Effective sub-weapon management is crucial for success, especially in later stages and boss fights. Hearts are a limited resource, so use them wisely.
- Know Your Sub-Weapons: Understand the strengths and weaknesses of each sub-weapon. The Axe is great for verticality, Holy Water for ground control, Boomerang for range, Dagger for rapid fire, and Stopwatch for utility.
- Conserve Hearts: Don't spam sub-weapons unnecessarily. Use your primary weapon for most regular enemies. Save hearts for challenging enemy formations or boss encounters.
- Prioritize Key Sub-Weapons: Before a boss fight, try to acquire the sub-weapon that is most effective against that particular boss (e.g., Axe for Golem, Boomerang for Death/Dracula).
- Hidden Heart Locations: Many stages have hidden large hearts or multiple small hearts in breakable blocks. Learn these locations to replenish your supply.
- Stopwatch Usage: The Stopwatch is expensive (5 hearts per use) but can be a lifesaver. Use it to bypass particularly difficult enemy gauntlets or to get free hits on a boss if you're desperate.
Always consider the current situation and the upcoming challenges when deciding which sub-weapon to keep and when to use it. A well-timed sub-weapon can turn the tide of battle.