What to know
- You begin the game with a choice between Nightstar, Whisper & Vesper, and Blaststrike Maul.
- The other two starting weapons can be recovered together in a secret Belowdecks area later in the game.
- You need Pinky’s Ladder and at least 3 Kears (Keys) to access both weapon rewards.
- If you already own the weapons, the rewards become weapon upgrades instead.
Choosing a starting weapon in Mina the Hollower does not permanently lock you out of the others. While the blacksmith eventually provides access to additional weapons, there is also a hidden exploration route that allows you to recover the two starting weapons you did not select. This area contains multiple rewards, including a treasure chest and weapon unlocks or upgrades depending on your current inventory.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Weapons | Nightstar, Whisper & Vesper, Blaststrike Maul |
| Required Item | Pinky’s Ladder |
| Required Keys | Minimum 3 Kears |
| Area | Belowdecks |
| Major Encounter | Frog Boss |
| Rewards | Two starting weapons or their upgrades |
| Extra Loot | One treasure chest |
The route begins after obtaining Pinky’s Ladder. To get the ladder, travel to Pinky’s Parlor and steal it successfully. Once you have the ladder, make your way toward the end of the swamp region and locate the Ticketer standing near the ship. Pinky’s Ladder is required to access the hidden Belowdecks section of the vessel.
Carefully position the ladder so that Mina can climb onto and through the ship. Entering this section takes you into the Belowdecks area, a dangerous zone filled with water hazards, vine obstacles, enemies, and valuable rewards.
What you will find inside Belowdecks
The Belowdecks area contains several important rewards packed into a relatively small location. As you explore, you will encounter a frog-themed enemy encounter that culminates in a boss fight. The area also contains a treasure chest and two separate weapon reward rooms locked behind Kear barriers.
Players should bring at least three Kears before attempting the run. One Kear is needed to access the treasure area, while the remaining Kears are used to unlock the weapon rewards.
| Reward Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Treasure Chest | 1 Kear |
| Weapon Reward #1 | 1 Kear |
| Weapon Reward #2 | 1 Kear |
| Total Required | 3 Kears |
How to retrieve the other two starting weapons
Step 1
Acquire Pinky’s Ladder from Pinky’s Parlor and keep it in your inventory for the journey ahead.
Step 2
Travel to the swamp region and continue toward the ship located near the Ticketer.
Step 3
Position the ladder correctly so Mina can climb through the ship and enter the hidden Belowdecks area.
Step 4
Navigate through the water sections and vine traps while progressing deeper into the ship. Be prepared to fight enemies along the way.
Then find the rope to drop into the Belowdocks ship area. Rope is at the far right end of the area. Destroy blocks and enemies in the area to get there.
Step 5
Defeat the frog boss guarding the reward section.
Step 6
Use a Kear to open the treasure area containing the bonus chest.
Step 7
Near the treasure chest, look for vines on the upper ledge. Attack these vines to clear the obstruction and open access to the lower section.
Step 8
Proceed to the weapon chambers and spend Kears to unlock each reward individually.
Step 9
Collect both weapon rewards.
Weapon rewards explained
The exact rewards depend on your current weapon collection.
| Situation | Reward |
|---|---|
| You do not own the weapon | Receive the weapon |
| You already own the weapon | Receive its upgrade |
For example, if you started the game with Nightstar and later found one of the other weapons through exploration, the Belowdecks rewards may grant the remaining weapon plus an upgrade for the one you already possess.
In the example shown, the rewards obtained were Whisper & Vesper and a Blaststrike Maul upgrade, because the hammer had already been collected elsewhere in the world.
Whisper & Vesper
Whisper & Vesper are twin daggers that focus on rapid close-range attacks. They are the fastest of the three starting weapons and excel at aggressive hit-and-run combat.
Blaststrike Maul Upgrade
If you already own the Blaststrike Maul, the reward becomes the hammer’s upgrade instead. One of its upgrades unlocks the powerful Spin Rush ability, allowing Mina to dash forward after an attack when timed correctly.
Can you get all three starting weapons?
Yes. Mina the Hollower allows players to obtain every starting weapon during a playthrough. The three starter options are Nightstar, Whisper & Vesper, and Blaststrike Maul, and none of them are permanently missable. The Belowdecks route simply provides a convenient way to recover the two weapons you did not choose at the beginning, or earn upgrades if they have already been acquired elsewhere.
The Belowdecks section is one of the most rewarding optional detours in Mina the Hollower. By bringing Pinky’s Ladder and at least three Kears, you can access a hidden area containing a treasure chest, defeat a frog boss, and claim the two starting weapons you missed at the beginning of the game. If those weapons are already in your collection, the rewards transform into valuable upgrades instead, making the trip worthwhile regardless of your current build.
