How to upgrade Needle in Hollow Knight Silksong

If you’re wondering how to upgrade Needle in Hollow Knight Silksong, here’s everything you need to know.

Upgrading the Needle in Hollow Knight Silksong is a critical step to increase Hornet’s attack damage and survive the tougher enemies that arrive later in the game. However, this can take a while as you will need to progress a bit with the story first and defeat Widow to free Bellhart before getting access to the Needlesmith.

Once you follow all the steps I’ve mentioned below, you can upgrade the Needle in no time, and Hornet will be more of a formidable fighter than ever. With that said, let me walk you through the entire process on how to get it done.

How to upgrade Needle in Hollow Knight Silksong

First and foremost, you have to play through the main path and unlock the wall jump ability in Shellwood. This movement skill is required to reach new regions and open routes that are previously blocked.

Once this gets unlocked, you have to head back to Bellhart. This is a town that’s plagued by a silk curse, and its buildings are initially locked. To gain access, you must beat the Widow. Defeating her frees Bellhart and unlocks essential locations. Don’t expect it to be a cakewalk fight—you need to put in some effort, and it’s absolutely worth it.

Once Bellhart is freed, you have to go to the right corridor by taking the lift. Then look for the shop with needles on its sign. Head inside and you’ll find Pinmaster Plinney. He’s the one who will upgrade your Needle.

The first upgrade is entirely free. All you need to do is speak to Plinney, who will ask if you want to sharpen the needle. Select “Yes” and your weapon will transform into a sharpened Needle. This upgrade increases damage, making it easier to take down the tougher enemies that appear later.

How to get more Needle upgrades

To further upgrade your Needle, you have to talk to Plinney again. After the first free upgrade, you will be required to complete Pinmaster’s Oil quest, where you have to retrieve Pale Oil from the Citadel and give it to the Needlesmith. If you don’t see “Pinmaster’s Oil,” complete other objectives and continue visiting Plinney from time to time.

During this course, you will see progress with the Bugs of Pharloom quest given by Nuu, which tasks you to take down 100 unique enemy bugs.

For more on Hollow Knight Silksong, check out our guide on all the achievements and how to get them.