move allows Hornet to super jump upward, which is crucial for reaching hidden areas.
- Travel to Bone Bottom Bellway
- Once you have Silk Soar, head toward Bone Bottom Bellway. From here, move left until you spot a hole with a beam of light shining through it. Drop down and enter the door leading to the Ruined Chapel.
- Use Silk Soar Inside the Chapel
- Inside the chapel, move to the far right until you reach a lore marker. Stand beneath the ceiling gap and perform Silk Soar (hold jump + harpoon button—S on PC, L2 on PlayStation, LT on Xbox, L on Switch). This launches Hornet into the hidden passage above.
- Break the Barriers
- Continue moving right, destroying the three breakable walls with slash attacks along the way.
- Find the Destroyed Statue
- Eventually, you’ll reach a room with a destroyed statue. Stand in front of it and hold down to claim the crest. To complete the process, tap the Bind button a few times.
- Collect the Shaman Crest
- The crest is now yours! Initially, it comes with three white slots, but you can expand its potential with Memory Lockets and additional crests.
Best Builds with the Shaman Crest
The Shaman Crest excels when paired with Silk Skills and supportive tools. Here are some strong synergies:
- Volt Filament – Adds electric damage to Silk Skills, making your ranged pressure deadly.
- Weavelight – Increases Silk regeneration, letting you spam powerful Silk Skills without running dry.
- Thread Storm & Cross Stitch – Crest-buffed Silk Skills that maximize the Shaman Crest’s rune empowerment.
This makes the crest perfect for defensive mid-range playstyles, allowing you to chip away at enemies safely while maintaining Silk control.
Quick Tips
- Wait Until Act 3 – The Shaman Crest is strictly a late-game item. Make sure you have Silk Soar unlocked before attempting the Ruined Chapel route.
- Prepare Memory Lockets – Carry Memory Lockets with you so you can unlock the additional blue slots immediately after acquiring the crest.
- Master the Blade Waves – The Shaman Crest slows your swing speed but extends your reach. Take time to practice spacing and timing to make full use of its ranged pressure
Want more help with tough encounters? Browse our Silksong walkthrough collection.
