After reaching the early regions surrounding Ossex, you’ll eventually encounter large gaps that seem impossible to cross with Mina’s normal movement abilities. The solution is the Drill Driver, a traversal-focused Sidearm that dramatically expands exploration options in Mina the Hollower. While it can be used offensively, its true value lies in mobility, allowing you to reach hidden paths, secret treasure rooms, and progression shortcuts much earlier than before.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Item | Drill Driver |
| Type | Sidearm |
| Primary Use | Air dash and gap crossing |
| Region | Eastern Heath |
| Acquisition | Hidden path through grass and cave |
| Combat Function | Knockback attack |
| Exploration Value | Extremely High |
| Recommended Timing | As early as possible |
Why the Drill Driver is so important
Unlike most Sidearms that primarily focus on combat, the Drill Driver completely changes how you navigate the world. Activating it launches Mina forward with a burst of momentum, allowing her to clear large gaps that normal jumping cannot reach. It is one of the strongest traversal tools in the game because it unlocks routes otherwise inaccessible in the early hours.
The Sidearm also deals damage and produces significant knockback. Smaller enemies can be pushed into hazards or pits, while enemies slammed into walls receive additional impact damage.
Location of the Drill Driver
The Drill Driver is found in the Eastern Heath region.
Eastern Heath contains a hidden route concealed behind tall grass and fencing. The path is easy to overlook if you’re simply following the main objective. You’ll need to explore the upper portions of the area carefully and look for places where Mina can use her burrowing ability to bypass obstacles.
The route involves moving through the tall grass near a house, burrowing beneath a fence, and navigating a cave that eventually leads to the hidden Sidearm reward.
How to get the Drill Driver in Mina the Hollower
Step 1
Travel to the Eastern Heath region and explore the grassy sections north of the main routes.
Step 2
Locate the house situated near the tall grass area. Search around the upper paths rather than remaining on the obvious road.
Step 3
Find the fence blocking the hidden route and use Mina’s burrowing ability to pass underneath it.
Step 4
Follow the concealed pathway into the Grotto’s cave system beyond the fence.
Step 5
Continue through the cave and hidden passage until you reach the reward area – Buckler’s Buff.
Step 6
Open the Sidearm pickup location to obtain the Drill Driver.
Once acquired, equip it immediately from your Sidearm inventory.
How to air dash using the Drill Driver
The air dash is performed by activating the Drill Driver while jumping. Equip the Drill Driver as your active Sidearm.
Run toward a gap or elevated platform. Jump normally. While airborne, activate the Drill Driver.
Mina will surge forward, gaining significant horizontal distance.
The timing becomes easier with practice. Many players combine a normal jump, Drill Driver activation, and other movement techniques to cross surprisingly large gaps. The Sidearm effectively serves as the game’s first major mobility upgrade.
Areas and secrets unlocked by the Drill Driver
Once obtained, the Drill Driver opens access to numerous optional rewards throughout the game.
| Unlock Type | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Hidden treasure chests | Additional Bones and items |
| Secret shortcuts | Faster travel routes |
| Upgrade locations | Access to powerful equipment |
| Collectibles | Completion progress |
| Alternate exploration routes | Easier world traversal |
Several later upgrades and collectible locations specifically require the Drill Driver or a similar movement tool to reach. Guides frequently reference it when discussing hidden Joule Boxes, weapon upgrades, and exploration secrets.
Combat uses of the Drill Driver
Although traversal is its primary role, the Drill Driver remains useful in combat situations.
| Effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Knockback | Launches enemies away |
| Hazard Kills | Push foes into pits and traps |
| Wall Impact Damage | Extra damage when enemies hit walls |
| Crowd Control | Creates breathing room during fights |
Smaller enemies are particularly vulnerable because they can often be eliminated instantly when knocked into environmental hazards.
Best tips for using the Drill Driver
The Drill Driver becomes even more effective when combined with Mina’s other movement abilities. Try activating it at the peak of a jump for maximum distance. As you discover additional traversal tools and trinkets later in the game, you can chain movement options together to reach areas that initially appear impossible to access. Many experienced players keep the Drill Driver equipped for most of their adventure because of how frequently exploration opportunities arise.
The Drill Driver is easily one of the most valuable early-game Sidearms in Mina the Hollower. Found in Eastern Heath through a hidden cave route, it grants Mina an air dash that unlocks new paths, secret rewards, and major exploration opportunities across the world. If you’ve started encountering suspiciously large gaps and inaccessible ledges, obtaining the Drill Driver should be your next priority.
