Nail
- For the attacks taught by Nailmasters, see Nail Arts.
A Nail is a bladed weapon wielded by several enemies, bosses, and NPCs in Hollow Knight, including the Knight.
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Upgrades
The Nail can be upgraded by the Nailsmith up to four times if given enough Geo and Pale Ore, with each upgrade adding four additional damage.
| Nail | Info | |
|---|---|---|
 Old Nail |
A traditional weapon of Hallownest. Its blade is blunt with age and wear. | |
| Upgrade Cost | Default weapon | |
| Damage | 5 | |
 Sharpened Nail |
A traditional weapon of Hallownest, restored to lethal form. | |
| Upgrade Cost |  250
| |
| Damage | 9 | |
 Channelled Nail |
A cleft weapon of Hallownest. The blade is exquisitly sic balanced. | |
| Upgrade Cost | 800 + 1 Pale Ore
| |
| Damage | 13 | |
 Coiled Nail |
A powerful weapon of Hallownest, refined beyond all others. | |
| Upgrade Cost | 2000 + 2 Pale Ore
| |
| Damage | 17 | |
 Pure Nail |
The ultimate weapon of Hallownest. Crafted to perfection, this ancient nail reveals its true form. | |
| Upgrade Cost | 4000 + 3 Pale Ore
| |
| Damage | 21 | |
Nail-bouncing
Jumping and slashing downwards with the Nail on enemies, spikes, and some environmental objects makes the Knight bounce. This move is known as "Nail-bouncing", "pogo-jumping", or simply "pogo-ing", and it is useful for both fighting enemies and platforming. Certain areas can also be accessed early through Nail-bouncing.
There are purple mushrooms in the Fungal Wastes that the Knight can Nail-bounce on to bounce higher than usual. They can be used as platforms to access the Mantis Village and other locations before obtaining more Abilities.
There are a few other places where Nail-bouncing is required:
- A Hallownest Seal found above the Stag Station in King's Station requires Nail-bouncing to obtain.
- A Vessel Fragment in Deepnest can be obtained by Nail-bouncing on Garpedes.
- The
Path of Pain requires Nail-bouncing in order to be completed.
Charms
Several Charms in the game affect various aspects of the Nail:
- Fragile Strength/ Unbreakable Strength and Fury of the Fallen increase attack damage.
- Longnail and Mark of Pride increase attack range.
- Quick Slash increases attack speed.
- Steady Body prevents the Knight from receiving knockback when striking an enemy.
- Heavy Blow increases the knockback enemies receive when hit.
- Grubberfly's Elegy fires a short-range projectile when the Nail is swung at full health.
Dream Nail
- Main article: Dream Nail
The Dream Nail is an Ability given to the Knight by the Seer in the Resting Grounds. It allows the Knight to access the Dream Realm, read the minds of NPCs and enemies, and collect SOUL by striking enemies with it.
Trivia
- The Nail's appearance does not change in the Knight's sprites, even after upgrades.
- Some enemies wield nail-lances and greatnails. The Knight cannot wield either.
- A few enemies' health increases when upgrading the Nail.
