When it comes to Hollow Knight: Silksong, one of the most exciting mechanics players anticipate is the ability to upgrade the Needle—Hornet’s primary weapon. Just as the Nail was central to the combat system in the original Hollow Knight, the Needle is the backbone of Hornet’s fighting style in Silksong.
Upgrading the Needle is more than just a power boost. It transforms your gameplay experience—making enemies easier to manage, bosses more approachable, and exploration smoother. In this in-depth guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to upgrade the Needle in Hollow Knight: Silksong, from unlocking the first enhancement to completing advanced upgrades later in the game.
Why Upgrading the Needle Matters
Before we dive into the process, it’s worth understanding why the Needle upgrade is such a critical part of your journey in Silksong.
- Increased Damage Output – Each upgrade significantly boosts Hornet’s attack power, making both common enemies and bosses much quicker to dispatch.
- Shorter Battles – A fight that once required five precise strikes might drop to just two or three with a sharpened Needle. This reduces risk and conserves your focus during combat.
- Enhanced Abilities – Needle-based skills, such as Silkspear, scale with upgrades. That means your entire combat toolkit grows stronger alongside your weapon.
- Progression Flow – A stronger Needle speeds up exploration. Less time struggling against enemies means more time discovering secrets, charms, and lore.
Think of the Needle as the lifeline of Hornet’s adventure. Strengthening it early ensures you stay ahead of the game’s increasingly tough challenges.
Where to Find the Needle Upgrade in Silksong
Unlike the original Hollow Knight, where the Nail upgrades were spread across the kingdom of Hallownest, Silksong introduces a new hub town called Bellhart. This town becomes the key to accessing your weapon upgrades.
Here’s the progression:
- Reach Bellhart: Accessible through the areas of Shellwood or Greymoor, depending on your chosen path.
- Defeat the Widow Boss: This guardian enemy blocks your entry. Only after taking her down can Bellhart be fully accessed.
- Locate the Needlesmith: In Bellhart, seek out Pinmaster Plinney, a craftsman devoted to Needle sharpening. His workshop is marked with a pin-shaped sign and usually positioned above the town’s central structures.
Only after Bellhart is liberated will Plinney offer his services to enhance Hornet’s weapon.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Sharpen Your Needle
Once you’ve reached Bellhart and defeated the Widow, here’s the detailed process to get your first upgrade:
- Defeat Widow in Shellwood – Progress through the area, learn the boss mechanics, and defeat her to lift the town’s curse.
- Enter Bellhart – Return to the town once the gates open. You’ll notice new NPCs, shops, and interactive spaces.
- Find Pinmaster Plinney’s Workshop – Look for the building with a pin-shaped sign. Plinney is the Needlesmith you’re searching for.
- Speak with Plinney – Initiate dialogue. He’ll offer to sharpen your Needle.
- Accept the Upgrade – By agreeing, you instantly receive a Sharpened Needle with increased base damage.
Congratulations! You’ve taken the first step toward mastering combat efficiency in Silksong.
Beyond the First Upgrade – Advanced Needle Enhancements
The first Needle sharpening is only the beginning. Silksong allows you to continue strengthening your weapon as you progress further into the game.
The Role of Pale Oil
After the first upgrade, Plinney introduces a questline requiring a rare resource known as Pale Oil. This item is scattered across later zones in the game and usually guarded by tough enemies or hidden in secret locations.
- What is Pale Oil?
A rare substance that enhances the strength of the Needle beyond basic sharpening. - Where to Find It?
Pale Oil is often hidden in dangerous areas or awarded after defeating mini-bosses. Exploration and patience are key. - How It Works
Once you obtain Pale Oil, return to Plinney in Bellhart. He’ll use it to refine your Needle further, granting even higher damage and boosting needle-based skills.
Multiple Upgrades Over Time
Unlike the single-tier boost in the early stages, later Needle upgrades may require more than one Pale Oil or additional resources. Each step feels like a major milestone, rewarding persistence and exploration.
Tips to Progress Smoothly Toward Needle Upgrades
Upgrading the Needle isn’t just about talking to Plinney—it’s about ensuring you’re prepared at every stage of the journey. Here are some tips:
- Explore Thoroughly – After defeating the Widow, scour Bellhart and surrounding areas. NPCs and items often appear only after the town is unlocked.
- Stock Up on Resources – Gather currency and collectibles while exploring. Even if the first upgrade is free, later enhancements may cost in-game currency.
- Search for Pale Oil Early – Keep an eye out for hidden paths and tougher enemies. Pale Oil is rare, and finding it early will speed up your Needle’s progression.
- Combine with Ability Upgrades – Don’t rely solely on Needle strength. Pair it with Hornet’s mobility tools, such as dashes, wall-climbs, and new abilities, for maximum effectiveness.
- Prepare for Boss Fights – Upgrading your Needle makes boss encounters easier, but don’t neglect patterns, timing, and defensive strategies.
Needle Upgrades vs. Nail Upgrades in Hollow Knight
Fans of the original Hollow Knight might be curious: how does the Needle upgrade system in Silksong compare to the Nail upgrades in the first game?
- Lore Connection: The Nail represented the Knight’s silent journey, while the Needle fits Hornet’s identity as a swift protector and princess.
- Upgrade Locations: In Hollow Knight, Nailmasters and Smiths were spread across Hallownest. In Silksong, the upgrades are centralized around Bellhart with Plinney.
- Resource Requirements: Nail upgrades required Pale Ore and Geo. Needle upgrades revolve around Pale Oil and possibly other unique resources.
- Gameplay Feel: Both systems focus on weapon damage, but Hornet’s Needle upgrades tie more closely with her mobility and skill-based toolkit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many times can you upgrade the Needle in Silksong?
While exact numbers are still being uncovered, expect at least two to three significant upgrades: the first basic sharpening and further enhancements requiring Pale Oil.
2. Is Pale Oil hard to find?
Yes. It’s considered a rare resource, usually hidden deep in later areas or rewarded after defeating difficult enemies.
3. Can you skip the first Needle upgrade?
No. The sharpening from Plinney is part of the main progression, ensuring Hornet has enough power to handle mid-game challenges.
4. Does Needle upgrading affect special skills?
Yes. Abilities like Silkspear scale with Needle upgrades, making them hit harder alongside your standard attacks.
5. Do you need currency for upgrades?
The first sharpening is free. Later upgrades may require Pale Oil combined with in-game currency or additional tasks.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading the Needle in Hollow Knight: Silksong is one of the most satisfying milestones in the game. It’s not just about dealing more damage—it’s about shaping Hornet’s growth, allowing players to tackle tougher enemies, explore deeper regions, and experience the full depth of Team Cherry’s beautifully crafted world.
The process begins with defeating the Widow boss and unlocking Bellhart, where you’ll meet Pinmaster Plinney. From there, you’ll receive your first sharpening, and the journey continues with quests for Pale Oil and further enhancements.
Whether you’re a veteran Hollow Knight player or new to the series, remember: a sharpened Needle is more than a weapon. It’s your key to mastering Silksong’s challenges and carving your path through its hauntingly beautiful landscapes.
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