Learn how to upgrade the Needle in Hollow Knight: Silksong. Free Bellhart for the first upgrade, then meet Pinmaster Plinney and use Pale Oil for more.
- First upgrade: After freeing Bellhart → Visit Pinmaster Plinney (pin sign shop) → Free upgrade.
- Later upgrades: Need Pale Oil from the Citadel → Bring to Plinney.
- Total upgrades: Four, each boosting Needle damage and skills like Silkspear.
Upgrade the Needle in Hollow Knight: Silksong
You can upgrade the Needle in Silksong. The first upgrade comes after freeing Bellhart. Meet Pinmaster Plinney in his shop marked with a pin sign, and he will sharpen your Needle for free. Later upgrades require Pale Oil from the Citadel.
First Upgrade Steps
- Defeat Moorwing in Greymoor.
- Enter Shellwood and beat the Sister Splinter boss.
- Unlock Cling Grip at the Weaver statue (wall grab/wall jump).
- Use Cling Grip to reach the Widow boss above Bellhart.
- Defeat Widow to free Bellhart.
- Return to Bellhart and look for the building with a pin sign.
- Inside, talk to Pinmaster Plinney → He sharpens your Needle for free.
Later Upgrades with Pale Oil
- After the first upgrade, Plinney will ask for Pale Oil (also called Pinmaster’s Oil).
- The first Pale Oil is found in the Whispering Vaults inside the Citadel, after defeating the Cogwork Dancers.
- Each Pale Oil lets Plinney sharpen the Needle again.
- There are four total upgrades, each increasing base damage and enhancing Needle-based skills.
Why Upgrade the Needle
The Needle is Hornet’s main weapon. Early enemies feel tanky, so upgrades make combat much faster. Damage boosts also apply to skills like the Silkspear, helping in both regular fights and boss battles.
How Strong Is the First Upgrade?
The first upgrade gives only a small bump in damage – enemies that needed seven hits may now take six. It feels weaker compared to Hollow Knight’s Nail upgrades, but later upgrades with Pale Oil bring a bigger impact.
Tips for Early Combat
- Use Silk skills often instead of hoarding them for healing.
- Dash attack + pogo combo delivers fast damage.
- Adjust your playstyle – Silksong’s combat is faster and more aggressive than Hollow Knight’s.
In Short
Free Bellhart by defeating the Widow, then visit Pinmaster Plinney for your first Needle upgrade. From then on, collect Pale Oil in the Citadel for more upgrades. There are four in total, and while the first feels minor, later ones make a real difference.
Read more guides: Hornet Character, Achievements and Trophies Guide, Common Issues and How to Fix Them