TL;DR
- Locate Pinmaster Plinney in Bellhart after defeating the Widow boss
- Complete ‘The Threadspun Town’ quest to unlock Needle upgrade access
- Navigate specific platform routes to reach the Needlesmith’s chamber
- Upgrade provides significant damage boost for late-game challenges
- Multiple upgrade levels available with increasing resource requirements
Securing your first weapon enhancement in Hollow Knight Silksong requires strategic progression through specific game areas. The initial Needle upgrade becomes accessible in Bellhart, a location you’ll discover after traversing Greymoor and continuing leftward through the environment. This critical upgrade station houses Pinmaster Plinney, the specialized Needlesmith who performs weapon sharpening services.
Before attempting to reach this location, players must overcome a significant obstacle: defeating the formidable Widow boss. This challenging encounter serves as a gatekeeper to Bellhart’s liberation. Once victorious, you’ll unlock “The Threadspun Town” questline, which must be fully completed to gain access to the Needlesmith’s services. Many players underestimate this prerequisite and waste time attempting early access.

Upon arriving at the designated area shown in the reference image, carefully ascend using the platforms positioned on the left side. This vertical navigation leads directly to Pinmaster Plinney’s workshop. The chamber entrance requires specific interaction – use the D-pad up or down buttons to enter, as traditional door mechanisms don’t apply here.
Weapon enhancement represents one of the most crucial progression systems in Hollow Knight Silksong. As you encounter increasingly durable enemies throughout your journey, maintaining competitive damage output becomes essential. Regular needle sharpening transforms your combat effectiveness, particularly when facing late-game adversaries with substantial health pools.
Follow this comprehensive upgrade procedure to maximize your weapon’s potential:
- Begin by ensuring you’ve liberated Bellhart through successful completion of the Widow boss encounter
- Navigate to the precise coordinates where Pinmaster Plinney resides
- Approach the Needlesmith’s chamber and activate entry using directional inputs
- Initiate dialogue with the weapon specialist to access upgrade options
- Select the sharpening service to enhance your needle’s damage capabilities

Sharpening your primary weapon provides immediate combat advantages. Each upgrade tier increases base damage significantly, with level 1 enhancements typically offering 15-20% damage improvement. This power spike proves invaluable against armored opponents and boss encounters where every hit point matters.

Post-upgrade, test your enhanced needle against standard enemies to gauge the damage difference. Many players report completing areas 25-30% faster after their first weapon upgrade, making the investment well worth the prerequisite effort.
Beyond the initial upgrade, Hollow Knight Silksong features multiple weapon enhancement tiers. Each subsequent level demands greater resources and often requires additional quest completion. The upgrade system follows a progressive difficulty curve that aligns with your journey through the game’s world.
Strategic resource management becomes paramount for serial upgraders. Plan your material collection routes to minimize backtracking when preparing for higher-level enhancements. Experienced players recommend accumulating upgrade resources during normal exploration rather than dedicated farming sessions.

Common upgrade mistakes include attempting higher-tier enhancements without adequate preparation or neglecting complementary skill development. Remember that weapon power alone cannot overcome all challenges – balance your character’s growth across multiple attributes.
For optimization-focused players, consider sequencing your upgrades around major boss encounters. The damage increase often provides the marginal advantage needed to conquer particularly difficult fights. However, don’t overlook defensive and mobility upgrades that provide alternative solutions to combat scenarios.
The needle enhancement system interfaces with broader progression mechanics. As you explore our Weapons Unlock guide reveals similar strategic principles apply across weapon systems. Understanding these patterns helps accelerate your mastery of Silksong’s combat ecosystem.
Action Checklist
- Defeat the Widow boss to unlock Bellhart access
- Complete ‘The Threadspun Town’ quest requirements
- Navigate to Bellhart using leftward progression after Greymoor
- Ascend left-side platforms to reach Pinmaster Plinney
- Interact with Needlesmith and select upgrade option
No reproduction without permission:Tsp Game Club » How to Upgrade Needle in Hollow Knight Silksong Master the essential Needle upgrade process in Hollow Knight Silksong with expert guidance and strategic tips
