Nail Upgrades: Unleash Your True Potential in Hollow Knight

Prepare yourself, intrepid Hollow Knight, for a comprehensive exploration into the realm of nail upgrades. With each upgrade, you'll unlock new heights of power and finesse, allowing you to overcome the formidable challenges that lie before you in the treacherous kingdom of Hallownest.

The Path to Nail Ascension

The nail, a humble but essential tool at the outset of your journey, holds immense potential for transformation. Through the acquisition of Pale Ore, a rare and precious resource, you can empower your nail, unlocking new abilities and granting you unparalleled combat prowess.

Pale Ore Locations

Nail Upgrade Progression

With each Pale Ore you possess, you can visit the Nailmaster Sheo in the City of Tears to enhance your nail's capabilities. The upgrades progress sequentially, offering distinct advantages for each step you take:

1. Sharpened Nail

• Cost: 1 Pale Ore
• Increases nail damage by 15%
• Unlocks the ability to pogo on enemies

2. Longnail

• Cost: 1 Pale Ore
• Extends nail reach by 25%
• Allows you to strike enemies from a safer distance

3. Mark of Pride

• Cost: 2 Pale Ore
• Further extends nail reach by 25%
• Enables you to engage enemies from an even greater range

4. Quick Slash

• Cost: 2 Pale Ore
• Increases nail attack speed by 25%
• Unleashes a flurry of strikes, overwhelming foes with your agility

5. Heavy Blow

• Cost: 3 Pale Ore
• Significantly increases nail damage by 50%
• Devastating blows that shatter enemy defenses

Nail Charms: Enhancing Your Arsenal

In addition to the core nail upgrades, you can also equip nail charms to further customize your combat style. These charms can grant you a wide range of abilities, from increased critical hit chance to improved healing properties.

Recommended Nail Charms for Nail Upgrade Progression:

• Fury of the Fallen (Increases attack speed after taking damage)
• Strength (Enhances nail damage)
• Quick Focus (Reduces the time required for healing charms to activate)

Tips and Tricks for Nail Proficiency

• Master the Pogo: Utilize the Sharpened Nail's pogo ability to bounce on enemies, dealing damage and gaining height.
• Chain Attacks: Employ the Quick Slash's increased attack speed to execute a rapid series of attacks, overwhelming opponents with your agility.
• Charge Attacks: Hold down the attack button to charge up a Heavy Blow, unleashing a devastating strike that can break through enemy defenses.
• Utilize Nail Charms: Experiment with different nail charms to find a combination that suits your playstyle and enhances your abilities.

Pros and Cons of Nail Upgrades

Pros:

• Increased damage output
• Enhanced range and reach
• Improved attack speed
• Greater versatility and customization

Cons:

• Can be expensive to obtain Pale Ore
• Nail charms require charm notches
• Upgrading requires visiting a specific NPC

FAQs

1. What is the maximum number of nail upgrades I can acquire?

• 5

2. Where can I find Nailmaster Sheo to upgrade my nail?

• City of Tears

3. Can I upgrade my nail more than once with each Pale Ore?

• No

4. Does the Mark of Pride charm stack with the Longnail upgrade?

• Yes

5. Which nail upgrade is the most effective for bosses?

• Heavy Blow

6. Can I use nail charms without upgrading my nail?

• Yes

7. What is the pain point that nail upgrades address?

• Limited damage output and range

8. What is the motivation for acquiring nail upgrades?

• Enhance combat effectiveness and overcome challenging enemies