Unlocking the Secret Ending of Mina the Hollower
The allure of secret endings in video games often lies in their complexity, and Mina the Hollower from Yacht Club Games is no exception. This Zelda-inspired action-adventure title is rich with mysteries and optional paths, making the discovery of a hidden conclusion both intriguing and challenging. What sets this particular secret ending apart is the intricate process required to unlock it, a feat that may leave even the most dedicated completionists scratching their heads.
According to gaming enthusiast ChickenSoup, who has meticulously explored the depths of Mina the Hollower, accessing the secret ending necessitates a series of stringent actions—or rather, inactions. Players must navigate the game while avoiding any actions that could lead the final boss, Lionel, to accuse Mina of wrongdoing. This includes a wide array of prohibitions, such as:
- Sealing the Duke in the crypt
- Defeating the Mock Moon boss
- Using the train outside of its initial visit to Coltrane Peak
- Engaging in any activity that harms another character
- Restoring the Hollower Guild
- Viewing the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the game’s start
- Acquiring the fishing rod
- Destroying lamps or candles, which often contain useful items
This extensive list of restrictions effectively eliminates most side quests and the rewards associated with them, complicating the main game and heightening the challenge for players. Yet, alongside these prohibitions, there are essential tasks that players must complete to inch closer to the secret ending:
- Requesting Cappy’s companionship after the opening ship crash
- Rescuing the three children in Septemburg
- Providing bones to all beggars who seek assistance
The requirements are undeniably stringent, catering to only the most passionate fans of Mina the Hollower. Successfully navigating this labyrinth of do’s and don’ts leads to a pivotal moment where Lionel invites Mina to join him on a new quest, thus unlocking the coveted hidden ending.
However, aspiring players are advised against attempting to uncover this secret on their first playthrough. The difficulty level is steep, and in doing so, they risk missing out on some of the most rewarding side quests available in this year’s gaming landscape. As noted by Kerry Brunskill in their review, Mina the Hollower stands out as one of the best games of 2026 so far, and the journey through its main storyline is one worth experiencing fully before delving into its more elusive secrets.
