Approaching Mina the Hollower with a planned dungeon order can significantly improve your experience, as some areas present greater challenges than others. While the game technically allows for any dungeon to be tackled at any time, strategic progression can help players avoid unnecessary difficulty, especially before acquiring crucial upgrades.
Early Game Progression and Upgrades
The initial phase of the game begins with Mina's arrival at Loner's Landing and continues until you speak with Lionel after defeating Thorne outside the Radiant Manor. This period is crucial for familiarizing yourself with Mina's combat mechanics, particularly the effective use of the burrowing ability. It is also advisable to collect a substantial amount of Bones during this time, which can be used for early upgrades to Mina's Attack, Defense, and Sidearms. Investing in all three is recommended to prepare for subsequent challenges. If you find yourself struggling, consider a temporary detour for Bone grinding, though more efficient options will become available later.
Before embarking on a broader exploration, dedicate time to Bone grinding in areas surrounding Ossex, such as Southern Outskirts, Loner's Landing, and Eastern Heath. Mourner's Mile also offers a good source of Bones from its graves. These collected Bones should be spent at the Emporium, located in the southern part of Ossex. Essential purchases include at least one Health Rose and the Spark Upgrade to enhance survivability. A Vial Pouch upgrade is also beneficial if Bones permit. Beyond character enhancements, use Bones to repair the Hollower's Guild and purchase the Isle Map, a valuable upgrade for the Underlab. Accessing the Emporium requires completing a short side quest.
Queensbury Crypt: The First Dungeon
To reach Queensbury Crypt, depart Ossex via its eastern entrance, travel through Eastern Heath and Mourner's Mile. This dungeon serves as an excellent first major challenge, offering a significant step up in combat and navigation from Loner's Landing. It introduces the critical burrow-jump mechanic, which functions as a double jump, and mastering its timing is essential to avoid falling into pits. The enemies within Queensbury Crypt and its surrounding areas provide ample opportunity to practice combat, including integrating burrowing attacks. The knights leading up to the crypt are particularly good for learning enemy attack patterns. Furthermore, this area is ideal for developing observational skills for Tenebrous Isle's environment, such as identifying destructible objects and terrain clues that hint at hidden rewards.
Nox's Bayou: Navigational Challenges
Nox's Bayou is accessible by exiting Ossex south, taking the second left in Southern Outskirts, heading north into Western Wilds: Occupied Bridge, then south into Backwaters: Shanty Swamp. This area is comparable to Queensbury Crypt in combat difficulty but presents navigational challenges, especially if burrow-jumps are still proving difficult. Careful attention to the terrain and flying enemies is advised.
Septemberg: Rising Difficulty
Septemberg can be reached by following a path through Western Wilds: Occupied Bridge, Molten Foundry, Kindlewood: Overgrowth, and Kindlewood: Farming Crossing. The difficulty in both combat and navigation escalates in this region. If you encounter significant obstacles, returning to Queensbury Crypt for Bone grinding and ensuring regular upgrades to Mina's abilities, such as Health, is crucial for progression.
Coltrane Peak: A Necessary Investment
Coltrane Peak becomes accessible after fixing the train by donating 10,000 Bones at any train station, with the Ossex station being the most convenient. While this sum could be spent on upgrades, visiting Coltrane Peak is eventually necessary and can serve as a slightly easier progression point between Septemberg and Bone Beach.
Bone Beach: A Tough Approach
To reach Bone Beach, exit Ossex south, take the second right in Southern Outskirts, and navigate through the Cave Network. This route involves multiple Plasma Vial expenditures for gates and requires careful navigation through environmental puzzles and dealing with flying enemies. The difficulty increases substantially upon reaching Bone Beach itself. Utilizing the Underlab when possible is recommended to manage Plasma Vial resources. The initial cave network presents navigational challenges and enemies that demand attention.
Astral Orrery: The Final Dungeon
The Astral Orrery is designed as the game's final major dungeon, accessible after activating all hidden mirrors across the map and proceeding through Mirror's End. It is the most challenging region, featuring powerful enemies and intricate navigation that can intentionally mislead players. If Bone grinding has been neglected, it is highly recommended at this stage to ensure all chosen weapons, abilities, and cloaks are fully upgraded. Evaluating your Trinket and Sidearm choices is also beneficial before entering the Astral Orrery, aiming to be well-prepared for the endgame.
Radiant Manor: The Climax
Upon completing all dungeons, return to the Radiant Manor via the northern exit from Ossex. This is the point to finalize preparations for the game's concluding encounter. Ensure your preferred weapon, Trinket, and Sidearm are ready. As with previous challenging points, persistent upgrading is key if you find yourself stuck before the final fight.