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Volpedia/Games/Hollow/Progression/Nail Upgrade Path
HOLLOW KNIGHT / PROGRESSION

Nail Upgrade Path

The Nailsmith uses Geo and Pale Ore to progress from Old Nail to Pure Nail.

PROGRESSIONReviewed 2026-10-28Reference · noindex
Original Hollow Knight editorial concept diagram, not a game screenshotOriginal Volpedia diagram
OverviewCharacters20Weapons9Charms39Abilities10Spells8Maps20Bosses30Enemies12Items16Quests9Godmaster11Modes5Progression10Builds6Endings5Guides19Tips10Tools2
Volpedia strategy: Use combat difficulty as a signal to revisit upgrades.
How it worksPractical strategyCommon mistake to avoidRelated entries
01

How it works

The Nailsmith uses Geo and Pale Ore to progress from Old Nail to Pure Nail.

02

Practical strategy

Use combat difficulty as a signal to revisit upgrades.

03

Common mistake to avoid

Expecting every upgrade to require the same number of resources.

CONTINUE INSIDE VOLPEDIA

Related Hollow Knight articles

progressionMask Upgrades

Four Mask Shards combine into one additional permanent mask.

progressionSOUL Vessel Upgrades

Three Vessel Fragments provide another SOUL reserve.

guides112 Percent Completion Roadmap

The in-game completion system can total 112% with free content additions.

guidesColosseum of Fools Combat Guide

The Colosseum tests stamina against waves, not just one boss.

guidesNail Upgrade Pale Ore Guide

The Old Nail becomes Sharpened, Channelled, Coiled and finally Pure Nail through the Nailsmith.

spellsAbyss Shriek

A later upgrade of the upward spell, especially powerful when a target is overhead.

Back to Progression
IN THIS ARTICLEHow it worksPractical strategyCommon mistake to avoidRelated articles
MORE CATEGORIESCharactersWeaponsCharmsAbilitiesSpellsMapsBossesEnemiesItemsQuestsGodmasterModesBuilds

Independent Volpedia encyclopedia for Hollow Knight by Team Cherry; not Hollow Knight: Silksong. Original editorial diagrams are symbolic, not game screenshots or exact character depictions. Existing approved cover preserved. Verified editorial references are recorded in the internal M60 source registry. Hollow Knight and associated names are trademarks of their respective holders. Editorial review: 2026-10-28.

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