Players of Hollow Knight: Silksong are discovering how to enhance their gameplay by upgrading the needle and locating Pale Oil. The game’s progression demands these upgrades due to tougher enemies that deal significantly more damage compared to the original Hollow Knight. Understanding where to find the necessary resources can make a substantial difference in the player’s experience.
How to Upgrade Your Needle
To secure your first needle upgrade, you must initially release Bellhart, who is found in the left section of Greymoor. Begin this journey by entering Shellwood and defeating Sister Splinter to gain the Cling Grip upgrade, which allows for wall jumps. After acquiring this ability, navigate through the Bellhart tunnels located to the right of Sister Splinter’s arena. Defeating the Widow boss will free Bellhart from his cursed thread.
Once you have liberated Bellhart, proceed to the left side of town. You will need to climb the platforms and bypass Relic Seeker Scrounge’s bellhome to reach Pinmaster Plinney’s workshop on the upper right side of town. Fortunately, Plinney will sharpen your nail for free, giving you your first upgrade. He will also inform you about the necessity of Pale Oil for further upgrades to your needle.
Finding Pale Oil in Silksong
After obtaining your initial upgrade, Pinmaster Plinney assigns you the Pinmaster’s Oil quest, which involves tracking down Pale Oil in The Citadel. It is important to note that you will not be able to access this area until you complete Act 1 and a portion of Act 2. You will need to exit the Underworks, ascend through the Choral Chambers, and defeat the boss there before descending into the Cogwork Core, which leads to the Whispering Vaults.
The path to the Whispering Vaults can be slightly tricky, particularly the entry through the Cogwork Core. As you navigate the main chamber, proceed down, then right, and finally up again. This section requires completing a platforming puzzle that involves bouncing off moving cogs with your needle. Once inside the Whispering Vaults, look for an entrance on the left side as you descend. Access the upper left entrance in the main room by bouncing on a large sleeping enemy at the end of the platform.
Inside, you will encounter a box-moving puzzle, the solution to which can be found in accompanying guides. Successfully solving this puzzle will reward you with Pale Oil. Return to Plinney with this resource to receive your second needle upgrade, enhancing your capabilities in the game.
An alternative method to obtain Pale Oil involves completing the Great Taste of Pharloom quest, which is assigned by Loyal Mergwin in the dining room on the route to the boss at the top of the Choral Chambers. While this quest is said to be one of the more intricate ones in the game, it may serve as another avenue for players to acquire the critical resource.
By following these steps, players can effectively upgrade their needle and gather necessary items to enhance their experience in Hollow Knight: Silksong.
