Hollow Knight: Silksong finally launched, and if you’ve been swinging at flies only to find it takes seventeen hits to drop one, you’re not alone.
Early-game Hornet starts off feeling a bit underpowered, with damage output painfully low. But do not worry, there is a quick fix to change that. As soon as you progress through the story and reach key early milestones, you unlock a free upgrade for your Needle, Hornet’s signature weapon.
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Follow this guide to get your Needle upgraded as early as possible so you can start slicing through enemies instead of whittling them down.
How to upgrade your Nail in Silksong
After you defeat the Widow boss, an NPC named Pinmaster Plinney gives your Needle a free damage boost.
Step 1: Keep going until you reach Shellwood and unlock wall jumping
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Follow the main path through Shellwood until Hornet learns the wall jump (Cling Grip). This ability, like the Dash, is essential since it lets you return to Bellhart, a previously inaccessible region.
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Step 2: Head back to Bellhart and defeat the Widow boss
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Once you have wall jump, return to Bellhart via the upper right from Shellwood.
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Watch for tricky vertical areas and spike traps, cling to walls when descending and dodge fluffy enemies by timing your slides carefully.
Eventually, you will reach and battle the Widow boss in the depth of Bellhart. Defeat her to free Bellhart.
Step 3: Return and find Pinmaster Plinney
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After the Widow fight, make sure you rest at the bench near the boss room.
Take the path right and ride the lift down. You will be back in Bellhart, now free and populated again. The NPC you need, Pinmaster Plinney, waits in the bellhouse marked by a needle sign above the door.
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Talking to Plinney triggers a short cutscene. Your Needle is upgraded with no items needed. It is called the Sharpened Needle and grants a noticeable damage boost.
Now you show those bugs who’s boss. As long as Steam doesn’t break again, you should be able to enjoy the full game alongside all other half a million players.
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