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Volpedia/Games/Hollow/Weapons/Old Nail
HOLLOW KNIGHT / WEAPONS

Old Nail

The Knight begins with the basic Nail, a short-range melee weapon that also generates SOUL on successful hits.

WEAPONSReviewed 2026-10-28Reference · noindex
Original Hollow Knight editorial concept diagram, not a game screenshotOriginal Volpedia diagram
OverviewCharacters20Weapons9Charms39Abilities10Spells8Maps20Bosses30Enemies12Items16Quests9Godmaster11Modes5Progression10Builds6Endings5Guides19Tips10Tools2
Volpedia strategy: Practice downward strikes for pogo jumps and learn when to retreat after a hit.
How it worksPractical strategyCommon mistake to avoidRelated entries
01

How it works

The Knight begins with the basic Nail, a short-range melee weapon that also generates SOUL on successful hits.

02

Practical strategy

Practice downward strikes for pogo jumps and learn when to retreat after a hit.

03

Common mistake to avoid

Assuming every enemy can be safely attacked by standing directly beside it.

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Related Hollow Knight articles

weaponsChannelled Nail

A further upgrade uses Geo and one Pale Ore to improve Nail damage.

weaponsCoiled Nail

A later upgrade consumes Geo and two Pale Ore and noticeably shortens many encounters.

weaponsCyclone Slash

A spinning Nail Art that can produce repeated hits when held appropriately.

weaponsDash Slash

A charged Nail Art combined with movement, useful for horizontal reach.

weaponsGreat Slash

A charged Nail Art that releases a wide, powerful strike.

weaponsNail Arts

The three techniques taught by Oro, Mato and Sheo reward charged attacks with different timings.

Back to Weapons
IN THIS ARTICLEHow it worksPractical strategyCommon mistake to avoidRelated articles
MORE CATEGORIESCharactersCharmsAbilitiesSpellsMapsBossesEnemiesItemsQuestsGodmasterModesProgressionBuilds

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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