Pair sidearms with weapons
How to choose a starter weapon before exact upgrade data is complete.
Spoiler-light guide
Mina the Hollower Sidearms Guide
Sidearms are support tools. Use them to create safe windows, cover weak matchups, and stabilize rooms that your main weapon handles poorly.
Quick Answer: Do not spam sidearms as your primary plan. Pair one reliable sidearm with your weapon weakness: range for heavy weapons, interruption for fast weapons, and safety for beginner builds.
Spoiler-Light Hint: If you keep using a sidearm to fix the same room, that room is probably telling you what your build lacks.
Sidearm roles
| Role | Use when | Pairs with | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interrupt | An enemy starts a dangerous pattern | Fast or balanced weapon routes | Exact sidearm names need confirmation |
| Range support | A boss or enemy punishes close approach | Heavy weapons and beginner routes | Needs in-game testing |
| Room control | Multiple threats enter at once | Exploration and randomizer routes | Needs in-game testing |
| Resource saver | You can avoid damage without overusing healing | Bone farming | Needs economy testing |
Common Mistakes
- Using sidearms before learning basic dodge and burrow timing.
- Forgetting that support tools should solve specific problems.
- Building entirely around an unverified sidearm location.
- Using randomizer sidearm assumptions in normal routing.
Related Entities
- Sidearms
- Weapons
- Bosses
- Burrowing
- Resource management
Last Updated: May 28, 2026
Unofficial fan-made guide. Not affiliated with Yacht Club Games, Steam, or Valve.