Map Progression (feel free to spoil me)

[𝕊𝕠𝕝𝕠]

8 hours and after defeating soul master, I just realized that the map opens up after getting mothwing cloak and mantis claw. To not be overwhelmed, i want to know what is the actual optimal / canon / sequence of areas that i should open?

I went crossroads > green path > fungal wastes > abit of howling cliffs exploration > city of tears > crystal peak (just got crystal heart)

what areas should i explore next or what important areas I should've explored?

[Mr. Merchant]

If you really want the optimal path youll discover that the game is relatively short. take your time and explore instead.

[vayase señor cuesta]

koladmkasld

[Perseus]

I think not knowing where to go and which areas to explore next is part of this game's charm and that you might prefer going through that rather than going through the "optimal" path.

If you want directions, though, Elderbug gives hints for where to go, at least for a good portion of the game.

[𝕊𝕠𝕝𝕠]

Originally posted by Perseus:

I think not knowing where to go and which areas to explore next is part of this game's charm and that you might prefer going through that rather than going through the "optimal" path.

If you want directions, though, Elderbug gives hints for where to go, at least for a good portion of the game.

i agree. it is fun exploring new and old areas, especially after finding out that there are hidden grottos that can only be found through destroying walls. but i still prefer having a checklist over accidentally going to an area where im not supposed to be in

also, i never knew he gives out hints.

[𝕊𝕠𝕝𝕠]

Originally posted by Mr. Merchant:

If you really want the optimal path youll discover that the game is relatively short. take your time and explore instead.

i wouldnt mind cutting the game short just because i know where to go. im still fascinated by the characters and lore drops with each new area that i go to

[𝕊𝕠𝕝𝕠]

Originally posted by mario:

koladmkasld

bro is speaking in the hallowspeak language

[MADE IN IRON]

Originally posted by 𝕊𝕠𝕝𝕠:

i still prefer having a checklist over accidentally going to an area where im not supposed to be in

Don't worry, you won't likely be at any place you are not supposed to be unless you know specific tricks speedruners use to skip things.

It's not a linear game, so there is not just one path. It's mostly defined by you having the tools and/or skills to cross an area, or you not having them.

It's an exploration game, and if you want to do everything, you'll be doing a lot of bactracking. By simply looking at the map, you'll find places unexplored (because the map doesn't update untill you visit a place and sit in a bench) so big areas are hard to miss. And for the rest, there are the markers Iselda sells, you can pin places you can't reach on the map and then return when you have a new mobility skill.

But if you don't want to keep exploring anymore, just go after the ending (you must have it marked on your map by now) and as a side effect, you won't get a check list, but at least you get a counter so you can know how much content you still are missing.
By the way, after you "finish" the game, the next time you enter the game you'll start at the last bench you used, so don't delay the ending out of fear of missing anything.

[terrorarian]

Travel through Deepnest. It leads to a lot of important places, so make sure you investigate every nook and cranny.
And under NO circumstances are you to trust the false twin.

[MADE IN IRON]

Originally posted by terrorarian:

Travel through Deepnest. It leads to a lot of important places, so make sure you investigate every nook and cranny.
And under NO circumstances are you to trust the false twin.

No need for that spoiler.

[terrorarian]

Originally posted by MADE IN IRON:

Originally posted by terrorarian:

Travel through Deepnest. It leads to a lot of important places, so make sure you investigate every nook and cranny.
And under NO circumstances are you to trust the false twin.

No need for that spoiler.

They said, and I quote, "(feel free to spoil me)"
And as such, I gave them a minor spoiler that mentions an interesting section of the area without actually explaining the section in question.

[MADE IN IRON]

Originally posted by terrorarian:

Originally posted by MADE IN IRON:

No need for that spoiler.

They said, and I quote, "(feel free to spoil me)"
And as such, I gave them a minor spoiler that mentions an interesting section of the area without actually explaining the section in question.

With "go to deepnest" it would have been enough. I insist, no need for that spoiler.

[terrorarian]

Also, if you have a simple key, look for a place in city of tears to use it. It opens up a part of the game that (eventually) leads to a very important powerup.

[Phirestar]

To be honest, I think the ‘intended path’ basically ends at Crystal Peak.

Once you fall down the big pit in that area and trigger the event that gives you your main objective, you’re basically left to find your own path to reach the end of the game from that point on.

There isn’t really a correct order for doing things after that. Any direction you go is technically the right way.

[Nibbie]

The order you get the major upgrades is relatively linear, so there is a definite "right way" if you are just looking to get all the upgrades and/or finish the game. You've done pretty well at finding it yourself so far, only Howling Cliffs is totally optional of the areas you went.

After getting the Crystal Dash, the next upgrade is down in the Ancient Basin, which you get to via the bottom of a long shaft accessed from the eastern half of the City of Tears or the Royal Waterways. With that upgrade, you can access an upper portion of the Kingdom's Edge,, where you will find a sort of key that opens the door at the bottom of the Ancient Basin. The upgrade found there is the last major upgrade you need to access areas of the map.

There is one optional upgrade as well you can get now at any point, by beating Dung Defender in the Royal Waterways and hitting the lever after his arena then making your way to the right half of the Royal Waterways and finding Isma's Grove

[𝕊𝕠𝕝𝕠]

Originally posted by MADE IN IRON:

Originally posted by 𝕊𝕠𝕝𝕠:

i still prefer having a checklist over accidentally going to an area where im not supposed to be in

Don't worry, you won't likely be at any place you are not supposed to be unless you know specific tricks speedruners use to skip things.

It's not a linear game, so there is not just one path. It's mostly defined by you having the tools and/or skills to cross an area, or you not having them.

It's an exploration game, and if you want to do everything, you'll be doing a lot of bactracking. By simply looking at the map, you'll find places unexplored (because the map doesn't update untill you visit a place and sit in a bench) so big areas are hard to miss. And for the rest, there are the markers Iselda sells, you can pin places you can't reach on the map and then return when you have a new mobility skill.

But if you don't want to keep exploring anymore, just go after the ending (you must have it marked on your map by now) and as a side effect, you won't get a check list, but at least you get a counter so you can know how much content you still are missing.
By the way, after you "finish" the game, the next time you enter the game you'll start at the last bench you used, so don't delay the ending out of fear of missing anything.

i kinda forgot that the chick in dirtmouth sells markers. i couldve avoided backtracking the whole map if i bought it long ago lol. i am aware that the game isnt really linear but the cloak and claw really opened like 60% of the map imo. thanks for the insight tho!