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The Nailsmith’s Forge: A Guide to Finding Him in Hollow Knight’s City of Tears

The Nailsmith can be found in his smithy on the outskirts of the City of Tears, specifically in an isolated hut. To reach him, navigate to the area just beyond the toll machine lift that connects the Forgotten Crossroads to the City of Tears. His humble abode is nestled away in this section of the map, marked by the constant ringing of his hammer as he diligently works. Finding him is crucial for upgrading your Nail, a central mechanic for progressing in Hollow Knight.

Reaching the Nailsmith: A Step-by-Step Guide

Finding your way to the Nailsmith involves a bit of exploration and some well-spent Geo. Here’s a breakdown:

From the Forgotten Crossroads: Make your way towards the lift that leads to the City of Tears.
Activate the Lift: If you haven’t already, you’ll need to pay a toll of 150 Geo to activate the lift. This creates a vital shortcut between the two areas.
Proceed Past the Lift: Once you exit the lift into the City of Tears, head towards the left.
Explore the Outskirts: The Nailsmith’s hut is located within this section of the City of Tears, off the beaten path a bit. Listen for the sound of hammering, which will guide you.
Entering the Smithy: The hut itself is quite small and unassuming, but the presence of the Nailsmith and his anvil are unmistakable.

Upgrading Your Nail: A Core Mechanic

The Nailsmith is the only character in Hollow Knight capable of upgrading your Nail. This is essential for increasing your damage output and making progress through the game’s challenging encounters.

Nail Upgrades: Geo and Pale Ore

The first upgrade only costs Geo (250), but subsequent upgrades require both Geo and Pale Ore. Pale Ore is a rare resource found in specific locations throughout Hallownest. Therefore, gathering all of the Pale Ore takes a fair bit of exploring. Each upgrade significantly increases the Nail’s damage, allowing you to defeat enemies more quickly and withstand tougher bosses.

The Final Upgrade: The Pure Nail

The final upgrade, the Pure Nail, is the most powerful form of the Nail. It requires a substantial amount of Geo, Pale Ore, and progression through the game’s storyline. Obtaining the Pure Nail is a major accomplishment and makes the Knight a formidable force.

The Nailsmith’s Fate: Purity or Happiness

A unique aspect of the Nailsmith’s questline is the choice you are presented with at the end. He will request that the Knight “cut him down” using the Pure Nail to grant him the satisfaction of experiencing the ultimate sharpness he has dedicated his life to perfecting.

Sparing the Nailsmith

If you choose to spare the Nailsmith, he will eventually leave his forge and seek out Sheo in his hut in Greenpath. This leads to the “Happy Couple” ending, a heartwarming conclusion to his story.

Killing the Nailsmith

Alternatively, if you choose to grant his wish and cut him down with the Pure Nail, you will receive the “Purity” achievement. His body can later be found in the Junk Pit.

The choice is yours, and it impacts not only the Nailsmith’s fate but also the achievement you unlock.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Nailsmith

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Nailsmith in Hollow Knight:

How do I reach the City of Tears from Forgotten Crossroads? To get to the City of Tears from the Forgotten Crossroads, pay the 150 Geo toll at the lift. Once you pay the toll, you can activate the lift, which acts as a quick pathway between the two areas. This is the easiest way to get to the City of Tears early in the game.
Where is Nailsmith HK? The Nailsmith is located in his smithy on the outskirts of the City of Tears. He is inside of an isolated hut after the lift is taken.
Are Sheo and the Nailsmith a couple? Yes, Sheo and the Nailsmith are implied to be in a romantic relationship. This is hinted at by the achievement “Happy Couple”, which you earn by allowing the Nailsmith to move in with Sheo in Greenpath.
Where do you upgrade your Nail in Hollow Knight? You can upgrade your Nail by visiting the Nailsmith in the City of Tears. He’s the only NPC who can refine your Nail, making it sharper and more powerful.
Should I cut down the Nailsmith? Whether or not you should “cut down” the Nailsmith is a personal choice. If you spare him, he will find happiness with Sheo in Greenpath, awarding you the “Happy Couple” achievement. If you kill him with the Pure Nail, you receive the “Purity” achievement. Both options have their merits.
Does Hollow Knight have LGBT characters? Yes, Hollow Knight includes LGBT characters, though they aren’t heavily emphasized. The relationship between Sheo and the Nailsmith is a subtle yet significant representation.
What happens if I don’t kill the Nailsmith? If you don’t kill the Nailsmith after he asks, he will eventually make his way to Sheo’s hut in Greenpath. You can then visit them both and witness their happy reunion, unlocking the “Happy Couple” achievement.
Is it worth upgrading the Nail in Hollow Knight? Yes, upgrading your Nail is absolutely worth it in Hollow Knight. A maxed-out Nail significantly increases your damage output, making combat easier and allowing you to tackle tougher bosses.
What bosses are in City of Tears? The City of Tears is home to several bosses, including the Watcher Knights and the Collector. These encounters provide significant challenges and rewards.
How do you unlock all of City of Tears? To unlock all of the City of Tears, you’ll need the City Crest and the Tram Pass. You need the City Crest to open the west main gate from the Fungal Wastes. You need the Tram Pass to access the east part of the city via the Ancient Basin.
What are the Pale Ore locations? There are six pieces of Pale Ore in the game. You get one from completing the Trial of the Conqueror in the Colosseum of Fools. You get one as a reward for finding all the Grubs. You get one from a Stagway Station where the Snail Shaman is located. You get one from completing the quest given by the seer. You get one from defeating a boss. You can also buy one from the shop.
Is Hornet your sister in Hollow Knight? Yes, Hornet is the Knight’s sister through their shared father, the Pale King. They both have the same father.
Why did the Hollow Knight fail? The Hollow Knight failed because it wasn’t completely “hollow.” According to the White Lady, it had “an idea instilled,” meaning it retained some form of thought or attachment, preventing it from fully containing the Radiance.
What are Hollow Knight’s pronouns? The Knight is referred to throughout the game using they/them pronouns, reflecting their genderless nature as a Vessel created in the Abyss.
Is there a Hollow Knight two? Yes, Hollow Knight: Silksong is the highly anticipated sequel to Hollow Knight. It features Hornet as the protagonist in a new kingdom.

The Nailsmith: More Than Just an Upgrade

The Nailsmith is more than just a means to upgrade your weapon. He is a compelling character with his own desires and a poignant story arc. Whether you choose to grant him peace or allow him to find happiness with Sheo, your interactions with him contribute to the rich lore and emotional depth of Hollow Knight. His existence highlights the unique possibilities of the Games Learning Society, fostering empathy and critical thinking through narrative choices within the game. Learn more about how games impact learning at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Where is Nailsmith City of Tears?