Route Overview

To get to Sandfalls from Ossex in Mina the Hollower, start from the Ossex city gates, enter the cave network to the right, then work through the central cave path until you reach the exit leading down into Sandfalls. This is one of the key traversal routes in the game — similar in importance to the Bone Beach path that players also frequently search for. Knowing this route cold is a staple of speedrun practice and stays relevant through New Game Plus.

Before setting out, make sure you have a few upgrades ready — a ranged sidearm for the cave enemies, and if you've already grabbed Spring Heels from Trooper in Radiant Manor, the pit rooms become much easier to navigate.

Mina the Hollower cave entrance route from Ossex to Sandfalls

Step-by-Step: Ossex to Sandfalls

1. Start at the Ossex Gates

Begin at the gates in Ossex / Ossex Commons. Use the nearby mirror if you need to fast-travel back later. From there:

1. Go right.

2. Enter the caves.

3. Once inside the cave network, head toward the middle / central section.

2. Take the Right Path Toward the Stairs

In the central cave area, move right and continue toward the stair exit. This leads into a room where you must deal with enemies and a small obstacle setup before continuing.

3. Clear the Enemy Room and Lower the Rope

In the next room:

1. Defeat all enemies first.

2. Push the movable object/block toward the opposite side.

3. Clear the bushes blocking your way.

4. Climb up and look for the rope.

5. Lower the rope before leaving.

Lowering the rope is useful because it creates an easier return path if you need to come back through this section later — similar to how the Pinky ladder shortcut works elsewhere. This ladder-style shortcut saves time on backtracking, which is why speedrun routes always include it.

Mina the Hollower block puzzle and rope shortcut on the way to Sandfalls

After that, continue down the stairs.

Pit Room Clues: How to Find the Safe Path

Several rooms on this route contain hidden holes or unsafe floor tiles. The safe route is marked by visual clues:

  • Falling droplets indicate safe spots.
  • Golden dots / golden markers indicate safe spots.
  • Bone-like markings can also help show where the safe path runs.

Use these clues to cross carefully instead of guessing.

Mina the Hollower safe floor clues with droplets and golden markers

Activate the First Button or Lever

Cross the safe floor path and activate the nearby button/lever. This opens the way forward.

Continue Through the Lower Cave Rooms

The next sections repeat the same ideas:

1. Watch for enemies.

2. Use Mina’s burrow ability where needed to pass underground.

3. Follow the droplet and golden marker clues to avoid holes.

4. Reach the far side of the room and activate the next switch.

Mina the Hollower switch room before the Sandfalls exit

Burrowing can help you move through some dangerous or blocked sections — a technique the community calls the ring dive when chaining burrow launches through tight spaces. You still need to watch the floor clues when crossing exposed areas. If pit rooms are giving you trouble, equipping Spring Heels gives you longer jumps that can skip over multiple unsafe tiles at once.

Exit to Sandfalls

After activating the switch and crossing the final safe path, head to the stairs and leave the cave section. Continue downward from the exit, and you will arrive at Sandfalls.

Once you arrive, activate the Sandfalls mirror right away — this lets you fast-travel back to Ossex and return whenever you need. If you're following a completionist route, Sandfalls is one of the areas required for the harder endings, so having the mirror unlocked early saves hours over a full playthrough.

For another traversal guide in the same style, check out how to get to Bone Beach — the route structure is similar, and Bone Beach is a popular search for players exploring beyond Ossex.

Mina the Hollower arrival at Sandfalls from Ossex

Quick Route Summary

  • Start at the Ossex gates.
  • Go right into the cave network.
  • Head to the middle section.
  • Go right toward the stairs.
  • Clear enemies, push the object, clear bushes, and lower the rope.
  • Use droplets and golden markers to identify safe floor tiles.
  • Activate the required buttons/switches.
  • Exit through the stairs and continue down into Sandfalls.

Related Content

  • Sandfalls — destination area with the wide pit crossing challenge
  • Ossex — starting hub with shops, mirrors, and the guild
  • Bone Beach — another area players frequently search for route guides to
  • Radiant Manor — where you buy Spring Heels before heading into caves