Mina the Hollower features a critical puzzle involving mirrors that serves as the gateway to the game's penultimate dungeon, the Astral Orrery. While mirrors are encountered throughout the world of Ossex, their true function as portals only becomes apparent later in the game, often after witnessing an NPC pass through one. Fortunately, the ability to enter these mirrors is available from the outset and does not require any special unlocks.
Entering the Mirrors
To traverse any mirror in Mina the Hollower, players simply need to press Mina's character model against the glass for a few seconds. Doing so will initiate a transition, loading Mina into the game's hub world, the Astral Orrery.
This mechanic is crucial for accessing various zones linked to the Astral Orrery. Activating switches found on the other side of these mirrors in their respective areas removes barriers within the Astral Orrery, enabling swift travel between them. While it's possible to reach the Astral Orrery dungeon without activating all switches, doing so significantly streamlines endgame navigation.
Mirror Locations
Five mirrors are scattered across Mina the Hollower's world, each leading to the Astral Orrery. Locating and activating the switches behind them is key to progressing.
Queensbury Crypt
Within the Queensbury Crypt, players should proceed until they reach Statue Head Hall. Instead of focusing on the main objective of collecting statue heads, look to the right side of the main screen. A tattered rug conceals a hidden path. Burrowing through this rug leads to a mirrored room where the Queensbury Crypt mirror can be found on the right side.
Nox's Bayou
In the Nox's Bayou dungeon, advance to the Big Lagoon area. From there, navigate to the bottom left section to find an opening in the wall. Burrowing through this tunnel leads to a new zone, Moonlit Path.
In Moonlit Path, follow the lily pads northward, navigating a small jumping puzzle that involves burrowing into the water. After reaching an open area and defeating a moon boss, continue north. A small shack will house the Nox's Bayou mirror.
Septemburg
Proceed to Crow Town in Septemburg, located at the northern end of a long bridge. On the left side of this area, a farmhouse can be found, often marked by a red weapon upgrade chest. Inside this farmhouse, amidst crows and piles of leaves, is the Septemburg mirror.
Bone Beach
As players navigate Bone Beach, they will eventually reach the Worm's Back area. Look for a seemingly unreachable red chest. Continuing right from this point will lead to a tent surrounded by bones and enemies. Entering this tent reveals the Hide Tent area, where a mirror can be found in a corner.
Coltrane Peak
In Coltrane Peak, advance to the Rail Yard. This area features a puzzle requiring players to rail-ride in multiple directions. Taking the left path will eventually lead to the southeastern part of the area, where a blue chest and a silver tunnel are located. Entering this tunnel brings players to the Icebound Cavern.
Once inside the Icebound Cavern, move immediately to the right. Burrow into the snow past the ice, continuing right into a smaller cave. This cave contains a bed and the Coltrane Peak mirror.
