How to Upgrade Nail in Hollow Knight Fast – (Step-by-Step)
Struggling to take down tougher enemies because your nail feels too weak? It can be really frustrating when you’re swinging away forever and still not getting the job done.
That’s why this guide on how to upgrade your nail in Hollow Knight is perfect for you! It shows you exactly where to go and what to do so you can hit harder, defeat bosses faster, and enjoy the game way more.
Ready to power up your nail and crush those fights? Let’s get started!
How to Upgrade the Nail in Hollow Knight?
Upgrading your Nail is the best way to make fights in Hollow Knight easier. You need to find the Nailsmith in the City of Tears, bring him Geo and Pale Ore, and he will upgrade your bladed weapon step by step. There are 4 upgrades in total, and each one increases damage so you can handle bosses, enemies, and NPCs faster.
TL;DR – Quick Upgrade Requirements
- Sharpened Nail: 250 Geo (no Pale Ore) → Damage: 9
- Channelled Nail: 800 Geo + 1 Pale Ore → Damage: 13
- Coiled Nail: 2,000 Geo + 2 Pale Ore → Damage: 17
- Pure Nail: 4,000 Geo + 3 Pale Ore → Damage: 21
Total Needed: 7 Pale Ore + 7,050 Geo
Step 1: Find the Nailsmith
Head to the City of Tears. From the elevator near the City’s center, go left and you’ll find the Nailsmith’s hut. Speak to him and he’ll offer to upgrade your Nail in exchange for Geo and Pale Ore.
Step 2: Collect Geo
You’ll need a total of 7,050 Geo for all upgrades. Farming options:
- Defeat tough enemies like those in the Colosseum 1.
- Clear out larger zones such as the Forgotten Crossroads or Fungal Wastes repeatedly.
- Selling essence-related items or finding hidden Geo caches can speed things up.
Step 3: Gather Pale Ore
There are 7 Pale Ore pieces in the game. You need all of them for the final upgrade.
Pale Ore Locations:
- Crystal Peak – Inside a chest at the very top of the area.
- Deepnest – Reward from defeating the Nosk boss.
- Ancient Basin – Found in the northwest section, west of the tram station.
- Hallownest’s Crown – At the very top of Crystal Peak (requires Crystal Heart to reach).
- Seer (Resting Grounds) – Reward after collecting 300 essence.
- Colosseum of Fools – Reward for finishing the second trial.
- Queen’s Gardens – Found in a hidden area near the Traitor Lord arena.
Upgrade Costs and Damage Table
| Upgrade Level | Cost | Damage |
| Old Nail | – | 5 |
| Sharpened Nail | 250 Geo | 9 |
| Channelled Nail | 800 Geo + 1 Pale Ore | 13 |
| Coiled Nail | 2,000 Geo + 2 Pale Ore | 17 |
| Pure Nail | 4,000 Geo + 3 Pale Ore | 21 |
Tips for Easier Fights
- The Fragile Strength or Unbreakable Strength charm pairs well with a stronger Nail.
- Learning Nail Arts from the Nailmasters adds powerful attacks for bosses.
- Items like shade soul, crystal heart, and descending dark make traversal and combat smoother while hunting down Pale Ore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Once your Pure Nail is ready, you’ll feel a huge difference—bosses fall quicker, fights are smoother, and the whole game feels more manageable. Gather your Geo, hunt down every Pale Ore, and enjoy striking through Hallownest with the strongest weapon.
