Memory Locket is one of the most important upgrade items in Hollow Knight: Silksong, allowing you to unlock additional tool slots for your Crest equipment, significantly enhancing your character's combat and exploration abilities. As an experienced player, I'll share a complete knowledge system in this guide, from basic mechanics to advanced strategies.

Core Mechanics of the Memory Locket System

What is a Memory Locket?

A Memory Locket is a permanent consumable item that, when used, unlocks an additional tool slot for a selected Crest. The core aspects of this mechanic are:

Irreversibility: Once used, the Memory Locket permanently disappears
Selective Effect: Only affects the single Crest you specify
Cumulative Effect: The same Crest can be expanded with multiple Memory Lockets

Relationship Between Memory Lockets and Game Progression

In Silksong's design, the timing of Memory Locket acquisition is closely tied to game progression:

Early Stage (Bone-Bottom area): Obtain the first Memory Locket, establish basic configuration
Mid-game Exploration (Far Fields, Greymoor): Expand core Crest capabilities
Late-game Optimization: Fine-tune for specific challenges or speedrunning needs

Complete Acquisition Route and Priorities

High-Priority Memory Lockets

1. Bone-Bottom Memory Locket

Location: Bone-Bottom village quest board
Acquisition Timing: Early game, typically the first Memory Locket obtained
Recommended Use: Expand slots for main Attack Crest
Practical Value: ★★★★★

Acquisition Steps:

Reach the Bone-Bottom village area
Find the quest board in the village center
Interact with the quest board to obtain the Memory Locket
Immediately consider usage strategy (see below)

2. Far Fields Memory Locket

Location: Hidden chest in the Far Fields area
Acquisition Timing: Mid-game exploration phase
Recommended Use: Expand Defense or Movement Crest
Practical Value: ★★★★☆

3. Greymoor Memory Locket

Location: Special NPC reward in Greymoor area
Acquisition Timing: After completing a specific quest chain
Recommended Use: Specialized configuration for late-game challenges
Practical Value: ★★★★☆

Optimal Acquisition Route

Based on my multiple playthroughs, I recommend the following route:

Bone-Bottom → Far Fields → Greymoor → Other hidden locations

This order ensures you gain appropriate ability enhancements at each stage of the game.

Usage Strategies and Timing Choices

Early-Game Strategy (1st-2nd Memory Locket)

Core Principle: Prioritize strengthening your main playstyle

Attack-oriented Players: Prioritize expanding Attack Crest, increase damage output tools
Defense-oriented Players: Expand Defense Crest, enhance survival ability
Exploration-oriented Players: Expand Movement Crest, gain more exploration options

Practical Advice:

Don't rush to use your first Memory Locket
Experience the basic effects of different Crests first
Make decisions after determining your main playstyle

Mid-Game Optimization Strategy (3rd-4th Memory Locket)

The focus at this stage is balanced development:

Strengthen Weaknesses: If you focused on attack early, now consider defense
Address Challenges: Adjust configuration based on specific difficulties encountered
Experiment with New Combinations: Try synergistic effects between different Crests

Late-Game Refinement Strategy (5th+ Memory Locket)

Specialized Configurations: Create dedicated setups for specific bosses or areas
Speedrun Optimization: Focus on movement and efficiency if pursuing speedruns
Challenge Mode: Create extreme configurations for high-difficulty challenges

Practical Crest Configuration Examples

Configuration One: Balanced Development

Applicable Scenario: First playthrough, seeking stable experience

Attack Crest: +2 tool slots (using 1 Memory Locket)
Defense Crest: +2 tool slots (using 1 Memory Locket)
Movement Crest: +1 tool slot (using 1 Memory Locket)

Advantages: Well-rounded development, high adaptability
Disadvantages: No particularly outstanding abilities

Configuration Two: Attack Specialization

Applicable Scenario: Skilled players, pursuing high damage output

Attack Crest: +4 tool slots (using 2 Memory Lockets)
Movement Crest: +2 tool slots (using 1 Memory Locket)
Defense Crest: Basic configuration

Advantages: Extremely high damage output, quick enemy clearing
Disadvantages: Relatively weaker survival ability

Configuration Three: Speedrun Specialized

Applicable Scenario: Speedrun challenges, pursuing shortest completion time

Movement Crest: +4 tool slots (using 2 Memory Lockets)
Attack Crest: +2 tool slots (using 1 Memory Locket)
Defense Crest: Basic configuration

Advantages: Extremely high movement efficiency, skip most battles
Disadvantages: Relatively difficult when combat is necessary

Advanced Tips and Considerations

Common Misconceptions About Memory Locket Usage

Using Too Early: Using before fully understanding all Crests
Equal Distribution: Believing each Crest should have the same number of expanded slots
Ignoring Synergy: Not considering synergistic effects between different Crest tools
Fixed Mindset: Believing one configuration works for all situations

Advanced Player Combat Techniques

Dynamic Configuration Adjustment

Although Memory Locket usage is permanent, you can achieve "dynamic configuration" through:

Tool Replacement: Replace different tools within the same Crest
Crest Switching: Switch active Crest combinations in different scenarios
Reserved Slots: Reserve unused tool slots for specific challenges

Resource Management Strategy

Memory Locket Storage: Don't immediately use all Memory Lockets
Experimentation Cost: Reserve 1-2 Memory Lockets for experimenting with new configurations
Late-game Adjustments: Maintain adjustment flexibility for special late-game needs

Special Situations and Response Plans

Boss-Specific Configurations

Some bosses may require special Crest configurations:

High-Mobility Bosses: Enhance Movement Crest
High-Damage Bosses: Enhance Defense Crest
Group Bosses: Enhance area-of-effect attack tools

Exploration Challenge Responses

High-Difficulty Platform Jumping: Movement Crest priority
Hidden Area Exploration: Balance movement and attack abilities
Resource-Scarce Areas: Defense and recovery abilities priority

Summary and Recommendations

The Memory Locket system is one of the most strategically deep mechanics in Silksong. The keys to success are:

Full Understanding: Thoroughly understand all options before using
Progressive Optimization: Gradually adjust strategy according to game progression
Maintain Flexibility: Prepare different configurations for different challenges
Practical Verification: Verify theoretical configurations through practical combat

Remember, there is no absolutely perfect configuration, only the one that best suits your current needs. Through continuous practice and adjustment, you will find your own optimal strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which Crest should I use my first Memory Locket on?
A: It's recommended to experience the game for 1-2 hours and determine your main playstyle before deciding. Attack-oriented players should prioritize the Attack Crest, while exploration-oriented players should prioritize the Movement Crest.

Q: Can Memory Locket usage be undone?
A: No. Memory Locket usage is permanent, which is why careful consideration is necessary.

Q: Can multiple Memory Lockets be used on the same Crest?
A: Yes. Theoretically, a single Crest can use multiple Memory Lockets to unlock more tool slots, but you need to weigh the benefits against the costs.

Q: What if I'm not satisfied with my configuration?
A: Although Memory Locket usage cannot be undone, you can adjust your configuration by replacing tools within Crests, or make compensatory adjustments when you obtain more Memory Lockets later.

This guide is written based on personal gaming experience and community feedback, and will be continuously updated according to game updates and new discoveries. If you have questions or suggestions, feel free to share in the comments section.

Memory Locket Advanced Strategy Guide: Mastering Complex Combinations in Silksong

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