Learn how to upgrade Hornet’s Needle damage in Hollow Knight: Silksong. Complete guide to finding Pinmaster Plinney and unlocking powerful weapon upgrades.
Let’s be honest – if you’ve been playing Hollow Knight: Silksong for a few hours, you’ve probably noticed that Hornet’s Needle feels about as threatening as a toothpick. Enemies shrug off your attacks like they’re gentle tickles, and boss fights drag on longer than a Monday morning meeting. Don’t worry, you’re not imagining things – the base Needle damage really is underwhelming.
The good news? Hornet’s weapon can definitely be upgraded, and when it is, the difference is night and day. Here’s everything you need to know about transforming your wimpy starter weapon into a proper threat.
Why Does the Needle Feel So Weak Early On?
Team Cherry designed Silksong with a clear progression curve in mind. Unlike the original Hollow Knight where you could stumble upon nail upgrades relatively early, Silksong makes you earn your power spikes. This design choice forces players to master the game’s movement mechanics and combat timing before giving them the satisfaction of melting enemies.
It’s frustrating at first, but there’s method to the madness. By the time you get your first upgrade, you’ll have developed the skills needed to tackle the game’s tougher challenges ahead.
Meeting Pinmaster Plinney: Your Needle’s New Best Friend
Your salvation comes in the form of Pinmaster Plinney, a craftsman who lives in the town of Bellhart. This bug specializes in weapon sharpening and becomes your go-to NPC for all Needle upgrades throughout the game.
But here’s the catch – when you first arrive in Bellhart, the town is under siege by silk and shadowy creatures. Plinney, like all the other residents, is trapped and unable to help you. You’ll need to play the hero first.
Getting Your First Needle Upgrade: Liberation of Bellhart
Step 1: Navigate to Bellhart
After defeating the Moorwing boss in Greymoor, head left and work your way through the Shellwood area. The path isn’t linear, so expect some backtracking and exploration.
Step 2: Face Sister Splinter
You’ll encounter the Sister Splinter boss during your journey through Shellwood. This fight serves as a good test of your current combat skills before the main event.
Step 3: Unlock Wall-Jumping
After defeating Sister Splinter, continue left from the boss room until you find another Weaver statue. Binding here unlocks the Cling Grip ability, which lets Hornet grab and climb walls – a game-changing mobility upgrade.
Step 4: Locate and Defeat the Widow
The Widow boss fight entrance sits directly above Bellhart, near the upper elevator exit close to the central bench. This boss is significantly tougher than what you’ve faced so far, so make sure you’re familiar with basic combat strategies first.
Pro Tip: Stock up on healing items and make sure you’re comfortable with your movement abilities before taking on the Widow. The fight requires both patience and precision.
Step 5: Find Pinmaster Plinney
Once the Widow falls, Bellhart returns to normal and all the NPCs become active again. Look for a building with a pin sign above its door in the upper levels of town – that’s Plinney’s shop.
As a reward for saving the town, Plinney will sharpen your Needle completely free of charge. The upgrade cutscene is both hilarious and satisfying, showing the dramatic difference in your weapon’s capabilities.
The Second Upgrade: Venturing into the Citadel
After your first upgrade, talking to Plinney again reveals that further improvements are possible. However, he needs a special material: Pinmaster’s Oil, which can only be found in the dangerous Citadel above Bellhart.
The Citadel represents a significant step up in difficulty, so make sure you’re prepared:
- Practice your new movement abilities
- Consider completing some early game quests for additional upgrades
- Stock up on resources and healing items
Multiple Pale Oil containers exist within the Citadel, so you won’t be limited to just one additional upgrade. Each subsequent sharpening makes Hornet significantly more deadly.
Making the Most of Your Upgraded Needle
Once your Needle gets its first upgrade, you’ll immediately notice the difference. Enemies that previously required 4-5 hits now fall in 2-3 strikes. Boss fights become more manageable, and exploration feels less tedious.
Here are some tips for maximizing your newly upgraded weapon:
- Revisit earlier areas to collect missed items with your improved damage
- Take on optional bosses like the Savage Beastfly that might have been too challenging before
- Experiment with different attack combinations now that your hits pack more punch
Why the Wait is Worth It
While waiting hours for your first damage upgrade can feel frustrating, the payoff is substantial. The upgraded Needle transforms combat from a slog into something genuinely satisfying. Plus, the progression system ensures that when you finally get more powerful, you’ve truly earned it.
Team Cherry clearly learned from the original Hollow Knight’s pacing, creating a more structured upgrade path that rewards persistence and skill development. The result is a more satisfying power curve that makes each upgrade feel meaningful.
Planning Your Next Steps
With your newly upgraded Needle in hand, you’ll be ready to tackle Silksong’s mid-game challenges. Consider exploring areas that were previously too difficult, or diving deeper into the game’s extensive quest system. Many of the game’s best rewards become much more accessible once you’re dealing proper damage.
The Needle upgrades are just the beginning of Hornet’s journey to becoming a formidable warrior. Master the timing, explore thoroughly, and soon you’ll be cutting through enemies like silk.
Ready to dive into Hollow Knight: Silksong? You can grab the game on Steam, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation, Xbox, or visit the official website for more information.
