- Mina the Hollower missables can be easily avoided by checking tutorial areas for hidden chests.
- Prioritize the Spark upgrade early to gain a secondary life and unlock the bike for faster travel.
- Always grab the Axe subweapon from the candle near the Radiant Manor entrance before heading to dungeons.
- Use Kears strategically to unlock secret paths that lead to powerful trinkets and bone stashes.
- Farming red demons near the crypt entrance is the most efficient way to level up early.
Early-Game Missables and Chests
Exploring the world of Ossex requires a keen eye. Many players rush toward the first dungeon, missing out on crucial Bonestones and upgrades that simplify the early game.
Video Highlights:
- Optimal early-game pathing to maximize your starting currency.
- Hidden locations for secret chests in the tutorial and Ossex.
- Why the Spark upgrade is your most vital priority.
When navigating the tutorial and the starting town, keep these hidden locations in mind. Many chests are tucked behind gates or require simple burrowing mechanics to access.
| Location | Item/Reward | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Tutorial Room | Bonestone Chest | Burrow under the top gate |
| Ossex Couple's Quarters | Bonestone Chest | Burrow jump over the gap |
| Strategy Center | Bonestone Chest | Use Axe to break, then burrow |
| Underlab Checkpoint | Bonestone Chest | Break door on the left |
If you find yourself low on currency, the area east of Ossex near the crypt entrance is your best farming spot. Enemies respawn every time you return to the previous screen.
Essential Trinkets and Upgrades
Trinkets provide passive buffs that change how you handle combat and exploration. Missing these before your first dungeon run will make your journey significantly harder.
Steady Soles
- No speed penalty on water or ice
- Resists knockback
- Essential for Bayou dungeon
Chain Capacitor
- Damage boost for consecutive hits
- Rewards aggressive play
- Great for boss encounters
Bell of Grace
- Spark retention on death
- Reduces bone loss
- Ideal for risky exploration
The Proto Spark is a must-have item in the Queensbury Crypt. You must escort the Duke to the room past the boss to claim this "extra life" trinket.
Weapon Selection and Upgrades
Choosing your primary weapon sets the tone for your adventure. While you receive three options on the ship, you can eventually collect all five.
| Weapon | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Whisper & Vesper | Daggers | Speed and close-range combat |
| Night Star | Flail | Mid-range and flying enemies |
| Blast Strike Maul | Hammer | High damage and AOE attacks |
| Guardian Casket | Shield | Parrying and defense |
| Battery Buster | Gun | Versatile range and resource management |
Select Starter
Choose the weapon that fits your playstyle on the ship; you can buy others later.
Visit Legavich
Head to the orange building in Ossex to purchase your second weapon for 2,000 bones.
Defeat Armand
To unlock further weapon purchases, you must defeat the blacksmith's brother in the basement.
Progression Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure you haven't missed any vital progression steps before tackling major dungeons.
Early Progression Milestones:
- Unlock the Hollower's Guild by breaking crates
- Purchase the map from Drillhardt for 500 bones
- Find at least one Poppit shop location
- Upgrade to two Sparks to unlock the bike
- Obtain the Proto Spark from the Queensbury Crypt
FAQ
Q: What should I prioritize buying first in Mina the Hollower?
Prioritize the Spark upgrade. Having two sparks allows you to open secret doors and gives you a second chance to recover your dropped bones upon death.
Q: Are there any missable items in the game?
While most items can be obtained later, some early-game chests and specific NPC sidequests are much easier to complete before you reach the first dungeon.
Q: Where can I find the best early-game trinkets?
Early trinkets like Steady Soles and the Bell of Grace are found in hidden areas of Ossex and the Western Wilds. Always check behind walls and under platforms.
Q: How do I get more Kears?
You can buy Kears from the shop in Ossex, or find them in hidden locations like the telescope north of the checkpoint.