Nail Upgrades in Hollow Knight: The Ultimate Guide to Sharpening Your Edge

Hollow Knight, the critically acclaimed Metroidvania from Team Cherry, offers a wide range of nail upgrades that can significantly enhance your combat prowess. These upgrades not only increase the damage and utility of your nail, but also unlock new abilities that allow you to progress through the game's challenging levels.

Nail Upgrade Types

There are six main types of nail upgrades in Hollow Knight:

• Sharp Shadow: Grants a dash attack that deals damage and passes through enemies.
• Longnail: Extends the range of your nail strike.
• Mark of Pride: Increases the nail's damage output.
• Sprintmaster: Allows you to charge a nail strike for increased damage and distance.
• Quick Slash: Increases the attack speed of your nail.
• Stalwart Shell: Reduces damage taken while charging a nail strike.

Obtaining Nail Upgrades

Nail upgrades can be obtained through various means, including:

• Exploring the world: Some upgrades are hidden throughout the game world, requiring you to explore secret areas and defeat challenging enemies.
• Purchasing from merchants: Certain upgrades can be purchased from merchants in specific locations.
• Completing quests: Some upgrades are rewarded for completing certain quests or tasks.
• Using charms: Equipping certain charms can provide temporary or permanent nail upgrades.

Impact of Nail Upgrades

Nail upgrades have a significant impact on gameplay:

• Increased damage: Enhanced damage output allows you to defeat enemies more quickly and efficiently.
• Improved utility: Abilities like Sharp Shadow and Longnail grant new ways to navigate the environment and defeat enemies.
• Enhanced combat abilities: Sprintmaster and Quick Slash significantly improve your combat capabilities.
• Increased survivability: Stalwart Shell reduces incoming damage, making you more resilient in combat.

Choosing the Right Upgrades

The best nail upgrades for you will depend on your playstyle and the challenges you face. Consider the following factors when choosing upgrades:

• Combat style: If you prefer fast-paced, aggressive combat, Quick Slash and Mark of Pride are excellent choices.
• Exploration: Longnail and Sharp Shadow are invaluable for exploring hidden areas and navigating challenging platforming sections.
• Survivability: Stalwart Shell is highly recommended for players who struggle with taking damage in combat.
• Charm synergies: Certain upgrades synergize well with specific charms, so consider your charm loadout when making upgrade choices.

Additional Nail Upgrade Tips

• Prioritize damage upgrades early on: Increased damage will make a significant difference in the early game, allowing you to defeat enemies more quickly.
• Explore the world thoroughly: Don't miss out on hidden nail upgrades that can significantly enhance your gameplay experience.
• Experiment with charm combinations: Try out different charm combinations to unlock new upgrade possibilities and customize your playstyle.
• Consider the cost of upgrades: Upgrades can be expensive, so prioritize those that will have the greatest impact on your gameplay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many nail upgrades are there in Hollow Knight?

A: There are six main types of nail upgrades, each with unique abilities and benefits.

Q: What is the best nail upgrade in Hollow Knight?

A: The best nail upgrade depends on your playstyle, but Sharp Shadow and Longnail are generally considered highly effective.

Q: How can I get the Dream Nail?

A: The Dream Nail is a special nail upgrade that can be obtained by completing the Trial of the Fool in the Colosseum of Fools.

Q: Can nail upgrades be upgraded further?

A: No, nail upgrades cannot be upgraded further beyond their initial level. However, some charms can provide temporary or permanent enhancements to your nail.

Conclusion

Nail upgrades are an essential aspect of Hollow Knight, offering a wide range of options to enhance your gameplay experience. By selecting the right upgrades, experimenting with charm combinations, and exploring the world thoroughly, you can unlock new abilities, increase your power, and progress deeper into Hallownest.