Where to Find the Nailsmith and Fully Upgrade Your Weapon in Hollow Knight

Surviving the treacherous depths of Hallownest requires more than just platforming skill; it demands raw power. The Nail, the Knight’s primary weapon, starts as a rusted "Old Nail" with a meager damage output of 5. To stand a chance against late-game bosses like the Watcher Knights or the Radiance, finding the Nailsmith is an absolute priority.

The Nailsmith is located in the southwestern corner of the City of Tears. His hut sits isolated at the end of a long, rain-slicked walkway, accessible shortly after entering the city for the first time. Upgrading the weapon requires significant amounts of Geo and a rare mineral known as Pale Ore.

Navigating the Rain to Reach the Nailsmith’s Hut

Reaching the Nailsmith is a rite of passage for every traveler in Hallownest. The journey typically begins after defeating the False Knight in the Forgotten Crossroads and obtaining the City Crest.

Entering the City of Tears

To access the Nailsmith, players must first enter the City of Tears through the main gate. Insert the City Crest into the statue in the Fungal Wastes to open the massive stone doors. Once inside, the atmosphere shifts dramatically—constant rain pours from the ceiling (which is actually the bottom of the Blue Lake), and the music swells into a melancholic orchestral piece.

Follow the path to the right, descending through the platforms until reaching the first bench where Quirrel is resting. This location provides a panoramic view of the capital. From here, continue heading down and to the left. The city is vertical in design, but the Nailsmith is situated on the lower levels.

The Path to the Outskirts

Unlike the regal towers of the Soul Sanctum located to the east, the Nailsmith’s workshop is located in the western industrial fringes. Descend to the very bottom of the western section, past the Relic Seeker Lemm’s shop. Continue heading left, staying on the ground level. You will eventually leave the ornate buildings and enter a more rugged, cavernous area.

The Nailsmith’s hut is marked by the sound of rhythmic hammering against metal. If the sound of clinking steel grows louder, you are heading in the right direction. The hut is situated just before the transition into the Fungal Wastes, though a physical barrier prevents entry from that side initially.

Understanding the Nail Upgrade Path and Costs

Upgrading the Nail is a linear process. Each tier increases the weapon's base damage, significantly reducing the number of hits required to kill standard enemies. While the first upgrade only requires currency, subsequent tiers demand the rarest resource in the game: Pale Ore.

The jump from 5 to 21 damage is a 320% increase in power. In practical combat scenarios, a Pure Nail allows the Knight to one-shot common enemies like vengeflies and small jellyfish, which makes exploration much faster and safer.

Complete Map of All Six Pale Ore Locations

Finding all six pieces of Pale Ore is one of the most significant challenges in Hollow Knight. These ores are hidden behind difficult platforming sections, elite bosses, and collection milestones.

Ancient Basin: The Abyss Entrance

The most accessible Pale Ore for mid-game players is found in the Ancient Basin. To reach this area, descend through the long shaft below the City of Tears or take the tram from Deepnest.

Once in the Basin, head west from the tram station. You will encounter two Lesser Mawleks guarding a ledge. The Pale Ore is found on a corpse at the end of this path. While the platforming here is minimal, the Lesser Mawleks can deal significant damage to unprepared players, so using the Longnail charm is recommended to keep your distance.

Crystal Peak: Reaching Hallownest’s Crown

At the very top of Crystal Peak lies Hallownest’s Crown, a desolate area overlooking the entire kingdom. This Pale Ore requires the Monarch Wings (double jump) and the Mantis Claw (wall jump).

Players must climb to the highest point of the peaks, navigating through rooms filled with laser-shooting Crystal Guardians and crushing pistons. At the apex, to the left of the massive statue of the Radiance, the Pale Ore sits waiting. The view here is one of the most iconic in the game, but the thin air and dangerous heights make it a stressful climb.

Deepnest: Defeating the Imposter

Deepnest is a nightmare of tight corridors and skittering sounds. Hidden behind a breakable wall near the Hot Springs is a secret boss named Nosk.

To find this ore, go to the room to the left of the Hot Springs. You will see a shadow version of the Knight running away. Follow this "imposter" through a series of hidden tunnels. Eventually, you will be locked in an arena where the shadow transforms into Nosk, a multi-legged horror. Upon defeating Nosk, continue into the back of his lair to find the Pale Ore among the remains of his previous victims.

The Colosseum of Fools: Trial of the Conqueror

For players who prefer combat over exploration, the Colosseum of Fools in Kingdom's Edge offers a Pale Ore as a reward. However, it is not given easily.

You must first complete the Trial of the Warrior. Once that is done, pay the entry fee for the Trial of the Conqueror. This trial consists of 17 waves of increasingly difficult enemies, including aerial combat sections where the floor is covered in spikes. Victory grants the "Conquered" achievement and the fourth piece of Pale Ore.

Seer’s Reward: Collecting Essence

The Seer, located in the Resting Grounds, acts as a guide for the Dream Nail. She rewards the Knight based on the amount of Essence collected from whispering roots and defeated Dream Warriors.

Upon reaching 300 Essence, return to the Seer. She will grant you a piece of Pale Ore as a token of your progress in awakening the Dream Nail. This is often the easiest ore to obtain if you focus on defeating early-game Dream Warriors like Xero or Elder Hu.

Grubfather’s Gratitude: Rescuing the Lost

The final piece of Pale Ore is a reward for altruism. Throughout Hallownest, there are 46 Grubs trapped in glass jars. The Grubfather in the Forgotten Crossroads will reward the Knight for every few Grubs rescued.

Once you have returned 31 Grubs to their home, the Grubfather will throw a Pale Ore onto the ground as a gift. Using the Collector’s Map (found in the Tower of Love) is essential here, as it marks the location of all remaining Grubs on your in-game map.

The Difference Between Nail Upgrades and Nail Arts

A common point of confusion for new players is the distinction between the Nailsmith and the Nailmasters. While the Nailsmith in the City of Tears increases your base damage, the Nailmasters teach you special charged attacks known as Nail Arts.

• Nailmaster Oro: Located in the eastern edge of Kingdom's Edge. He teaches the Dash Slash for 800 Geo.
• Nailmaster Mato: Located in the Howling Cliffs. He teaches the Cyclone Slash for free (out of brotherly love).
• Nailmaster Sheo: Located in a hidden hut in Greenpath. He teaches the Great Slash.

While Nail Arts do not require Pale Ore, their damage is directly tied to your Nail's current upgrade level. A Great Slash performed with a Pure Nail deals massive burst damage, capable of ending boss phases in seconds. Therefore, you should always visit the Nailsmith before attempting to master these arts.

Critical Decisions Regarding the Nailsmith’s Fate

After you provide the final three Pale Ores and 4,000 Geo, the Nailsmith creates the Pure Nail. This is his magnum opus, the perfect weapon he has spent his entire life trying to craft.

Once the work is done, he steps outside his hut and realizes he has no purpose left. He asks the Knight to kill him with the Pure Nail so he can die at the height of his achievement. This presents the player with a choice that affects the game's ending world state:

1. Grant his request: If you strike him with the Nail, his body falls into the waters of the City of Tears. You earn the "Purity" achievement.
2. Spare him: If you walk away and leave the area, he eventually finds a new purpose. He travels to Greenpath and moves in with Nailmaster Sheo. If you visit them later, you will find the two of them bonding over art and sculpture. This unlocks the "Happy Couple" achievement.

From a gameplay perspective, sparing him is often considered the better outcome, as it adds a rare moment of happiness to the bleak world of Hallownest.

Strategies for Farming Geo for Upgrades

The cost of the final two upgrades (2,000 and 4,000 Geo) can be daunting. To reach these totals quickly, consider the following methods:

• Fragile Greed: Wearing the Greed charm (purchased from Leg Eater in Fungal Wastes) increases Geo drops by 20-60%. Be careful, as the charm breaks upon death.
• Relic Hunting: Collect Hallownest Seals, King’s Idols, and Arcane Eggs scattered throughout the map. Sell these to Relic Seeker Lemm in the City of Tears. He offers a fixed price that isn't lost if you die.
• Failed Tramway: The small spiders in the Failed Tramway (Deepnest) spawn in large numbers and are easy to kill, making them an excellent source of steady income.

Summary of the Nail Upgrade Journey

Upgrading the Nail is the single most effective way to increase your survival rate in Hallownest. The journey starts at the Nailsmith's hut in the City of Tears and concludes only after scouring the corners of the map for six Pale Ores. By prioritizing the first two upgrades (Sharpened and Channelled), you will find the mid-game bosses significantly more manageable. Remember to explore the Ancient Basin and Crystal Peak early, as those ores have the lowest combat requirements.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Nail Upgrades

Where is the Nailsmith on the map?

The Nailsmith is in the southwestern-most hut of the City of Tears. If you are standing at the City Crest entrance, head as far down and left as possible on the lower docks.

Can I upgrade my nail without Pale Ore?

Only the first upgrade (Sharpened Nail) can be done with Geo alone (250 Geo). Every upgrade after that requires at least one piece of Pale Ore.

What happens if I lose my Pale Ore by dying?

Pale Ore is a "key item" and stays in your inventory even if you die and lose your Geo. Once you pick it up, it is yours forever.

Is the Pure Nail necessary to beat the game?

No, it is possible to beat the game with the Old Nail, but it is extremely difficult. Most players find the Channelled or Coiled Nail sufficient for the main ending, while the Pure Nail is recommended for the Godmaster DLC and the Pantheon challenges.

Why won't the Nailsmith upgrade my nail?

Ensure you have the required amount of Geo and the correct number of Pale Ores in your inventory. Also, verify that you are talking to the Nailsmith in the City of Tears, not one of the Nailmasters in Greenpath or Kingdom's Edge.