Mina the Hollower Game Overview — Story, Gameplay & Key Features
Updated 2026-06-03
Mina the Hollower is a pixel-art action-adventure Metroidvania developed by Yacht Club Games, the studio behind Shovel Knight. Released on May 28, 2026 for Steam at $19.99, Mina the Hollower follows a master Hollower named Mina as she investigates a distress call from the cursed Tenebris Island. The game combines whip-based combat, a unique burrow mechanic that lets you dig underground, and classic Metroidvania exploration across six distinct biomes.
Story and setting
The Mina the Hollower story takes place on Tenebris Island, a remote landmass where an ancient curse is transforming the inhabitants into monstrous creatures. Mina, a highly skilled member of the Hollower guild — adventurers trained to neutralize cursed entities — arrives to investigate. The narrative unfolds through environmental storytelling, lore tablets scattered across the world, and conversations with Elder Thorne, the island's last sane survivor. The true ending, unlocked by collecting three hidden Locket Pieces, reveals a personal connection between Mina and the final boss.
Core gameplay mechanics
| Mechanic | Description | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Whip combat | 3-hit combo with sweet-spot tip damage | Primary attack |
| Burrow | Dig underground for traversal and combat | Signature ability |
| Sub-weapons | 6 tools: Boomerang, Dagger, Flask Bomb, etc. | Secondary arsenal |
| Stamina system | Limited resource for burrow and sub-weapons | Resource management |
| Upgrades | 18 permanent upgrades across 4 categories | Progression |
Key features
- Six biomes with unique enemy types, environmental hazards, and boss encounters.
- The burrow mechanic — dig underground to dodge attacks, reach hidden areas, and surprise enemies.
- Five whip upgrade tiers and six sub-weapons with distinct combat properties.
- Original soundtrack by Jake Kaufman (virt), featuring adaptive music that reacts to gameplay.
- 25 Steam Achievements, speedrun leaderboards, and full controller support.
- 8-10 hours for a standard playthrough, 14-16 hours for 100% completion.
Who should play this game
Mina the Hollower is for fans of tight action-platformers with meaningful exploration. If you enjoyed Hollow Knight, Shovel Knight, or Dead Cells, this game fits the same mold. The difficulty is challenging but fair — the burrow mechanic gives you tools to handle tough situations once you learn the timing.
FAQ
- What type of game is Mina the Hollower?
- It is a pixel-art action-adventure Metroidvania with whip combat and a signature burrow mechanic that lets you dig underground.
- Who developed Mina the Hollower?
- Yacht Club Games, the studio behind Shovel Knight. The soundtrack is composed by Jake Kaufman (virt).
- How long is Mina the Hollower?
- The main campaign takes 8-10 hours. Full completion with all collectibles and upgrades takes 14-16 hours.