To get the world map in Ossex, you need to complete a short but crucial questline. First, find the hidden side entrance to the Hollowers Guild. Inside, speak with Muriel to begin the quest, then head south of Ossex to the rebel barracks. Fight your way through to rescue the captive hollower, Rein. Once she's safe, return to the now-tidier guild hall, where a new NPC named Drill Hard will sell you the map for 500 Bones. It’s one of the most important early-game upgrades, revealing the general locations of the four main generator dungeons.
Why Isn't the Map Just in a Shop?
Mina the Hollower drops you into the sprawling city of Ossex and trusts you to find your own way. Unlike games that hand you a map from the start, this one makes you earn it. The map isn't a simple commodity; it's a reward for engaging with the world and its characters. The quest to unlock it serves as a perfect introduction to the game's design philosophy: exploration and curiosity are paramount. By tucking the map vendor behind this mini-adventure, the game teaches you to look for hidden paths, talk to everyone, and follow narrative threads to their conclusion. This initial task sets the tone for the rest of your journey across Tenebrous Isle, reinforcing that the most valuable tools are often earned, not just bought.
Step 1: Find the Hollowers Guild Entrance
The Hollowers Guild is one of the first major buildings you'll encounter in Ossex, but the front door is conspicuously blocked off when you arrive. Don't waste your time looking for a switch or a key for the main entrance. The way in is more subtle, requiring a bit of classic video game logic.
From the front of the guild, head around to the building's right side. You’ll need to hop over a small rock and break some crates that are blocking the path. This clears the way to a hidden side entrance. Once inside, you'll find a Kir (a key) and the guild's sole remaining occupant, Muriel. Speak with her. She’ll explain that hooligans have ransacked the place and taken one of her colleagues captive, sending you south to investigate.
Mina the Hollower in-game screenshot
Step 2: Rescue Rein from the Rebel Barracks
With the quest from Muriel active, your next destination is south of Ossex's main entrance. The Kir you just collected inside the guild is the key you'll need to unlock the gate to the rebel barracks, a small, self-contained mini-dungeon.
Navigating the Barracks
The barracks area is a straightforward combat gauntlet. The enemies here are a step up from the creatures you fought on the way to Ossex, so be prepared for a fight. Keep your whip cracking and make smart use of your burrow ability to dodge attacks and reposition. There are no complex puzzles here; the main challenge is surviving the encounters as you push through the corridors.
Freeing the Captive
At the end of the barracks, you will find Rein, another hollower, being held captive. Defeat any remaining enemies in the area to free her. Once she is safe, she will thank you and make her own way back to the guild. You don't need to escort her out in real-time; simply freeing her is enough to advance the quest. With Rein rescued, you can exit the barracks and head back to the Hollowers Guild in Ossex.
Mina the Hollower in-game screenshot
Step 3: Purchase the Map from Drill Hard
When you return to the Hollowers Guild, you'll find it in a much-improved state. Muriel and the newly rescued Rein are busy cleaning up the main hall. Their efforts have uncovered a previously hidden NPC: a large, drill-nosed character named Drill Hard.
Speak to Drill Hard, and he will open his shop. Among his wares is the item you've been working towards: the Ossex region map. It costs 500 Bones, a very reasonable price for such a vital tool. If you're short on currency, spend some time farming the enemies east of Ossex near the crypts; they provide a reliable source of Bones early in the game.
What the Map Actually Does
Don't expect a hyper-detailed, frame-by-frame layout like a traditional Zelda dungeon map. The map in Mina the Hollower is a broader navigational tool. When you view it while burrowing, it shows you the general direction of the first four generator dungeons you need to tackle. This is invaluable for preventing you from wandering aimlessly and helps provide a recommended path through the game's opening hours.
Furthermore, Drill Hard sells an upgrade for the map that reveals how many collectibles you have left to find in each major area. This makes it an essential purchase for any completionist and one of the best investments you can make at the start of your adventure.
Mina the Hollower in-game screenshot
Is Getting the Map the First Thing I Should Do?
Absolutely. While the game gives you the freedom to explore anywhere, unlocking the map should be your top priority upon arriving in Ossex. The 500 Bones required is a small price to pay for the direction and clarity it provides. The quest itself is a great warm-up, giving you a taste of combat, exploration, and character interaction. Without the map, you risk stumbling into high-level areas unprepared or simply feeling lost in the dense, secret-filled world. Getting the map first provides a crucial foundation, allowing you to explore Tenebrous Isle with purpose and confidence.