Hollow Knight Silksong Pale Oil Locations (Pinmaster Quest)
Pale Oil in Hollow Knight Silksong is one of the rarest upgrade materials in Pharloom. This shimmering liquid is used by Pinmaster Plinney to sharpen Hornet’s Needle and boost her damage. With only three Pale Oil locations in the entire game, collecting them is required if you want to maximize your weapon’s power for the toughest bosses.
All Pale Oil Locations in Hollow Knight Silksong
Whispering Vaults Pale Oil
The first Pale Oil is found in the Whispering Vaults, hidden deep in the Cogwork Core. You can only reach this section after defeating the Cogwork Dancers.
Head down into the Cogwork Core, take the right path, then climb to the upper right exit. This leads toward the Whispering Vault. Having the Double Jump ability makes the platforming much easier, though it’s possible with precise pogoing off saw traps.
Inside, follow the winding halls until you reach the puzzle chamber. Move the boxes until you can wall jump up and around. From there, drop into the left-side path and collect the Pale Oil past the lever.
Choral Chambers Pale Oil
The second Pale Oil is tied to the Great Taste of Pharloom wish. Speak with Loyal Mergwin in the Choral Chambers to start the task.
You’ll need to gather five ingredients: the Crustnut from the Sands of Karak, Mossberry Stew from the Moss Druid in Bone Bottom, Pickled Muckmaggot from Sinner’s Road, Vintage Nectar from Greymoor, and the Courier’s Rasher delivered directly to Mergwin. Completing this long delivery earns you the Pale Oil locked inside his glass jar.
This wish is one of the longer chains in the game and forces you to travel across multiple regions in a single run, so prepare before attempting.
Putrified Ducts Pale Oil
The final Pale Oil is available much later, during Act 3. Complete both the Lost Fleas and Ecstasy of the End wishes to unlock the Flea Festival at the Flea Caravan.
Participate in all three minigames (Juggle, Dodge, and Bounce) and take first place on each leaderboard. After winning, strike the piñata above the stage to release the Pale Oil.
This is the last upgrade item needed to bring your Needle to maximum strength.
Final Blurb
All three Pale Oil locations in Hollow Knight Silksong are locked behind major quests or difficult platforming, but collecting them is worth the effort. Bring each Pale Oil to Pinmaster Plinney in Bellhart to fully upgrade Hornet’s Needle and boost your damage for late-game fights.
With your weapon at its strongest, Pharloom’s hardest enemies become far more manageable.
FAQ
How many Pale Oil are in Silksong?
There are three Pale Oil items total, each tied to a unique location or quest.
Who upgrades the Needle with Pale Oil?
Pinmaster Plinney in Bellhart sharpens Hornet’s Needle when given Pale Oil.
Can you get Pale Oil before Act 2?
No, the first Pale Oil only becomes available after defeating the Cogwork Dancers and entering the Whispering Vaults.
More Hollow Knight Silksong
