Map Usage:
The map is your best friend. Pay attention to unexplored areas, locked doors, and areas marked with question marks. These often indicate secrets or paths you haven't fully explored. Remember that the map updates as you discover new areas and interact with Respite points.
Breakable Walls:
Many secrets are hidden behind breakable walls. Look for cracks, discolored sections, or subtle visual cues. Use the Umbral Knight's basic attack or Gerrod's hammer to break them. If an area feels like a dead end, try attacking the walls.
Backtracking:
As you gain new spirits and movement abilities (like the Double Jump or Ulv's Dash), revisit older areas. Many previously inaccessible paths will now be open, leading to Fervor Fragments, Relic Slots, or Ancient Souls. The game is designed for extensive backtracking.
Sound Cues:
Pay attention to sound. The faint chime of a collectible, the growl of a hidden enemy, or the creak of a secret passage can often alert you to something important nearby.