Understanding the Pure Nail’s Damage Output in Hollow Knight
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The Pure Nail represents the pinnacle of weapon upgrades in Hollow Knight, becoming the Knight’s most potent offensive tool. In its final form, the Pure Nail deals a base damage of 21. This significantly amplifies the Knight’s ability to defeat enemies and conquer challenging bosses, allowing for faster clear times and a greater margin for error during combat. The number 21 is just the starting point though; many factors can increase the Nail’s damage.
Delving Deeper: Factors Affecting Nail Damage
While the base damage of the Pure Nail sits at a comfortable 21, the beauty of Hollow Knight’s combat system lies in the various ways players can augment their damage output. Understanding these mechanics is crucial for maximizing your effectiveness in Hallownest.
Charms and Their Synergistic Power
Charms are the key to customizing your playstyle and boosting your Nail damage. Certain charms synergize particularly well with a Pure Nail build.
-
Fragile Strength/Unbreakable Strength: This charm provides a massive 50% damage boost to all Nail attacks. This charm effectively pushes the Pure Nail’s damage to a formidable 31.5. While Fragile Strength can break, Unbreakable Strength provides the same benefit without the fragility. This is generally considered essential for Nail-focused builds.
-
Quick Slash: While not directly increasing damage per hit, Quick Slash allows the Knight to attack significantly faster, leading to a higher damage output over time (DPS). This is invaluable for bosses with small windows for attack.
-
Shaman Stone: Although primarily used to increase spell damage, the Shaman Stone can indirectly boost Nail damage by making spells a more viable and impactful offensive option, allowing you to deal more damage overall.
-
Mark of Pride/Longnail: These charms increase the range of the Nail. While they don’t directly improve the raw damage, the extended reach allows you to hit enemies more consistently and from safer distances.
The Importance of Nail Arts
Nail Arts are charged attacks that can unleash powerful strikes. These attacks are particularly devastating with the Pure Nail. There are three types of Nail Arts:
-
Cyclone Slash: Deals multiple hits over a short period. With the Pure Nail and Strength charms, this can quickly deplete enemy health.
-
Dash Slash: Delivers a powerful, long-range attack. Excellent for hitting enemies from a distance and interrupting attacks.
-
Great Slash: Unleashes a powerful, wide swing. Deals high damage and can hit multiple enemies at once.
Nail Arts greatly increase the offensive potential of the Pure Nail. Experiment with different arts to determine which best suits your playstyle and the encounters you face.
Environmental and Enemy-Specific Modifiers
It’s important to note that certain enemies and environmental factors can modify the damage you deal.
-
Enemy Armor: Some enemies possess armor that reduces the damage they take. Overcoming this requires understanding enemy vulnerabilities or utilizing strategies that bypass armor.
-
Vulnerable States: Certain bosses have vulnerable states where they take increased damage. Capitalizing on these opportunities is key to defeating them quickly.
-
Critical Hits (Not a mechanic): There aren’t critical hits in Hollow Knight. All hits with the Pure Nail do consistent damage based on the modifiers we’ve already covered.
The Role of Playstyle and Skill
Ultimately, the effectiveness of the Pure Nail relies on your skill and playstyle. Mastering movement, timing, and attack patterns is essential for maximizing your damage output. Practice makes perfect, and consistent execution is key to victory. Learning to chain Nail Arts into normal attacks and utilizing the environment to your advantage will significantly improve your performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pure Nail Damage
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Pure Nail and its damage capabilities:
What are the upgrade levels of the Nail, and what damage do they do?
The Nail has four upgrade levels:
- Old Nail: Base damage of 5.
- Sharpened Nail: Base damage of 9.
- Channelled Nail: Base damage of 13.
- Pure Nail: Base damage of 21.
How much Geo is required to fully upgrade the Nail to the Pure Nail?
Upgrading the Nail to the Pure Nail requires a total of 4000 Geo, 6 Pale Ore, and access to the Nailsmith. The cost and materials are distributed across each upgrade level.
Does the Pure Nail’s damage affect spells?
No, the Pure Nail‘s damage does not directly affect spells. Spells have their own damage values and scaling factors, which are primarily influenced by charms like Shaman Stone and the individual spell type.
How does the Dream Wielder charm interact with Nail damage?
The Dream Wielder charm allows you to charge the Dream Nail faster, reducing the time needed to collect Soul. While it indirectly supports a spell-focused build, it doesn’t directly affect Nail damage.
Is the Pure Nail necessary to beat Hollow Knight?
While the Pure Nail significantly enhances your damage output, it’s not strictly necessary to beat Hollow Knight. Skilled players can complete the game with lower-level Nails, relying on strategy and precise execution. However, for more challenging encounters, such as boss fights in Godhome, the Pure Nail is highly recommended.
Can I downgrade the Nail after upgrading it to the Pure Nail?
No, once you’ve upgraded the Nail to a higher level, including the Pure Nail, you cannot downgrade it back to a previous level.
How does the Nailmaster’s Glory charm affect the Nail Arts’ damage?
The Nailmaster’s Glory charm reduces the charge time for Nail Arts, enabling you to use them more frequently. It doesn’t directly increase the damage of Nail Arts, but it increases your overall damage output by making Nail Arts more accessible.
Which charm combination deals the highest Nail damage?
The highest single-hit Nail damage combination typically involves Unbreakable Strength, which provides a 50% damage boost. Other charms like Mark of Pride or Quick Slash, while not increasing raw damage, can significantly increase overall damage output by allowing for more frequent and safer attacks.
Does the Pure Nail affect the damage done by Thorns of Agony?
No, the Pure Nail does not affect the damage dealt by the Thorns of Agony charm. The Thorns of Agony charm has a fixed damage output when the Knight takes damage.
How much damage does the Cyclone Slash Nail Art deal with the Pure Nail and Unbreakable Strength?
The Cyclone Slash Nail Art deals multiple hits, each of which is affected by the Nail’s damage. With the Pure Nail and Unbreakable Strength, each hit deals 31.5 damage. The total damage depends on the number of hits landed during the Cyclone Slash, making it a very potent attack.
Is it better to focus on Nail damage or spell damage?
The choice between focusing on Nail damage or spell damage depends on your preferred playstyle and the specific encounter. Nail damage is consistent and reliable, while spells can offer burst damage and range. A balanced approach is often the most effective.
Does the shape of the arena affect the effectiveness of the Pure Nail?
Yes, the shape of the arena can significantly affect the effectiveness of the Pure Nail. Smaller arenas may favor aggressive, close-range strategies, while larger arenas may benefit from the increased range provided by charms like Mark of Pride and Longnail.
Can I use the Pure Nail effectively in the early game?
You cannot obtain the Pure Nail in the early game. It requires a significant investment of Geo, Pale Ore, and progression through the game to unlock. You’ll start with the Old Nail and gradually upgrade it.
How does the Steady Body charm synergize with the Pure Nail?
Steady Body prevents knockback when hitting enemies. While it doesn’t increase damage, it allows for more consistent attacks, especially with fast attack speeds. It lets you stay closer to enemies and continue your assault without interruption. This synergizes well with the Pure Nail’s high damage output.
What is the most efficient way to farm Geo for Pure Nail upgrades?
There are several efficient methods for farming Geo, including:
- Defeating challenging enemies: Certain enemies, especially those in higher-difficulty areas, drop significant amounts of Geo.
- Selling relics: Finding and selling relics like Wanderer’s Journals, King’s Idols, and Arcane Eggs can provide a substantial Geo boost.
- The Colosseum of Fools: Completing trials in the Colosseum of Fools rewards large amounts of Geo, as well as other valuable items.