Spoiler‑light upgrade guide. Covers Bellhart prerequisites, Plinney’s location, what the first upgrade does, and how the second upgrade quest begins.
Summary
- Goal: Upgrade Hornet’s Needle (weapon damage boost)
- First upgrade: Free Bellhart → find Pinmaster Plinney → choose “Sharpen Needle?” (free)
- Effect: Raises base Needle damage; benefits standard hits and certain skills (e.g., Silkspear)
- Next step: A second upgrade begins an Oil quest after the first sharpen
Requirements & Progress
- Beat Widow in Bellhart to stabilize the town state.
- You typically need Cling Grip to reach the Widow arena via Shellwood’s bell tunnels.
- After Bellhart is freed, Plinney resumes service at his bell‑marked house.
Where to Upgrade (Bellhart)
- NPC: Pinmaster Plinney — the artisan who sharpens the Needle.
- Building: A bellhouse marked by three white pins above the door (often described as the “highest house with a pin sign”).
- Interaction: Speak to Plinney and select “Sharpen Needle?” when prompted.
Step‑by‑Step — First Upgrade (Sharpened Needle)
- Progress Shellwood → Bellhart and defeat Widow to free the town.
- In Bellhart, find Plinney’s bellhouse (look for the three‑pin sign).
- Talk to Plinney until the option “Sharpen Needle?” appears.
- Choose “Yes” to receive the Sharpened Needle. The first upgrade is free.
What it changes: A flat increase to base Needle damage that also applies to certain skills (such as Silkspear), lowering hits‑to‑kill across the board.
Second Upgrade — Oil Quest (Overview)
- After sharpening once, speak to Plinney again; he mentions a rare Oil needed for further improvement.
- This starts a questline you’ll complete later in progression. Exact Oil placements and costs vary by route; plan to return when you encounter the item.
Tips & Efficient Routing
- Don’t delay: Grab the free sharpen immediately after Bellhart is secure—fewer hits per enemy compounds benefits across routes.
- Mix skills: Leverage the damage bump with skill finishers (e.g., Silkspear) to close fights faster.
- Practice the approach: If you’re stuck reaching Widow, use Shellwood benches/shortcuts and confirm Cling Grip is unlocked.
- Currency planning: While the first upgrade is free, later services and tools may require Rosaries. See Rosaries guide for fast routes.
FAQ
- Is the first Needle upgrade missable? No—once Bellhart is freed, Plinney is available in town.
- Does it cost Rosaries? The first sharpen is free. The second upgrade requires a rare Oil (quest begins after the first).
- Does the upgrade alter the moveset? No—primary effect is a damage increase; skills like Silkspear also benefit.
- Where is Plinney’s house exactly? In Bellhart, look for the bellhouse with three white pins above the door.
Route & Map Pointers
- For broader routing after Bellhart, consult the 100% route.
- If you still need mobility, finish the Wall Jump route and related Shellwood progression.
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Sources
- Upgrade video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfSDu5mhrlg
- Launch‑window writeups referencing Plinney’s location, first‑upgrade cost, and Oil quest.