The Architect Key Location & Unlocking the Architect Crest

Learn how to get the Architect Key and unlock the Architect Crest in Hollow Knight: Silksong. Find out the requirements and where to use the key.

Alright, so you're looking to snag the Architect Crest, huh? It's a pretty neat one, especially if you're all about keeping your offensive tools topped up without needing to hit a bench. To get your hands on it, you'll first need the Architect Key. Let's break down how to get that.

Getting the Architect Key:

1. First things first, you'll need to talk to the NPC known as the Architect Trader.
2. Before you can even think about buying the Architect Key, you need to have enough 'Tools' in your inventory. The requirements are a bit specific: you'll need either 12 offensive tool kits or a total of 25 toolkits.
3. Finding these toolkits can be a bit of a scavenger hunt. Some of the easiest places to get them are from the 'Simple Key' rooms. There are four of these rooms scattered throughout the world. Two of them, located in the Deep Docks and the Wyrmway areas, are known to reward you with Toolkits.
4. Don't forget about the traders! You can find them in Bone Bottom, Far Field, Songhaven, and the Forge Daughter. The 12th Architect also sells them if you've got spare craftmetal lying around. Oh, and the Architect also sells a Crafting Kit, which is definitely worth picking up if you have enough Rosaries.
5. Beyond those specific locations, you'll also need to do some good old-fashioned exploring to find item pickups. If you're struggling to keep track, there's an interactive map available where you can filter by 'Tools' to make finding them easier. It's a good idea to double-check what you already have in your inventory before hitting the map.
6. Once you've gathered the required amount of toolkits, you can finally purchase the Architect Key. It'll set you back 110 Rosaries.

Unlocking the Architect's Crest:

1. With the Architect Key in hand, your next step is to find the vault door. This door is located near the Architect Trader, specifically in the far left of the room, just as you exit the architect’s house.
2. Simply use the Architect Key on this ornate door.
3. Once it opens, head inside. Unlike some other Crests, like the Reaper Crest or Wanderer Crest, you won't face any challenges here. You'll simply receive the Architect Crest.

What the Architect's Crest Does:

• The main perk of the Architect's Crest is its ability to let you use Silk to restore ammunition for your offensive tools without needing to rest at a bench. This is a huge quality-of-life improvement, especially during tough boss fights where you're constantly using your tools.
• You also gain a unique spinning, drill attack. This is quite different from the pogo-style attack of the Wanderer's Crest or the sickle slash of the Reaper's Crest.
• If you find yourself relying heavily on your offensive tools to get through difficult boss encounters and you're good at generating Silk, then this Crest is definitely worth considering.