Choose your first weapon in Mina the Hollower wisely, as you won’t be able to change it for some time. Although the game opens with a pleasant boat ride, the peace won’t last beyond the first minute; as a kraken sweeps across the deck, thankfully missing Mina, there’s every need for self-defense.
If you’re unsure which weapon to choose first in Mina the Hollower, we’ll help you make that decision.
Which weapon to choose in Mina the Hollower
Following the first attack by the kraken, Mina must move below deck, where she encounters a boatswain who instructs her to grab a weapon. So, to obtain your first weapon, interact with the large chest behind the boatswain. There are three options:
- Whisper and Vesper: A pair of nimble daggers. Tap the attack button in quick succession to perform a stab attack.
- Nightstar: A crushing mace affixed to a flexible chain. Press the attack button to strike from a distance.
- Blaststrike Maul: A hammer with explosive force. Hold the attack button to charge up. While charging, move to roll.
In this picture, going left to right, you can see the Whisper and Vesper’s stab attack, the Nightstar’s long-range attack, the Blaststrike Maul’s charged attack, and the Blaststrike Maul’s light attack.
Our recommendation for the best weapon to pick first in Mina the Hollower is the Nightstar. As it hits enemies up to two blocks away, it’s not only easier to deal damage, but it’s easier to keep out of harm’s way. It’s difficult enough to burrow (move underground) and pop up in the perfect spot to hit the enemy, but with the Nightstar, you don’t have to stand on an adjacent tile to land a hit, so there’s a bit more room for error. Furthermore, the Nightstar is surprisingly fast — combine that with the extra space between Mina and her opponent, and it’s usually possible to land at least two hits before moving.
While the Blaststrike Maul may appear to be the most interesting option, as you’d have the choice between a quick, short-ranged attack and a slow, high-range, heavy-hitting slam, it’s far from the easiest weapon to wield. Especially if you’re planning to beat the Nether Kraken, the charged attack is too time-consuming, whereas the quick attack lacks range. The Whisper and Vesper are great for high speed, but they, too, lack range, making it difficult to land attacks following a burrowing move. Additionally, the daggers will make you backwards a little as you attack, so you might run into the boss and take damage.
Once you’ve made a decision, you’ll likely have to rely on your first weapon for at least two hours of playtime, but keep in mind that this choice isn’t final; once you reach the city of Ossex, you can purchase another weapon from the weapon shop (which requires bones, the in-game currency). If you love your choice of weapon, you can also buy another of the same type — this will upgrade the weapon’s abilities.
