What to know
- The Joule Box upgrade permanently increases your maximum Joules by 10.
- The upgrade is hidden in an area located behind Pinky’s merchant counter.
- You need at least one key before attempting this puzzle.
- Approaching from the wrong side can cause Pinky to grab Mina and throw her out.
If you rely heavily on Sidearms in Mina the Hollower, the hidden Joule Box upgrade near Pinky is one of the most useful permanent upgrades you can find early on. The reward is tucked away behind the merchant’s counter and requires a small environmental puzzle to reach. While the area looks inaccessible at first, there is a simple method to get behind the shop and claim the upgrade.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Upgrade | Joule Box |
| Effect | Increases maximum Joules by 10 |
| Type | Permanent upgrade |
| Requirement | At least 1 Key |
| Location | Hidden area behind Pinky’s shop |
| Purpose | Allows more Sidearm uses before recharging |
The upgrade is found in a secret section located behind Pinky’s merchant area. After reaching the back side of the counter, you will discover a small puzzle involving a movable object and a ladder section. The reward chest sits on an elevated platform that cannot be reached directly without repositioning the object correctly.
Based on the in-game location shown in the image, the upgrade appears on an upper platform above a spike-lined section, with a ladder connecting the lower and upper levels. Once the puzzle is solved, Mina can jump across and collect the upgrade.
Step 1
Make sure you have at least one key in your inventory before heading to the secret area. Without a key, you may not be able to access the route leading behind the merchant counter.
Step 2
Work your way behind Pinky’s shop counter. Be careful with your positioning once you enter the area.
Step 3
Do not approach from the left side. If Mina gets too close from that direction, Pinky will notice and immediately grab her before tossing her back out of the area, forcing you to try again.
Step 4
Drop down to the lower section where the movable ladder is located. This object is required to complete the traversal puzzle.
Step 5
Move the ladder carefully toward the right side of the room. If it becomes misplaced, do not worry. You can return and reposition it until it is in the correct location.
Step 6
Once the object is placed properly, use it to gain the height needed to reach the upper platform. Jump across to the reward platform and collect the hidden upgrade.
Joule Box upgrade reward
| Reward | Effect |
|---|---|
| Joule Box | Permanently increases maximum Joules by 10 |
The increase may seem small at first, but an extra 10 Joules can make a noticeable difference during longer dungeon runs and boss encounters. Since Sidearms consume Joules, having a larger reserve means you can use ranged attacks, special tools, and utility equipment more frequently before needing to recharge.
Why the upgrade is worth getting
Many of Mina’s strongest utility options rely on Joules, making capacity upgrades especially valuable. Unlike consumable bonuses, the Joule Box upgrade is permanent and benefits every future area, boss fight, and exploration run. Players who frequently use Sidearms will notice the extra resource immediately, especially during difficult encounters where every additional attack counts.
Because the upgrade is hidden behind a merchant area that most players simply walk past, it is also one of the easier permanent upgrades to miss during a normal playthrough.
The secret Joule Box behind Pinky’s shop is a permanent collectible that rewards curious players with +10 maximum Joules. To obtain it, bring a key, sneak behind the merchant area, avoid getting caught from the left side, move the puzzle object into position, and use it to reach the upper platform containing the upgrade. If you regularly use Sidearms, this is a worthwhile upgrade to grab as soon as you can access the area.
