LogFAQs > #961196325

TheLiarParadox posted...

Mantis things and Mawlek. Finally beat them, but just barely. Only had one life unit (out of 7) left each time.

Ah, that's why you were having so much trouble. The Mantis Lords can be beaten when you first encounter them and you can explore the map in most any direction, but they're intended to be kind of a Beef Gate to encourage you to backtrack to a different area after getting the Mantis Claw. The first time you die to them, Quirrel actually spawns in the path back to them and talks about upgrading your nail.

Mawlek is an optional boss and you'd be missing a few of the charms and upgrades that make it a much simpler experience.

This is assuming you're still near the beginning of the game, of course.