If the player is bad at dealing with entities like Ambush and Halt, they can use the crucifix to banish them. The crucifix is connected with the Guiding Light, as when it's activated, the chains appear to be the same color as Guiding Light, along the cross turning blue before it disappears. This also applies even if the crucifix is failing to work, though the chains eventually glow red and break.

When the crucifix is used on an entity, Rush's far ambience can be heard faintly. [ citation needed]Alternatively, using it against Ambush or Halt is recommended, as they're arguably very difficult entities to survive. However, once one is skilled enough to avoid them, it is not worth it to use the crucifix anymore against them, unless the player is speedrunning.

Crucifixes in biblical stories are known for banishing demons or exorcising them, concluding that the entities are demons of some sort. This also supports that the Guiding Light is not present in The Rooms, as wielding the crucifix will give the player a message saying "Your crucifix feels lighter than normal..." and will not work against the entities that inhabit The Rooms. This adds that Guiding Light powers the item. Since the crucifix will not affect any entities inside The Rooms, it's recommended to use it before then. However, if the player is aiming to preserve the Shakelight or NVCS-3000, it's still a good idea to keep it, to reduce the risk of dying before reaching the rift.Using crucifix on Seek can be useful in 2023 April Fools Event or if the player runs in the wrong direction. Elevator • Jeff's Shop • The Courtyard • The Dining Room • The Electrical Room • The Grand Hallway • The Greenhouse • The Infirmary • The Library • The Reception The crucifix does not work on April Fools Exclusive Entities (Jeff The Killer, Banana Peel, Greed, Evil Key, Subspace Tripmine). There is reason to suspect that the crucifix's design is inspired by Phasmophobia's crucifix due to the similarity in their designs. Both have a similar use animation, with the crucifix burning/lighting up and then breaking. [ citation needed]

It is not recommended to use the crucifix on entities such as Dupe or Eyes as such entities are easy to avoid.

This message, when translated and ran through the Caesar cipher, reads "OneOfTheThreeArchitectsMarkedByCelestialsAssistsYou."

If a player attempts to use the crucifix in The Rooms, there will be a message saying "Your crucifix feels lighter than normal..." This is likely due to the strength of the entities; lore-wise, they are important and powerful antagonists, while game-wise they serve as the most extreme tests of the player's skills, and shouldn't be skipped.If the player is using safespots to hide from either Rush or Ambush, holding the crucifix out while being at the safespot can be a great way to ensure survival, as if in case either Rush or Ambush catches the player at the safespot, the crucifix will be used, saving any and all players hiding at that spot, and if the safespot worked, the crucifix will not activate, which can be saved for later. However, using the crucifix on Void will restrict it from dealing significant damage to the player. These are based on gameplay experiences and how the crucifix might be useful or not during some situations.