Introduction
The Nightstar is a powerful mid-range chained mace (flail-style weapon) in Mina the Hollower. It offers excellent reach, flexible chain attacks, and is often recommended as the best starting weapon for beginners due to its balance of safety and damage.
While you can select it in the prologue, many players seek it later via a secret location in Ossex Courtyard (Radiant Manor area) involving a Vial deposit puzzle and hidden garden access. This Nightstar Mace Weapon Location guide covers both methods, step-by-step.
Nightstar Weapon Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Mid-range chained mace / flail |
| Playstyle | Balanced reach, safe spacing, tip damage bonus (with upgrades) |
| Strengths | Great for burrowing combos, horizontal reach, aerial extensions |
| Upgrades | Dread Mace (tip bonus damage), Afterstrike (pulse attack) |
| Best For | New players, spacing-focused combat |
How to Unlock Nightstar (Prologue – Starter Choice)
- Complete the early ship/tutorial section.
- Reach the chest with the boatswain.
- Choose Nightstar from the three starter weapons (alongside Whisper & Vesper daggers or Blaststrike Maul).
Tip: You can test weapons before committing. You can buy alternatives later from Legovich’s Arms blacksmith in Ossex City Center (prices start at ~2000 Bones).
Secret Location: Ossex Courtyard / Hidden Garden (Vial Method)
This path lets you obtain the Nightstar even if you picked another starter weapon (or for a second copy/upgrade access). It requires Plasma Vials for a deposit puzzle.
Step-by-Step Guide
| Step | Action | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Head to Ossex and enter the northern building in the Bowery / near Radiant Manor Courtyard. | Look for the area with hedges and a garden entrance. |
| 2 | Navigate upward to exit into the Hidden Garden area. | Destroy breakables for a shortcut from the statue/city side. |
| 3 | Defeat enemies (including a tough Lion Knight or guardian). | Conserve health – avoid using Vials during fights if possible. |
| 4 | Collect at least 5 Plasma Vials. | Replenish at Underlab or use Vial Pouches. Extra pouches help. |
| 5 | Deposit Vials at the puzzle mechanism (usually 4–5 required). | Climb ropes, use Drill Driver if needed for access. |
| 6 | Open the chest in the hidden area to claim the Nightstar. | Shortcut ropes available for return trips. |
Vial Requirements Note: You typically need 4–5 Vials to unlock the path. Fighting while low on Vials can lock you out temporarily.
Required Preparation
- Vial Pouches → Increase max carry capacity (found in Ossex and other regions).
- Underlab Access → For quick Vial refills.
- Movement Tools → Burrowing, ropes, and Drill Driver for platforming.
