Nailsmiths

A solitary craftsman in the City of Tears who sharpens and upgrades Nails for any bug in need.

The Nailsmith is a solitary craftsman found in the City of Tears, within his forge. He dedicates himself to the art of upgrading Nails—common weapons used by many bugs throughout Hallownest. Though his work is precise and respected, there is no established canon of a broader lineage of Nailsmiths, nor any sacred connection to the Pale King's Knights. His role is that of a skilled artisan, not a guardian of tradition or a survivor of a lost order.

Quick Facts

Key location: City of Tears (Nailsmith's Forge)

Lore & Background

The Nailsmith operates alone in his forge in the City of Tears, offering his services to any bug who can pay. His craft involves refining Nails—common weapons used across Hallownest, not exclusively by the Pale King's military. Upgrading a Nail requires Geo, and for the final upgrades (from Coiled Nail to Pure Nail), Pale Ore is also needed. There is no evidence of a lineage of Nailsmiths or of the Nailsmith being a survivor of a larger group. He is simply a skilled individual who continues his work in isolation, unaffected by the Infection like many other non-infected NPCs.

Reader's Guide

The Nailsmiths function as the primary support faction for the warrior class within Hallownest. Their sole goal is to maintain and enhance the Nails used by Knights, ensuring they remain effective against the kingdom's enemies. While once likely a larger guild or family order, only one member remains active in the known timeline: the Nailsmith residing in Dirtmouth. He serves as a critical resource for any Knight seeking to improve their combat capabilities through various upgrades and sharpening services. In the broader conflict against the Infection, their role is passive yet vital. They do not fight on the front lines but enable those who do by providing superior weaponry. Without their craft, the Knights would be ill-equipped to face the horrors of the Radiance or the corrupted masses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the Nailsmiths?

They are a revered lineage of craftsmen dedicated to forging and maintaining the sacred Nails used by Hallownest's knights. Historically, they served the Pale King to ensure every warrior had a reliable blade for battle.

What is their primary role in the kingdom?

Their essential duty involves sharpening and upgrading weapons to help defenders combat the Infection and the Radiance. Without their work, the kingdom's warriors would lack the necessary tools to fight effectively.

Where can players find a Nailsmith?

The last known survivor resides in a small hut located within the village of Dirtmouth. He remains active there throughout the Knight's journey, offering upgrades whenever resources are provided.

What is the current status of their lineage?

The group has dwindled significantly due to the plague, leaving only one master craftsman still practicing his trade. He continues his work despite the kingdom's collapse, showing unwavering dedication to his craft.

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