Upgrading your primary weapon in Hollow Knight is crucial for surviving the dangerous depths of Hallownest. While the first upgrade only requires Geo, maxing out your offensive capabilities demands rare materials known as Pale Ore. Finding every piece scattered across the kingdom allows you to forge the mighty Pure Nail.
Understanding Nail Upgrades and Requirements
The Nailsmith in the City of Tears handles all weapon improvements throughout your journey. The initial Sharpened Nail costs 250 Geo and requires no ore to craft. Subsequent tiers require increasing amounts of Geo along with six total Pale Ores to reach maximum damage output.
Collecting one ore enables the Channeled Nail, while two more forge the Coiled Nail. The final Pure Nail upgrade requires three additional pieces of ore and 4,000 Geo. Tracking down these materials turns your vessel into a formidable warrior capable of defeating endgame threats.
Exploring Overworld Pale Ore Locations
Three pieces of Pale Ore can be gathered directly from hidden zones across the map. One piece rests at the very summit of Crystal Peak inside Hallownest's Crown. You will need the Mantis Claw and traversal skills to reach this high altar.
Another piece resides deep within the Ancient Basin, located west of the tram station. Defeating two territorial Lesser Mawleks in the cavern unblocks access to the reward. The third world ore requires venturing into Deepnest and defeating the shapeshifting boss Nosk in its gloomy lair.
Earning Pale Ore Through NPC Rewards and Challenges
The remaining three pieces of Pale Ore are granted by non-player characters after completing specific milestones. Rescuing 31 lost larvae brings enough joy to the Grubfather in Forgotten Crossroads for him to gift you an ore. You can track missing larvae easily after acquiring the Collector's Map.
The Seer in the Resting Grounds also rewards your spiritual efforts with a piece of ore once you gather 300 Essence using the Dream Nail. Finally, warriors seeking combat glory can challenge the Colosseum of Fools located in Kingdom's Edge. Victoriously finishing the Trial of the Conqueror grants the final piece needed to complete your weapon arsenal.
