The key moment where the game transitions from its linear introduction to open-ended exploration is the mandatory boss fight with Thorne. He confronts you in the courtyard of Radiant Manor, serving as the final challenge of the prologue.
Once you defeat him, you’ll be able to fully explore the main hub town and learn your ultimate goal. And here’s where many players get confused. I’m here to help, so don’t worry and just read the text.
The Text:
Your First Steps After Defeating Thorne
The path forward isn’t always obvious. Here are the most important things to do immediately after the fight. Many players ask this: Playing Mina the hollower where to go after first boss? Yes, freedom has consequences and wondering is one of them.
Fully Explore Ossex
With the prologue complete, many previously inaccessible parts of Ossex are now open. This is a great time to get your bearings.
Oh, and As you play, don’t worry about losing progress, Saving in Mina the Hollower is automatic.
Set Your First Goal
While you can tackle the dungeons in any order, the most logical and new-player-friendly first target is Queensbury Crypt, located to the east of town.
Unlock the Map
To get a better sense of the island’s layout, you’ll should unlock the Isle Map. Just go to the Hollower’s Guild in Ossex. You’ll learn that a fellow Hollower named Rhene is missing.
Then head south of Ossex into the Southern Outskirts, use a Kear (a healing item) to unlock a barrier, and complete the Rebel Barracks mini-dungeon to rescue Rhene.
Finally, return to the Hollower’s Guild, dig up Drillhardt and purchase the map from him for your Underlab. I really recommend you do this as soon as possible.
Your First Dungeon: Queensbury Crypt
Beating Thorne clears the path for the first dungeon in the game. To reach it, exit Ossex from the front gate on the south side of town. Head east into Eastern Heath, make your way north until you reach Mourner’s Mile, and follow that path to the crypt’s entrance.
This dungeon is designed to teach you core mechanics, including the need to burrow under certain objects to move them around.
Plan Your Next Moves
After clearing Queensbury Crypt, the developer recommends doing the southwest, northwest, and then southeast dungeons. Another possible destination is Nox’s Bayou, accessible by heading west out of the main Ossex gate.
Navigating Tenebrous Isle
For ongoing guidance, read the newspaper in Ossex. A new edition appears after you clear each dungeon, offering subtle clues about where to go next.
The town’s central fountain, with its six lightbulbs, also roughly indicates each dungeon’s general direction.
Your Path Forward After Thorne
Defeating Thorne marks the true beginning of Mina the Hollower. Unlike the optional Nether Kraken fight in the prologue, this victory unlocks the full island, gives you your main objective, restores the six Spark Generators and finally lets you play the game on your own terms.
FAQs
What should my immediate priorities be?
Your top priority is to prepare for your first dungeon. This is the best time to explore Ossex, get familiar with the shops, and rescue Rhene to unlock your map.
How do I get more healing items?
You can buy Kears (consumable heals) from Freeton at the Kear Institute, which is right next to the Emporium in Ossex.
What are the best upgrades to buy first?
It’s wise to invest some early bones into increasing Mina’s Attack and Defense stats to make combat more forgiving. An excellent early Trinket to find is the Primed Vial Pouch, located in a house south of Ossex, which lets you carry extra healing vials.
What’s the recommended level for the second dungeon?
There’s no level system. Your power comes from equipment and heart upgrades. If you’ve collected the items in this guide, you’re more than ready.
