Hollowreach and the art of getting pleasantly lost

Hollowreach almost dares you to wander, and the first time I leaned into that instead of rushing the objective, the whole game opened up for me.

You pilot a little submersible through a flooded city, filling in the map as you go. I spent my first hour obsessively heading toward waypoints and missed most of what makes the game special — the quiet side rooms, the half-told stories in old signage.

The puzzles are environmental and gentle. Most are about reading the currents and finding where light or pressure lets you pass. Nothing here wants to frustrate you; it wants you to notice things.

My only real tip is to turn the music up and give it your full attention. This isn't a background game. Played that way, its six or so hours feel like a proper little journey.

Hollowreach reminded me that exploration can be the whole reward. No combat, no timers, just a place worth being in.