How are you supposed to play this game?

[the world]

I just got this game and am feeling lost since there's no dialogue or quest log. I just went north, killed the boss and got the shotgun, but I only have 3 of the modules. Can't seem to find the 4th one on the bottom right side of the map.. and I'm wondering if it's crucial that I get that module to progress through the game?

The gameplay and atmosphere is really great, but I hate being lost and having to wander around trying to find that last item to continue going forward. Would this game allow me to treat it like skyrim and just explore, and if I happen to miss a couple things that's ok? Or are these modules (and other collectables) crucial to the game?

[FuzzyJuzzy]

You can freely explore any of the regions any time. There are some gated sections (like needing 3 area modules before some bosses) but that's about it. The rest is just secrets and collectables such as additional gear that gives bonuses etc. Take you time and explore - it's really rewarding and you'll find some cool stuff. You can finish the game well before you've collected/found everything, but the game saves just before final boss so you can always go back and find the rest after completing it.

[the world]

I don't know if I just suck at exploring, but I spent the past hour trying to find the third module on the east and still can't find it T_T.

Does anyone have this problem? It sucks because it gets frustrating but I really just want to fight the boss and get new items. The gameplay is really smooth and fun, the music and atmosphere is so cool... but I just can't find things well!

[MazyRun]

Hi, you can free roam and explore anywhere you like (even if that means partially exploring all 4 areas and teleporting back and forth between them).

You can defeat the bosses in any order you like (and collect stuff in any order you like) ..there will be plenty of items that you can bypass if you can already get to a boss location.

There's a lot of hidden stuff in hidden locations (collectables etc, all optional), there are usually subtle visual clues as to where (and how) to find them. On my first run I missed a lot of things.

Any essential things that you do need to find will be marked on map, you can explore that specific area until you work out exactly how to get to it.

I think one thing that is really cool about HLD is that there is no dialog (or walls of text), it keeps the lore and story intriguing and mysterious, it leaves the images and music to tell the story (and I guess the map does act as quest log)..

It's a interesting world to be lost in.. after you've explored a few areas, had a few fights and upgraded your character a bit, you won't feel lost anymore.. in fact you might start wishing there were more biomes to get lost in again!

[veelqnexus]

Originally posted by ml:

I just got this game and am feeling lost since there's no dialogue or quest log. I just went north, killed the boss and got the shotgun, but I only have 3 of the modules. Can't seem to find the 4th one on the bottom right side of the map..

There is 8 modules in every region, not 4. They are mostly optional, you need only 3 to get access to bosses in eastern, western and northern areas.

[veelqnexus]

Originally posted by Justinian:

You can freely explore any of the regions any time.

You can't go south. Do it after 3 bosses are dead.

[Dr.Wholian?]

My best advice is if you get frustrated looking for stuff in one region, just go to a different region you haven't been to and work on that for a while. Don't feel stupid if you can't get to something, because it may be that you just don't have the requisite keys or bosses beaten yet to get there.

IMO the best way to start out easy and ramp your way up gradually is East > North > West > South. Also get the ability to chain dash and deflect bullets with your sword as early as possible - makes everything easier. Getting the shotgun early also makes all the bosses way easier.

[The Joy of Motion]

^ What they said, and also: this game has hidden paths and invisible platforms and secrets all over the place. Many of these are indicated with a tiny little symbol that looks like a square with a dot or squiggle in it. This symbol is usually on the ground, right before a hidden entrance or invisible platform. When you stand at this symbol, your bot will prompt you to press the Interact button, and then it will show you the invisible platforms nearby.

Other secrets (including some of those modules) require skill to access, for instance, chain dashing across a whole string of traps. There's no other way but to train for these.