Upgrading your Nail in Hollow Knight is essential for maximizing your melee damage and effectively progressing through the game. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to upgrading your Nail, ensuring you have the necessary knowledge and resources to enhance your combat prowess.

Step 1: Locate the Nailsmith

Location:
The Nailsmith is found in the City of Tears. To reach this area, you must first defeat the False Knight located in the Forgotten Crossroads, which will grant you the City Crest.

Path to City of Tears:
1. Defeat the False Knight: Once defeated, the City Crest will be in your possession.
2. Explore the Fungal Wastes: Head to the Fungal Wastes and find the Mantis Claw in Mantis Village.
3. Utilize the Mantis Claw: This ability allows you to climb walls and reach the gate leading into the City of Tears.
4. Unlock the Gate: Use the City Crest to open the gate and enter the City of Tears.

Finding the Nailsmith’s Hut:
– After entering the City of Tears, take the elevator down to the bottom levels.
– Move left until you find the Nailsmith’s hut, marked by the iconic anvil and tools.

Step 2: Upgrade the Nail

The Nail can be upgraded four times through the Nailsmith. Each upgrade will increase your melee damage, which is vital for facing tougher enemies and bosses. Here are the details for each upgrade:

Nail Upgrades:
1. Sharpened Nail:
– Damage Increase: From 5 to 9.
– Cost: 250 Geo.
– Pale Ore Required: None.

2. Channeled Nail:
– Damage Increase: From 9 to 13.
– Cost: 800 Geo and 1 Pale Ore.

3. Coiled Nail:
– Damage Increase: From 13 to 17.
– Cost: 2,000 Geo and 2 Pale Ore.

4. Pure Nail:
– Damage Increase: From 17 to 21.
– Cost: 4,000 Geo and 3 Pale Ore.

Pale Ore Locations

Pale Ore is a valuable resource needed for most upgrades. It is hidden throughout Hallownest in various locations:

– Ancient Basin: Accessible by obtaining the Monarch Wings for higher jumps.
– Crystal Peak: Explore challenging areas to find this ore.
– Deep Nest: Look in the dark corners deep within this area.
– Forgotten Crossroads: Search in higher and harder-to-reach places.
– Kingdom’s Edge: Requires thorough exploration and some platforming skills.
– Resting Grounds: Found near significant landmarks, such as grave sites.

Additional Tips:

1. Nail Arts: In addition to upgrading your Nail, seek out Nailmasters who provide powerful charged attacks through Nail Arts, enhancing your combat abilities.

2. Charms: Equip Charms to further enhance your Nail’s damage output and your overall effectiveness in battle. Strategic Charm combinations can maximize your attack efficiency.

3. Exploration: To gather all required resources and discover upgrades, take your time to explore every corner of Hallownest. Engaging with various enemies and completing challenges will also yield valuable rewards.

By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to upgrading your Nail, boosting your damage, and advancing your adventure in Hollow Knight. Happy exploring!