Hornet, the formidable princess-protector of Hallownest, returns in Hollow Knight: Silksong armed with her iconic and deadly Needle. This isn’t just a simple weapon; it’s a versatile tool for combat and traversal, capable of striking foes from impressive distances and weaving through the dangerous kingdom of Pharloom.
Table of Contents
A common question on every player’s mind is how to make this already-lethal weapon even stronger. This guide provides a complete breakdown of every Needle upgrade, how to obtain them, and the significant power boost they provide, ensuring you’re fully prepared to face the challenges ahead.
The Base Needle: Your Starting Weapon
Your journey begins with the standard Needle. While it’s a reliable tool, its blade shows clear signs of wear and tear from years of use.
- Description: “Long sewing tool, uniquely balanced for combat. The blade is marked by time and use.”
- Base Damage: 5
- How to Obtain: This is your default weapon from the very start of the game. No quest or purchase is required.
Sharpened Needle: The First Major Power Spike
The first upgrade you’ll likely acquire is the Sharpened Needle. This enhancement takes your familiar tool and refines its edge from worn to wicked.
- Description: “Long sewing tool, uniquely balanced for combat. The blade is honed to a fine edge.”
- Upgraded Damage: 9 (An 80% increase!)
- How to Obtain: This upgrade is typically purchased from a key early-game merchant, likely found in the hub area of Cicinnatra, The Luminous City. You will need to gather a certain amount of Rosary Beads, the game’s primary currency, to afford it. Prioritize this upgrade as soon as you can.
Shining Needle: Gleaming with Deadly Potential
After proving your skills in the early regions, the next tier of power becomes available. The Shining Needle represents a significant leap in craftsmanship and lethality.
- Description: “Long sewing tool, uniquely balanced for combat. The blade gleams sharper than ever before.”
- Upgraded Damage: Estimated 12-14
- How to Obtain: To get this upgrade, you must venture beyond the city into more perilous zones like the moss-covered Bonebottom or the fungal Moss Grotto. You will need to find a special crafting material, such as Fine Shining Ore, and bring it to a master blacksmith NPC to perform the enhancement.
Hivesteel Needle: Revealing a Superior Material
The Hivesteel Needle is where the weapon’s true nature begins to reveal itself. This upgrade isn’t just about sharpening; it’s about reforging the blade with a far superior material.
- Description: “Long sewing tool, uniquely balanced for combat. The highly refined blade reveals its hivesteel banding.”
- Upgraded Damage: Estimated 16-18
- How to Obtain: Acquiring Hivesteel will be a major milestone. It requires accessing a mid-game area, likely related to a bee or hive kingdom. You must defeat a challenging boss or complete a complex platforming sequence to obtain a chunk of pure Hivesteel. This is a testament to your growing skill.
Pale Steel Needle: The Ultimate Form
The pinnacle of weapon craftsmanship. The Pale Steel Needle is the final and most powerful form of Hornet’s weapon, sharpened to a mythical degree.
- Description: “Long sewing tool, uniquely balanced for combat. The Hivesteel blade has been sharpened to its ultimate form.”
- Upgraded Damage: Estimated 20+
- How to Obtain: This ultimate upgrade is reserved for the most dedicated warriors. It will require a rare end-game material, perhaps Pale Ore or its equivalent, found only in the most hidden and dangerous corners of Pharloom. Expect to face the game’s toughest bosses and overcome its most intricate secrets to earn this power.
Why Upgrading Your Needle is Non-Negotiable
While Silksong will reward skill, upgrading your Needle is absolutely critical for success. Higher damage means faster boss fights, quicker elimination of common enemies, and an overall smoother experience. It directly impacts your ability to explore new areas that may be gated by enemies with higher health pools.
Invest in your Needle, and it will carry you to the very peak of the Citadel and beyond.
- Hollow Knight: Silksong – How to Complete the Volatile Flintbeetle Quest
- Hollow Knight: Silksong – A Guide to Enemies, Sharpe’s Companions
- Hollow Knight: Silksong – How to Upgrade and Sharpen Hornet’s Needle
- Hollow Knight: Silksong – All Areas and Regions Guide (Complete List)
- Hollow Knight: Silksong – All NPCs and Merchants Guide (Complete List)
- Hollow Knight: Silksong – Quests Guide
- Hollow Knight: Silksong – All Bosses Confirmed So Far
