You’re trekking through the edge of the world, dodging Great Hoppers and trying not to fall into a pit of spikes, when you find a lonely hut. Inside sits a massive bug who looks like he’s seen a few too many centuries. He’s grunting, he’s grumpy, and he wants 800 Geo just to talk to you. Welcome to the life of a Nailmaster.
In Hollow Knight, the three Nailmasters—Oro, Mato, and Sheo—aren't just there to give you cool power-up moves. They are the remnants of a broken family, scattered across a dying kingdom because they basically can't stand to be in the same room. It’s tragic. It's kinda relatable. And if you’re trying to 112% the game, it’s also mandatory.
Where to Find the Three Brothers (And What They Teach)
Most players stumble onto Nailmaster Sheo first. He’s tucked away in a corner of Greenpath that requires some platforming finesse. Honestly, he’s the chillest of the bunch. While his brothers are obsessed with the "Way of the Nail," Sheo decided he’d rather paint. He teaches you the Great Slash. It’s the bread and butter of Nail Arts. You hold the button, you release, and you delete whatever is in front of you.
Then there’s Nailmaster Mato up in the Howling Cliffs. He’s the enthusiast. He’ll call you his pupil, maybe even his child, and he teaches the Cyclone Slash. This move is a beast for builds that rely on multiple hits, letting you spin like a tiny, murderous top.
Finally, you’ve got Nailmaster Oro in Kingdom’s Edge. He’s the "middle child" vibe personified. He’s the only one who makes you pay Geo to learn his art, the Dash Slash. Is it worth the 800 Geo? Considering it gives you a massive range advantage during boss fights like Nightmare King Grimm, yeah, it’s a steal.
The Beef: Why is Oro the Outcast?
If you talk to Mato after visiting Oro, the tone shifts. It’s not just a "hey, how’s my brother doing?" situation. Mato is genuinely hurt. He mentions that Oro owes him something—likely a vow or a debt that remains unpaid.
When you Dream Nail Oro, you get a glimpse into his head. He’s haunted. He’s literally moved to the literal end of the world to get away from his past. There’s a theory in the community—and it’s a strong one—that Oro was the least skilled of the three. Sly (their master) even mutters in his sleep about Oro wielding his nail "like a club."
Ouch.
That lack of finesse might be why Oro charges you money. He doesn't see the Nail Arts as a sacred tradition anymore; he sees them as a commodity. He’s cynical because he couldn't live up to the "prodigy" status of Sheo.
The Secret Fourth Brother?
Here is where the lore gets really weird. Outside Oro's hut, there’s a training dummy. If you Dream Nail it, it says "...Stronger... Brothers...".
Wait.
Is that a dummy, or is it a corpse? Some fans think there was a fourth brother who died during training, or perhaps a rival who Oro couldn't defeat. Regardless, the trauma is what broke the trio apart. Sheo left to find peace in art, Mato stayed loyal to the old ways, and Oro ran away to count his Geo in the rain.
How to Actually Use Nail Arts Without Dying
A lot of people ignore Nail Arts because "they take too long to charge." You're right. Charging a Great Slash while a Primal Aspid is spitting acid at your face is a nightmare.
But there's a fix.
Once you learn all three arts, go back to Sly in Dirtmouth. He’ll give you the Nailmaster’s Glory charm. It costs one notch. It cuts your charge time by nearly half. Suddenly, you aren't just a bug with a sword; you're a whirlwind.
- Great Slash: Best for killing flying enemies in one hit.
- Dash Slash: Best for "poking" bosses from a distance where they can't reach you.
- Cyclone Slash: Best for massive damage on staggered bosses. (Pro tip: Mash the attack button while spinning to stay in the air longer).
The Path to Godhome
If you really want to see what these guys can do, you have to hit the DLC content. In the Pantheon of the Master, you don't just fight them individually. You fight Oro and Mato together.
It’s a brutal fight because they cover each other’s weaknesses. One dashes while the other spins. It’s the only time in the game you see them working as a team, and it’s only within a dream. It shows that despite the bitterness, their bond as brothers is the foundation of their strength.
Steps to Master the Nail Arts
- Prioritize Sheo: Get to Greenpath early. Great Slash is the most versatile art for early-game exploration.
- Save your Geo: Don't go to Kingdom's Edge broke. Oro won't even talk to you if you don't have the 800 Geo.
- Equip the Glory: If you aren't using the Nailmaster's Glory charm, you aren't using Nail Arts correctly. It's a game-changer for the Trial of the Fool.
- Check the Basement: After getting all three, visit Sly's basement in Dirtmouth. The lore revelation there is the "click" moment for the whole story.
The Nailmasters are more than just tutors. They represent the different ways people deal with failure and legacy. Whether you prefer Sheo's artistry or Oro's pragmatism, their techniques are what separate a survivor from a legend in Hallownest.