In Hollow Knight, one of the most important aspects of progressing through the game and overcoming tougher enemies is upgrading the Nail, your primary weapon. While spells and charms play a critical role in the game’s combat system, the Nail remains the foundation of your offensive abilities. Understanding how Nail upgrades work, where to find them, and what they require is key to mastering your journey through Hallownest. Each upgrade brings a notable improvement in damage, which significantly enhances your ability to take down enemies, bosses, and even speed up your exploration by reducing the number of hits needed per encounter.
The Importance of Nail Upgrades
Why You Should Upgrade Your Nail
Upgrading the Nail increases its damage output, making it easier to defeat enemies, especially in the later parts of the game. Some bosses that are challenging with the base Nail become more manageable after a few upgrades. Additionally, a stronger Nail allows for more efficient Geo farming, quicker exploration, and more room for creativity with charm builds that rely less on spellcasting and more on melee combat.
Here are some key benefits of Nail upgrades:
- Higher damage per hit, reducing time spent in combat.
- More efficient boss fights and quicker enemy encounters.
- Enables certain charm synergies, like Quick Slash or Fragile Strength.
- Essential for late-game content such as the Pantheon and Godmaster DLC.
Where to Upgrade the Nail
Meeting the Nailsmith
The NPC responsible for upgrading your Nail is the Nailsmith, who can be found in the City of Tears. To reach him, you’ll need to progress through the game until you have access to the City and locate his forge hidden on the outskirts of the City’s lower levels.
When you first meet the Nailsmith, he will offer to upgrade your Nail for a fee, provided you bring him enough Geo and the required material. Each upgrade increases your Nail’s damage and changes its name and appearance.
Location Details:
- Region: City of Tears
- Required Abilities: Mantis Claw and Desolate Dive (or descending platform access)
- Landmark: Just west of the City Storerooms Stag Station
Nail Upgrade Levels
1. Sharpened Nail
This is the first upgrade to your base Nail. It increases your damage slightly and is relatively affordable early in the game.
- Damage Increase: From 5 to 9
- Cost: 250 Geo
- Materials: None required
The Sharpened Nail gives you the first real taste of power, making the early game much easier. It’s worth obtaining as soon as you can afford it.
2. Channelled Nail
The second upgrade further increases your damage, opening the door to mid-game dominance and allowing faster clear times in tougher areas.
- Damage Increase: From 9 to 13
- Cost: 800 Geo
- Materials: 1 Pale Ore
You’ll need to start collecting Pale Ore at this point. They are found in hidden areas, given as rewards, or earned through challenges. The Channelled Nail starts to noticeably shift the pace of battles in your favor.
3. Coiled Nail
This upgrade boosts your damage even further and is highly recommended before entering more dangerous late-game zones like Deepnest or the Hive.
- Damage Increase: From 13 to 17
- Cost: 2000 Geo
- Materials: 2 Pale Ore
The Coiled Nail is a game-changer. Enemies that previously took several hits to defeat now fall more quickly, reducing risk and helping with resource management during exploration.
4. Pure Nail
The final and most powerful version of the Nail is the Pure Nail. It maximizes your melee potential and gives your weapon a polished, shining look. This upgrade is essential for endgame content, including the White Palace and the Pantheon challenges.
- Damage Increase: From 17 to 21
- Cost: 4000 Geo
- Materials: 3 Pale Ore
Once you acquire the Pure Nail, the Nailsmith’s story reaches its emotional conclusion. After upgrading, he will offer to destroy his own forge in despair, and you can choose whether to strike him down or let him live in peace. This moment is one of the most memorable moral choices in Hollow Knight.
Where to Find Pale Ore
Pale Ore is required for all Nail upgrades beyond the first. There are six total pieces available in the game, and they can be found in the following locations:
- Reward from the Seer: Give 300 Essence to the Seer in Resting Grounds.
- Deepnest Chest: Located in a secret room in the upper areas of Deepnest.
- Crystal Peak: Found in a challenging platforming section near the top of the Peak.
- Grubfather Reward: Rescue 31 grubs and return to the Grubfather in the Forgotten Crossroads.
- Colosseum of Fools: Complete the Trial of the Conqueror.
- Hallownest’s Crown: Located at the peak of Crystal Peak, requires advanced platforming skills.
Managing your Geo and Pale Ore efficiently is key to progressing through Hollow Knight at a steady pace. Prioritize exploring areas where Pale Ore is hidden and keep an eye out for secret paths or challenge rooms that might lead you to these valuable items.
Charm Synergies With Nail Upgrades
Recommended Charms for Melee Builds
Upgrading your Nail also opens up new build opportunities. Several charms synergize well with a powerful Nail, especially if you prefer an up-close and aggressive playstyle.
- Quick Slash: Increases your Nail’s swing speed dramatically, allowing you to land more hits faster.
- Strength Charms (Fragile/Unbreakable): Boosts Nail damage even further, especially effective when paired with a Pure Nail.
- Mark of Pride or Longnail: Increases your Nail’s range, giving you better reach and safety during fights.
- Shaman Stone (for hybrid builds): Use in combination with upgraded spells to balance melee and ranged combat.
Building around your upgraded Nail can make even the hardest bosses feel fairer and more approachable. Combining the Pure Nail with the right charms can turn you into a true Hollow Knight powerhouse.
Nail upgrades in Hollow Knight are essential for progression, combat efficiency, and unlocking the game’s full potential. With each enhancement from Sharpened Nail to Pure Nail, you gain more damage and access to deeper parts of the game’s vast world. Knowing where to find the required Geo and Pale Ore, understanding how the upgrades work, and optimizing your charm builds around them can significantly improve your experience. Whether you’re facing the Dream Bosses, exploring the White Palace, or taking on the Pantheon, a fully upgraded Nail is a vital tool in your arsenal. Master your weapon, and Hallownest will yield its secrets to you more readily.