Although the world of Hollow Knight is dreary, it is home to interesting characters that are willing to help the Knight along their journey. From quest givers, merchants, and even boss battles, these NPCs bring life to an otherwise desolate kingdom.
As players explore the abandoned roads through Hallownest, they will gather new equipment to ensure their survival. The earliest of which is the Nail, a bladed object that the Knight and other warriors wield similarly to a sword. While Charms can improve the damage output and reach of the Nail, these buffs are technically temporary as they can only be implemented when equipped. However, it is possible to permanently strengthen the Nail, which increases its effectiveness in battle, but players must first find the NPC that can perform these upgrades.
Where to Find the Nailsmith
While traveling through the Fungal Wastes, players will eventually find their way to the Mantis Tribe’s territory. Players can find Quirrel in
the outskirts of the Mantis Village, and he will explain to the Knight that their worn Nail may not be enough to take down the leaders of the tribe. He makes mention of a Nailsmith who can be found in the City of Tears, which players can reach through the Fungal Wastes.
After defeating the False Knight, players are awarded with Geo and the City Crest, which is needed to open the way to the capital city of Hallownest. Players will need to continue to the right after inserting the City Crest into the statue before beginning their descent into the city proper. Upon taking the elevator to the lowest ground, players should then take a left and continue along the path.
To the far end is an isolated hut with varying types of Nails strewn about outside. The Nailsmith can be found inside the hut, and when interacted with for the first time, he will offer to upgrade the Knight’s Nail for 250 Geo, increasing its damage output. Players can upgrade the Nail a further three times, but these improvements will require both Geo and a rare resource known as Pale Ore, which can be found in obscure corners of Hallownest.
When players obtain the final upgrade, the Nailsmith will run out of the shop, and players can find him standing at the edge of the cliff outside. He explains that it was his life’s work to forge a Pure Nail, and with that goal achieved, there is nothing more for him to accomplish. Players are then presented with a choice: to slay or spare the Nailsmith.
Achievements
Depending on the decision made, players will earn either one of two achievements. Should players choose to cut down the Nailsmith with the Pure Nail, they will be awarded the “Purity” achievement, and the Nailsmith’s body can later be found in the Junk Pit. However, if players instead decide to spare the Nailsmith, he will eventually make his way to Greenpath and take up residence with Sheo, the Nailmaster. Following this path will award players with the “Happy Couple” achievement - a happy and hopeful end to an NPC’s story.
Hollow Knight is available on PC, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.