Choose a first-run weapon
How to choose a starter weapon before exact upgrade data is complete.
Spoiler-light guide
Mina the Hollower Beginner Guide
Use this as a first-run checklist, not a full walkthrough. It tells you what to pay attention to without spoiling rooms, bosses, or secrets.
Quick Answer: Start by learning movement and burrowing, then pick one reliable weapon path, one defensive trinket package, and a small number of repeatable rooms for bones. Do not chase every secret on the first pass.
Spoiler-Light Hint: If a room feels suspicious, test burrowing and wall approaches before spending scarce resources. If a boss feels impossible, the answer is often preparation, not more aggression.
First-run order
| Step | What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Read movement rooms slowly | Burrowing, spacing, and recovery windows matter more than raw damage. |
| 2 | Choose a comfortable weapon | A weapon you can control beats a theoretically optimal weapon you keep mistiming. |
| 3 | Save bones before major upgrades | Launch-window routes are still being verified, so avoid irreversible spending assumptions. |
| 4 | Use trinkets to patch weakness | Beginner builds should add safety before chasing damage. |
| 5 | Check boss prep before repeated attempts | Consumables, sidearms, and trinket swaps can save more time than grinding. |
What to upgrade first
For most first runs, prioritize consistency: movement comfort, survival margin, and one route-clearing weapon. Exact upgrade names and costs will be verified after more in-game route testing.
Common Mistakes
- Spending bones immediately because the first upgrade looks exciting.
- Changing weapons every few rooms before learning recovery timing.
- Treating burrowing only as a dodge instead of a search and route tool.
- Reading a full boss breakdown before trying a spoiler-light preparation checklist.
- Assuming randomizer advice applies to a normal first run.
Related Entities
- Weapons
- Burrowing
- Bones
- Trinkets
- Sidearms
- Boss preparation
FAQ
Should I play Mina the Hollower blind?
Yes, but keep a spoiler-light checklist nearby for weapons, healing, and boss preparation. Use full location pages only when you are stuck.
What should I avoid early?
Avoid overcommitting bones to a build before you know whether your weapon timing feels good. Exact upgrade costs need in-game confirmation.
Is this a wiki?
No. This site focuses on practical route decisions, build planning, and quick answers rather than exhaustive database coverage.
Last Updated: May 28, 2026
Unofficial fan-made guide. Not affiliated with Yacht Club Games, Steam, or Valve.