Hollow Knight: Silksong promises a sprawling, intricate world filled with challenging foes, hidden secrets, and a plethora of side quests that deepen the lore and reward intrepid exploration. Among these, "Pinmaster's Oil Wish" is an early-game mission that, while seemingly simple, requires a keen eye and precise platforming to complete. This side quest is well worth the effort, as it grants a crucial upgrade that will aid Hornet throughout her perilous journey across Pharloom.This guide will provide a detailed walkthrough for completing the "Pinmaster's Oil Wish," from initiation to claiming your valuable reward. Note that while this guide aims for clarity, the exact paths and enemy encounters may vary slightly based on individual player exploration.
Silksong: complete Pinmaster's Oil wish
Initiating the "Pinmaster's Oil Wish" Quest
Your journey to obtain the Pinmaster's Oil begins in
Bellhart, one of the early hub areas in
Silksong.
- Locate Bellhart: If you haven't already, make your way to the Bellhart area.
- Find Pinmaster Plinney's Hut: From the main Bellhart area, look for a second hut located directly above the main ground level. This hut can be accessed by utilizing the platforms on the left side of the area. This is the same general route that leads towards the Shellwood region.
- Speak with Pinmaster Plinney: Enter the hut and interact with the NPC inside, known as Pinmaster Plinney. Engage in conversation with him. During this exchange, he will express a desire for a specific item—the Pale Oil—thus initiating the "Pinmaster's Oil Wish" quest. He requires this special oil to sharpen weapons to their absolute finest edge.
With the quest in your log, your next task is to locate this elusive Pale Oil.
Locating the Pale Oil: A Journey Through the Citadel
The Pale Oil is found deep within the Whispering Vaults section of the Citadel area, a location that will test your platforming skills and mastery ofHornet's Ancestral Arts. The path is intricate, requiring precisemovements and environmental interaction.
Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how to reach the Pale Oil:
Enter the Whispering Vaults: Navigate to the Citadel area on your map and find the entrance to theWhispering Vaults. This area is characterized by its tall, oftenvertical, rooms and metallic structures.Navigate to the Second-Tallest Room: Once inside the Whispering Vaults, you'll need to make your way to thebottom of the second-tallest room on the left side of this section ofthe map. This room often has multiple levels and environmental hazards.Move Left and Ascend: From the bottom of this room, continue moving left. You'll encounter aseries of platforms. Utilize Hornet's agility and any unlocked Ancestral Arts (such as her dash or silk abilities) to climb steadily upwardsthrough these platforms.Drop Down to the Next Room: Once you've reached near the top of this platforming challenge, lookfor an opening or a path that allows you to drop down towards the leftside into an adjacent room. This transition often involves a blind drop, so be prepared to react.Utilize Metal Cages: Inthis new room, you'll find a series of metal cages. These are not merely obstacles; they are part of the puzzle. Use your climbing abilities toascend these cages.Manipulate the Cages:- As you climb, you'll notice certain cages blocking routes above. Strikethese cages with your Needle. This action will either destroy them orcause them to move, opening new paths.
- Additionally, look for opportunities to strike the floor beneath certain cages. This willpush one of the cages downwards, further altering the environment andrevealing new routes.
Activate the Lever: By manipulating the cages correctly, you will clear a path that allows you to reach a lever located on the left side of the room. Activate this lever.Access the New Door: Activating the lever will cause a new door to open, specifically to the left of the lever's position. This is your exit to the final chamber.Cross the Bridge and Retrieve: Exit through the newly opened door to reach the next room. Here, youshould find a bridge that you can freely cross. On the left side of this room, you will finally see and be able to obtain the elusive Pale Oil item.Completing the Wish and Claiming Your Reward
With the Pale Oil in hand, your task is almost complete.
- Return to Bellhart: Fast travel or backtrack to the Bellhart area.
- Revisit Pinmaster Plinney's Hut: Go back to the same hut where you initially met Pinmaster Plinney.
- Deliver the Pale Oil: Interact with Pinmaster Plinney once more. Hornet will automatically hand over the Pale Oil.
- Witness the Cinematic: After the conversation concludes, a brief cinematic will play, showingthe Pinmaster expertly sharpening Hornet's Needle with the Pale Oil.
Reward: The tangible reward for completing "Pinmaster's Oil Wish" is a permanent damage upgrade to Hornet's Needle. This enhancement makes your primary weapon deal more damage with everystrike, significantly easing your journey through the treacherous landsof Pharloom. This is a critical upgrade, especially as you faceincreasingly tough enemies and formidable boss monsters in later stagesof the game. Lacking raw damage can make difficult encounters prolongedand frustrating, so securing this early boost is invaluable for anyaspiring Hollow Knight.
Platform(s): Microsoft Windows PC, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4 PS4, PlayStation 5 PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Developer(s): Team Cherry
Publisher(s): Team Cherry
Release date: 4 September 2025
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