Deep Rock Galactic Hollow Bough Survival Tips

Combat Summary

• Prioritize cutting all Tangle Vines and Stabber Vines immediately upon engagement; they slow movement and deal consistent damage.
• Utilize area-of-effect (AoE) weapons and utility tools to clear dense vine clusters and manage swarms, a common threat in Hollow Bough.
• Maintain situational awareness of the environment; the dense flora and darkness can obscure hazards and enemies, making proactive clearing essential for Survival Tips.

Primary Threats & How to Counter Them

The Hollow Bough is infamous for its aggressive plant life and suffocating terrain. Understanding these unique challenges is key to completing any mission here. This section serves as your essential Biome Guide for navigating the gloom.

• Stabber Vines: These green, whipping tentacles are a constant menace. They inflict significant damage and can target Miners from surprisingly far distances. Their weak point is the glowing orange bulb at their base. Focus fire on these first. Drills, axes, and any precise ranged weapon work well. This is a critical piece of Enemy Tactics.
• Tangle Vines: The bright red vines that ensnare and slow movement are a major hazard. Miners caught in them become easy targets for other Glyphids. Melee attacks, axes, C4, or any area-damage weapon can clear them quickly. Prioritize clearing pathways, especially during retreats or resupplies.
• Briar Patches: These thorny ground hazards inflict slow damage over time and reduce movement speed. Avoid them if possible, or clear them with fire, explosives, or sustained weapon fire if they block critical paths.

Navigation and Movement

The dense, dark, and uneven terrain of Hollow Bough demands careful movement. Always be aware of your surroundings; what appears to be solid ground might be riddled with vines or ledges.

• Maintain Clear Paths: As you advance, use your tools to clear Tangle Vines and Briar Patches. A clear retreat path is invaluable when swarms arrive.
• Verticality is Key: This biome often features intricate vertical cave systems. Scout Mobility is paramount for reaching high-up resource veins or spotting distant threats. Engineers should use platforms strategically to create stable walkways and cover pits.
• Lighting: The natural darkness makes visibility poor. Flares, pheromone canisters, and any other light source should be used generously to illuminate potential hazards and reveal hidden Stabber Vines.

Class-Specific Advantages

Every class brings unique advantages to surviving Hollow Bough missions in Deep Rock Galactic.

• Scout: Unmatched mobility for escaping tight spots, quickly reaching high Stabber Vines, and lighting up dark areas. Prioritize clearing crucial paths for the team.
• Driller: Excellent for creating direct pathways through dense terrain and clearing vine clusters with drills or explosives. Flamethrowers are effective against Tangle Vines and Briar Patches.
• Engineer: Platforms are vital for navigating vertical terrain, creating safe firing positions, and blocking off choke points. Turrets provide consistent damage against swarms and Stabber Vines.
• Gunner: Area damage weapons are great for clearing swarms and large vine patches. The Gunner’s shield can provide crucial temporary safety during heavy engagements, offering a moment to clear vines or revive a downed Miner.

Miner’s Chatter

The community sentiment regarding Hollow Bough is almost universally one of dread and caution. Many miners report it as one of the most challenging biomes, largely due to visual clutter, constant slows from vines, and frequent surprise attacks from Stabber Vines.

Key takeaways from the chatter include:

• Constant Vigilance: Miners emphasize that complacency in Hollow Bough leads to quick death. Always be on the lookout for movement and sound.
• Team Coordination: Communication about Stabber Vines locations and clearing Tangle Vines for teammates is essential.
• Explosives Warning: Be extra careful with explosives. The dense environment and close quarters make friendly fire incidents more common. Use your tools wisely to avoid unnecessary downs.