Polygon published a guide for players of Mina the Hollower detailing whether to prioritize leveling attack, defense, or sidearms first [1].
Optimizing these early character stats is critical for players to manage the game's difficulty and ensure character strength during the initial stages of gameplay [1].
The guide outlines three primary upgrade paths available to the player: attack, defense, and sidearms [1]. Each path offers different advantages depending on the player's preferred combat style, and the challenges they face within the game world [1].
While the guide acknowledges that increasing defensiveness can be useful for surviving longer encounters, it suggests that prioritizing attack may be the most effective strategy [1]. A higher attack stat allows players to eliminate enemies more quickly, which often reduces the total damage taken over the course of a fight [1].
Sidearms provide additional utility and versatility in combat, but the guide positions them as secondary to the primary choice between raw power and survival [1]. "Defensiveness can be useful, but perhaps attack will prove to..." the Polygon article author said [1].
Players must balance these upgrades as they progress through the environment to avoid hitting a wall in difficulty [1]. The guidance serves as a roadmap for those seeking to maximize efficiency in their build from the start of the game [1].
“Attack is likely the most effective stat to level first.”
The focus on attack over defense reflects a common trend in action-RPG design where 'offensive pressure' is the most efficient way to mitigate risk. By reducing the time enemies are active on screen, players effectively lower their exposure to damage, making high attack stats a safer long-term investment than incremental health or armor increases.
