In Hollow Knight: Silksong, Hornet’s Needle is the main weapon, much like the Nail before. Enemies in this game are tougher and fights feels more demanding, so getting the Needle upgraded is kind of necessary if you want the damage to keep up and make battles more easier.
Unlocking Bellhart and Finding the Needlesmith
Image via: Team Cherry
To start the upgrades, you must first reach Bellhart. This area is unlocked only after moving through Shellwood and defeating the boss called Widow. Once Widow is defeated, Bellhart become free and open to explore, with some NPCs and services that is useful.
In the town, look for the bellhouse with three pins on top of the door. Inside is Pinmaster Plinney, the character who deals with Needle upgrades.
First Upgrade: Sharpened Needle
Image via: Team Cherry
When you talk to Plinney after Bellhart is open, he will ask if you want to “Sharpen Needle?”. Choosing yes will give you the first upgrade, called Sharpened Needle. This one is free and permanent, and it raise the basic damage of Hornet’s weapon. Some skills tied to the Needle, like Silkspear, also become stronger.
Second Upgrade: Pinmaster’s Oil Quest
After you already done with first upgrade, going back to Plinney again will start a quest called “Pinmaster’s Oil.” For this, you must find a special material called Pale Oil. Bringing this item back allow Plinney to upgrade the Needle a second time, making attacks deal more damage.
Locating Pale Oil
Image via: Team Cherry
Pale Oil is not common and only found later inside the Citadel areas. So far, two known locations are:
- Whispering Vaults: Here, Pale Oil is hidden behind a puzzle with moving boxes.
- Choral Chambers (Dining Room): Another piece is locked behind a gate that needs Wish system to open.
Finding Pale Oil need exploration, puzzle solving, and progress deeper in the game.
Summary of Needle Upgrade Path
| Step | Requirement | Result |
| 1 | Beat Widow and open Bellhart | Access to upgrades |
| 2 | Talk to Plinney in bellhouse | Free Sharpened Needle |
| 3 | Return later for “Pinmaster’s Oil” | Start quest for second upgrade |
| 4 | Find Pale Oil in Citadel areas | Second Needle upgrade unlocked |
Upgrading the Needle is very important for surviving the fights in Silksong. The first upgrade is simple and happen after Bellhart is free, but the second ask more effort since Pale Oil is hidden in late places. Both upgrades together make Hornet’s combat more smooth, reduce time on enemies, and are needed for progress.
