The world of Hollow Knight: Silksong is full of hidden upgrades and optional challenges that reward exploration. One of the most important upgrades comes from the Pinmaster’s Oil quest, which allows you to further enhance Hornet’s Needle. This guide covers how to unlock the quest, where to find Pale Oil, and how to complete the tricky puzzle that guards it.
How to Unlock the Pinmaster’s Oil Quest
To begin the quest, you must first lift the curse in Bellhart by defeating Widow. Once Bellhart is restored, the once-empty town becomes full of life. Climb to the upper section of the settlement, where you’ll find the Pinmaster’s house.
See also: Silksong: How to Reach Act 2 and Defeat The Last Judge
After a short exchange, the Pinmaster upgrades Hornet’s Needle for the first time. He then hints at a further enhancement, but it requires a rare substance—Pale Oil. This starts the Pinmaster’s Oil side quest.
Where to Find Pale Oil
The Pale Oil isn’t just lying around in plain sight. It’s hidden deep in the Choral Chambers, but you can only reach this area through the Whispering Vaults.
- Entry Point: Whispering Vaults, accessed from the Cogwork Core.
- Requirement: You’ll need the Whispering Vaults map before tackling the puzzle inside.
- Tip: Make sure you have the Cling Grip ability, as some platforming sections require it.
How to Reach the Whispering Vaults
- Start from the Cogwork Core, the same place where you can acquire The Architect’s Melody.
- Move through the interior until you spot a hidden route leading right.
- Continue until you find a lever near a rotating wheel bridge. Strike it to shift the bridge’s orientation.
- Cross the bridge to enter the Whispering Vaults.
How to Unlock the Choral Chambers Path
The heart of this quest lies in solving a box puzzle that opens the way into the Choral Chambers. Each movement is crucial for unlocking the hidden path.
Whispering Vaults Box Puzzle – Quick Steps
| Step | Action | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Push the ground-level box to the left | Opens climbing access. |
| 2 | Climb up and slide the upper box to the right | Creates a new path above. |
| 3 | Return below and push the next crate right | Unlocks higher jump opportunity. |
| 4 | Use the moved box to climb upward | Gains vertical progress. |
| 5 | Strike the middle crate to go up | Shifts platform to climb higher. |
| 6 | Keep adjusting boxes upward | Clears a new vertical passage. |
| 7 | Push the upper crate left | Opens side route. |
| 8 | Strike a nearby crate downward | Drops it to unlock new pathing. |
| 9 | Descend and push crates left | Opens horizontal access. |
| 10 | Go under boxes and hit one upward | Reveals hidden passage. |
| 11 | Enter the secret room and pull the lever | Unlocks access to the Choral Chambers and Pale Oil. |
Inside this hidden chamber, you’ll find Pale Oil, a rare material described as the bile gland of a sylphean slug. Its shimmering liquid is exactly what the Pinmaster needs to refine Hornet’s blade.
Completing the Quest
Bring the Pale Oil back to the Pinmaster in Bellhart. Handing it over will complete the Pinmaster’s Oil quest and grant Hornet a further Needle upgrade, increasing her damage output significantly.
See also: Bone Scroll Silksong: All Locations, How to Get, and Uses Explained
Things You Should Know Before Starting
- Quest Type: Wayfarer Wish (side quest).
- Upgrade Material: Pale Oil.
- Best Preparation: Acquire Cling Grip, the Whispering Vaults map, and unlock the Cogwork Core bridge before attempting the puzzle.
- Reward: Enhanced Needle, making combat against tougher Pharloom foes more manageable.
The Pinmaster’s Oil quest is more than a simple fetch task—it tests your exploration skills, puzzle-solving ability, and preparation. While the Whispering Vaults puzzle can feel daunting at first, completing it rewards Hornet with a sharper Needle that will carry you through the later, more punishing areas of Silksong.
For players who want Hornet at her strongest, this quest is absolutely essential. Play Now!
