If you’ve been playing Hollow Knight: Silksong for a while, you already know this game doesn’t give anything to you easily. It takes everything the first version did right and ups the ante, especially with the Tool and Crest system. Unlike the old Charm Notches from Hollow Knight, this new setup feels more tactical and flexible. Your crests are the backbone of your combat style, while your tools give you the unique advantages you need for exploration and survival. The real challenge is figuring out how to unlock more tool slots and upgrade crests without wasting your precious Memory Lockets. Here’s a full Hollow Knight Silksong guide to help you make smarter upgrades and build a setup that actually works for you.

Unlocking Your First Tool Slot

Getting more tool slots in Hollow Knight Silksong starts with finding Memory Lockets. They’re the new version of Charm Notches, scattered all across Pharloom. They’re hidden in hidden corners, earned from side quests, or occasionally sold by merchants. Once you find one, rest at a bench, open your crest menu, and you’ll see small glowing dots next to your crest circles. That’s where the new tool slots are waiting to be unlocked. Just inspect the dot, and you’ll use up a Memory Locket to add one more slot. But don't be in a haste to unlock every dot you see. Each slot has a color code that shows its different uses in-game:

• Red = offensive tools (for attack buffs and weapons)
• Blue = defensive tools (shields, silk recovery, etc.)
• Yellow = exploration tools (movement and traversal boosts) Choosing which slot to unlock first depends on your playstyle. If you’re more aggressive, go red. If you prefer surviving longer, start with blue.

How to Upgrade Crests in Silksong

Every Hollow Knight Silksong crest you unlock gives Hornet a different combat feel. Some make her faster and more agile, others give her better silk recovery or more powerful strikes. However, upgrades don’t carry across crests. This means if you pour all your Memory Lockets into one upgrade crest, and later switch to another, those tool slots won’t follow. That’s why you should hold off on upgrading until you’ve tested multiple crests and found the one that fits your rhythm. When you’re ready to upgrade, head to a bench again. Use your collected Memory Lockets to expand your preferred crest’s tool slots. Each upgrade makes room for more Silksong tools, giving you a stronger and more balanced build.

Switching Between Crests

After a few hours of gameplay, you’ll unlock more crests, usually after big cutscenes where Hornet absorbs a new fighting style. When that happens, the game automatically switches your Silksong crest, and all your tools unequip until you sit at a bench again. To swap back, go to the crest menu and use the button prompt in the bottom-left corner. This lets you move between crests easily. But remember, each crest’s unlocked tool slots stay independent. A smart player keeps one main crest upgraded for battle, and another for exploration or boss runs. That way, you can adapt to any challenge Pharloom throws your way.

Mastering the Sharpdart Tool

Among the best tools in Hollow Knight Silksong, the Sharpdart tool stands out as a favorite for players who love fast, high-risk gameplay. It’s a weapon-focused tool that rewards aggression. Every successful hit restores silk faster, letting you heal or chain attacks more often. Sharpdart tool changes the entire pace of combat. Instead of waiting around for openings, you’re encouraged to stay close, keep attacking, and maintain pressure on enemies. It’s perfect for players who’d rather dominate the fight than dodge endlessly. If you’ve been wondering which early game Silksong tool gives you a solid advantage, Sharpdart is absolutely worth unlocking.

The Secret Advantage of Silkspeed Anklets

The Silkspeed Anklets are another tool that can make a difference in your gameplay. They might sound simple, but this tool adds a noticeable boost to Hornet’s movement speed, and in Hollow Knight Silksong, every second counts. Silkspeed Anklets make everything feel smoother. They also pair perfectly with tools like Sharpdart, letting you stay mobile and offensive at the same time. It’s the kind of upgrade that makes combat feel fluid and exploration faster.

Play Hollow Knight Silksong Seamlessly with ScalaCube

If you’re planning to play Hollow Knight: Silksong online or set up a shared world with friends, ScalaCube is easily one of the best hosting platforms to go for. Their servers are fast, simple to use, and designed to handle games like Silksong without lag or crashes. ScalaCube gives you full control over your server and takes care of all updates behind the scenes. ScalaCube should be your go-to option if you want your Hollow Knight Silksong experience to stay smooth and uninterrupted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The Hollow Knight Silksong crest and tool system is one of the most strategic parts of the game. It rewards players who take time to explore, plan, and experiment. Every Memory Locket you use shapes your Hornet stronger, faster, or more resilient. So, before you spend your Lockets, take your time. Try out different upgrade crests, figure out your favorite combo of tools, and build a style that feels natural to you. That’s what makes Hollow Knight Silksong special.