Shadow Labyrinth Beginner's Guide | Gameplay Tips & Tricks

Shadow Labyrinth builds an immersive world through layered map design typical of a Metroidvania, giving you a wealth of rooms, hidden catacombs, and mysterious areas to explore. 

With everything the game throws at you, confusion in combat or exploration is inevitable; this guide condenses helpful tips and tricks gathered during early play to turn moments of "what do I do now" into "okay, I got this." 

Dodge, Dodge, Dodge

When in a tight spot and needing to escape a less-than-ideal situation, dodging will be the best friend in Shadow Labyrinth.

For instance, after you fight the turkey boss, Duke Sirius, there will be a concentration of enemies in one room that must be fought through to proceed. 

To push forward, fight through those clusters using dodging combined with well-timed sword swings to gain the edge.

Dodging also helps reposition by moving into a clearer area, giving a better vantage point to continue the fight. Do not be afraid to reposition frequently.

Hit and Run

Use the hit-and-run strategy. In Shadow Labyrinth, enemies appear that take more than a couple of slashes to bring down, and some can quickly melt the health bar if not approached carefully. 

Hitting once, backing off, then waiting for a safe opening to strike again can be a more innovative approach against more formidable foes. Always check the enemy list after each new encounter for further guidance.

Read The Enemy Description

Once you beat a new type of enemy, its entry in the menu shows up, giving you important details like its weaknesses and how it usually acts. You can use these tips the next time you face that enemy.

Enemy Respawns

Enemies only respawn when you die and return to the nearest checkpoint or safe point, not when you save a Miku Soul.

If struggling to push through a tough area and a Miku Soul is nearby, do not hesitate to use it repeatedly to top off health while making progress.

Getting a Better View

Use the look-around feature regularly. It lets you move the camera and see further in any direction, especially up or down, helping you spot hidden enemies or treasures that would otherwise remain out of sight.

Yummy…Enemies

Enemies can be devoured without being in Gaia form — this can also be done during the regular sword-fighting phase.

Enemies need to be stunned or defeated first; if they are already dead, make sure to consume them before they vanish into a puff of smoke.

For Achievement Hunters

The game is linear at first, so do not stress if all collectables cannot be grabbed in the initial playthrough.

Like most Metroidvanias, Shadow Labyrinth rewards patience and backtracking, and many secrets are inaccessible until later when the right abilities have been gained.

Super Slide!

Chaining ducking dashes moves ridiculously fast, and while it may look comical, it is more than comic relief.

This move is beneficial in boss fights, allowing quick escape from danger with minimal or no damage.

Keep in mind that, unlike the usual dodge, this move will not allow passing through enemies.