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All Nail Arts in Hollow Knight and How to Get Them

All Nail Arts in Hollow Knight and How to Get Them

These are all the special techniques you can learn for your Nail.
Carlos Leiva · Published: 10 Aug 2026, 22:26

Throughout your journey, you will encounter the three Nailmasters, mighty warriors who will teach you their combat techniques so that you can use them in battle. It is worth noting that the damage dealt by these Arts increases significantly whenever you upgrade your Nail, as it is calculated using multipliers. None of them will help you reach new areas, however, as they are exclusively designed for combat.

The available techniques are as follows:

Cyclone Slash

To perform this technique, hold down the attack button, then press up or down as you release it. This allows you to perform a damaging spinning attack whose duration depends on how long you extend it, striking enemies up to seven times.

Where can you learn this technique?

To learn Cyclone Slash, you must visit Nailmaster Mato, who lives in the Howling Cliffs.

Hollow Knight Cyclone Slash

Dash Slash

This move allows you to perform a powerful Nail slash while dashing with the Mothwing Cloak. Simply hold down the attack button and release it during a dash.

Where can you learn this technique?

To learn Dash Slash, you must speak to Nailmaster Oro, who can be found in Kingdom's Edge.

Hollow Knight Dash Slash

Great Slash

This powerful technique allows you to charge an attack and deliver a much stronger blow than usual. Simply hold down the attack button and release it once fully charged without pressing up or down. The slash covers a wide area and can also hit enemies above you.

Where can you learn this technique?

Great Slash is taught by Nailmaster Sheo, who can be found in Greenpath.

Hollow Knight Great Slash
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