Yes, it’s true that Shadow Labyrinth is a metroidvania that uses the extensive lore of Pac-Man to build the foundations of its world and gameplay. It seems important to answer that question out of the gate. And while many players may be scratching their heads at such an idea, very quickly after entering the gameworld, you’ll quickly see just how inspired the idea actually is. Out of the gate, Shadow Labyrinth shows that it is not just another run-of-the-mill metroidvania by mixing well-designed levels and abilities with a total subversion of the Pac-Man lore. Quite soon after setting off with Puck, you’ll be faced with brutal combat encounters, and surprisingly deep crafting and upgrade systems. With this in mind, this list of Shadow Labyrinth beginner tips will have you devouring enemies and chomping Ora before any G-host can catch you.
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In Shadow Labyrinth you’ll quickly find yourself exploring a series of challenging regions, and while the game does offer guidance on the basics, there are several instances where you may find yourself unsure of how to proceed. The following list of tips will not be presented in any specific order, but more as a general list of things to keep in mind when starting your journey in Shadow Labyrinth.
Checkpoints & Save Points Explained – Fast-Travel in Shadow Labyrinth
All Save Points Are Not Equal:
The fast-travel and save systems in Shadow Labyrinth are both tied to the same mechanic, which can be a bit tricky to understand when first encountered. The main fast-travel and save points are called ‘Miku-Sol,‘ and offer a variety of systems for the player to interact with. These are very similar to the ‘bonfire’ mechanic in the soulslike genre, as you can not only save, but refill your health and HP Tank charges. The Transport option will also allow you to fast-travel to any ‘Miku-Sol’ you’ve previously visited. Remember that using the Miku-Sol will cause some enemies to respawn. These are Save Points in Shadow Labyrinth.
Where it gets a bit tricky, is when you encounter your first Checkpoint. These are small crystal pillars that do not feature all the functions of a Miku-Sol. What you need to remember here, especially when you first encounter them, is that they do not refill your HP Tank charges, they only refill your health. . On top of this, you can only fast-travel back to the most recent Miku-Sol. These do not seem to respawn enemies. These are Checkpoints in Shadow Labyrinth. When you die, you will be asked if you want to respawn at a Save Point or Checkpoint.
Remember, when respawning at Checkpoints, your HP Tank charges will be the same as when you last saved at the Checkpoint. Even after death, you will not respawn with full HP charges at a Checkpoint. If you need your tanks refilled, respawn at a Save Point, but remember that it may mean a longer return trip to the point of death.
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Wait to Explore
Unlock Panzer G.A.I.A. & ACTIV Shot Before Exploring:
Like many metroidvania games, Shadow Labyrinth features a huge range of collectibles and materials players will find while exploring the game world. However, in this case, it is better to avoid spending too much time exploring early in the game. Not too far into the game, you’ll face the Orange G-Host boss and unlock Panzer GAIA, a new form for Puck and the player. However, even after this, it is still wise to continue with the main story at least until you unlock the first major exploration ability, the ACTIV Shot, which acts as a grapple.
The first several main bosses in Shadow Labyrinth provide upgrades for combat, not exploration, so it makes sense to hold off on exploration until that point. You’ll know you are getting close to the ACTIV Shot grapple mechanic when you reach the Land of the Fugitives. Defeating the Pink G-host will unlock this mechanic, and exploration will open up and become a much better option at this point. In addition, there is a clear increase in difficulty around this point that seems to suggest it is time to pursue your first major upgrades.
Purchase the Early Perks
These Early Perks Require Materials Acquired Through Panzer GAIA:
Not long after entering the Barren Volcano region in Shadow Labyrinth, you’ll encounter a traveling merchant with several items for sale. The merchant is found directly after the first Mizu Sol at the Cave of Ashes. While there are a few items you can purchase immediately, the perks require materials that you will not have access to until you unlock Panzer GAIA and the Devour mechanic. When you look at the merchant’s inventory, you’ll see the following perks for sale:
- Ora Gain: Puck will collect Ora for you. Cost – 100 Ora, Bone Fragment x5
- ESP Dodge Optimizer: Lowers the ESP cost of dodging. Cost – 1000 Ora, Chitin Shell x5, Bone Fragment x
Both of these perks are hugely beneficial. Ora Gain should be the first item you purchase in the game, as it will ensure that Puck will chase down every chunk of Ora that drops off ledges or lands in spike pits. It will help ensure you have enough Ora to purchase upgrades as quickly as possible. As for the materials, you’ll have to wait until you unlock Panzer GAIA after defeating the Orange G-host (the first major boss). GAIA has a mechanic called Devour that allows Puck to eat enemies, each of which provides a specific material. Once you start using Devour, you can see which enemies provide which material through the inventory menu. In this case, focus on humanoid enemies for Bone Fragments, and most of the flying enemies provide Chitin Shells.
Perks work on a Notch system, very similar to charms in other popular metroidvanias. Ora Gain requires one notch, while the ESP Dodge Optimizer requires two. The player has access to three notches at the start of the game. You can unlock more notches as you progress.
Upgrade the Sword & ESP Early
Do Not Be Afraid To Spend Your Ora:
When you visit a Mizu Sol, you’ll notice the Enhance section of the menu. Early in the game, you’ll be able to use this section to upgrade your sword’s attack power, and your ESP, which is a form of stamina. There is no need to be precious with your Ora early in the game, as you will collect a considerable amount pretty quickly. Make sure to get the Ora Gain perk as soon as you can (see the previous entry on the list), as this will help ensure you gather Ora as fast as possible.
Once you perform the first three upgrades, you will hit a wall with both enhancements. This is due to the fact that Level 4 upgrades require the High-Grade Material item, which is not unlocked till much later in the game.
How to Upgrade Max Health & HP Tank Charges in Shadow Labyrinth
Improvement Through Exploration:
Like many metroidvanias, or simply games in general, almost all the Max Health and HP Tank charge upgrades are acquired through exploration and collectibles. If you feel like you are struggling, and would like to increase your Max Health and HP Tank charges, there are a few collectibles and items you can use early in the game.
The first option is more of a consumable, and is available for purchase from the merchant early in the game, and from the merchant in Bosconian Village later in the game. This is a perk that adds 2 segments to your health bar, but only until you die. This can be purchased for 300 Ora. In Bosconian Village, you can purchase the Extra Tank perk, which adds another HP Tank charge, but uses a perk notch. These are just examples of the items that can be purchased (relatively) early in the game to help with health issues.
You can find a limited number of items that provide a permanent increase to the HP Gauge and HP Tanks charges. In the Barren Volcano, in the small square section in the northeast corner of the map. You can find the first HP Tank upgrade in the Sky-High Tree section, in the small space below the Duke Sirius mini-boss arena.
Hanging Vines & Hidden Rooms
Keep Your Eyes Peeled:
While making your way through the intricate levels of Shadow Labyrinth, it is easy to miss some of the helpful items and traversal tools that are meant to be discovered. Admittedly, many players may notice these items immediately, but if you don’t realize they aren’t simply for looks, they can be quite easy to pass by. The best example of this are the hanging vines and chains that are attached to ceilings. These provide a helpful path for traversal if cut free, but the vines especially can be tricky to notice.
Shadow Labyrinth also features a huge number of hidden areas and secret rooms. Look out for even the slightest hint of a small recession in a wall, or the orange rocks that mark a breakable section, pocking out ever-so-slightly. When you do decide to explore, many of these chambers will provide important upgrades or large Ora deposits.
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Remember to Save
Don’t Lose Your Progress:
Finally, while it seems like a no-brainer to add this to a beginner’s tips list, in Shadow Labyrinth it is important to remember to save before leaving the game or taking a break. It is possible to lose large chunks of progress if you don’t remember this simple step. It does seem like this is by design, and that you are absolutely going to be punished for not returning to a Checkpoint or Save Point before leaving the game.
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