Luisa is picky. Honestly, most of the people hanging out in the Austrian Alps of Hinterberg are a little high-maintenance when it comes to what they want to unwrap. You’re there to slay monsters and solve puzzles, sure, but the social sim side of this game is where the real power-ups hide. If you aren’t paying attention to Dungeons of Hinterberg gifts, you’re basically leaving combat stats and magical abilities on the table. It’s not just about being nice. It’s about optimization.
I’ve spent a lot of time wandering the village after a hard day in the glaciers, and let me tell you, handing a "Cool Rock" to the wrong person is a soul-crushing waste of an evening. You only have a limited number of slots to hang out with people. If you blow a gift opportunity on something they hate, you’re slowing down your progression in a game that respects your time but punishes your ignorance.
Why Gifts Actually Matter in Hinterberg
The relationship system isn't just flavor text. It’s the backbone of your build. Each character provides specific perks—like extra health, new attack slots, or even the ability to see hidden treasure. When you give someone a gift they actually like, you get a massive boost to their friendship meter. This lets you skip the "grind" of hanging out multiple times just to hit the next level.
Think of gifts as a multiplier.
You can buy these items at various shops around the village, like the souvenir stand or the gear shop. Some are found while exploring. But the game doesn't give you a spreadsheet. It expects you to listen to what people say. Or, you know, just read this so you don't mess it up.
💡 You might also like: Finding Games Like The Room Android Users Will Actually Finish
The Best Dungeons of Hinterberg Gifts for Every Friend
Let's get into the specifics. You’ve got a diverse cast of slayers, locals, and weirdos. They all have different tastes.
Alex, the guy who’s basically your first real friend in town, is pretty easygoing. He likes things that are practical but a bit rugged. If you find a Sturdy Keychain or something that screams "I actually go outside," he’s your guy. He’s obsessed with the slaying culture, so anything that leans into that "professional monster hunter" vibe works wonders.
Then there’s Marina. She’s the local who’s a bit skeptical of the whole "slay-cation" tourism boom. Don't give her kitschy tourist trash. She appreciates things that feel authentic to the region or perhaps something that helps her escape the noise of the visitors. A Hand-Knit Scarf is a massive winner here. It shows you aren't just another tourist looking for a photo op.
The Boss (Renata) is a different story. She’s high-energy, high-intensity. She likes things that feel premium or useful for her business. A Fancy Espresso Cup? Perfect. She doesn't have time for toys. She wants things that reflect her status and her drive. Giving her a cheap souvenir is a fast track to being ignored.
What about the weird ones?
You’ll eventually meet The Monster Enthusiast. This guy is a trip. Most people would want a nice book or a coffee, but he wants the gross stuff. If you find a Monster Scale or a Strange Goo, save it for him. Giving a monster scale to the Mayor is a bad move. Giving it to the enthusiast? That’s an instant friendship level-up.
📖 Related: Cammy Street Fighter 2: Why the Killer Bee Still Matters
Julian is another one to watch. He’s the influencer/pro slayer type. He loves anything that looks good on camera or adds to his "brand." A Designer Water Bottle might seem like a joke to you, but to Julian, it’s a vital piece of gear.
Where to Find This Stuff Without Going Broke
Money (or "Hinterbucks") can be tight early on. You're trying to upgrade your sword and buy new armor, so spending 500 on a gift feels painful.
Check the Souvenir Shop daily. The inventory rotates. Sometimes you can snag a Local Postcard for cheap. It’s a low-tier gift, but if you’re just a sliver away from a friendship level, it’s better than wasting a whole afternoon on a conversation that doesn't trigger a rank-up.
Don't ignore the Shredder. Occasionally, you'll find junk in dungeons that seems useless. Some of it is junk, but some of it can be gifted to the right person. If an item description mentions a specific hobby—like photography or hiking—hold onto it.
The "Oof" Factor: Gifts to Avoid
Honestly, the biggest mistake is "shotgunning" gifts. Just because you have a Used Book doesn't mean you should give it to the first person you see. If you give a "boring" gift to someone like Hannah, who is looking for excitement and new experiences, you get a very lukewarm response. You don't lose points (the game isn't that mean), but you waste the item and the turn. It’s all about the opportunity cost.
Nuance in the Late Game
As you get deeper into the story, you'll unlock more "premium" gifts. These are often tied to side quests or specific dungeon completions. Save these for the characters who give you the best perks.
For instance, if you're struggling with mana management, prioritize gifts for the characters who unlock mana-related perks. If you're a "glass cannon" build, focus on the friends who give you HP buffs. Gifts are the currency you use to buy your playstyle.
It's also worth noting that some characters have "hidden" likes that only come out in dialogue. If someone mentions they miss the food from their hometown, and you see a Specialty Snack in the shop the next day, buy it immediately. The game rewards you for actually paying attention to the writing, which is a nice touch you don't see in every RPG.
Common Misconceptions About Hinterberg Socializing
A lot of players think they need to max everyone out immediately. You can't. There aren't enough days in the calendar.
You have to pick your "circle."
Trying to give everyone the perfect gift is a recipe for being mediocre at everything. Pick three or four characters whose perks match your sword skills and dump your resources into them. The Dungeons of Hinterberg gifts system is designed to make you make choices.
Also, people think the "expensive" gift is always the best. Not true. A cheap Mountain Herb given to the right person is worth ten times more than an expensive Gold Watch given to someone who doesn't care about jewelry. It’s about personality, not price tags.
Actionable Strategy for Your Next Session
If you’re sitting down to play right now, here is exactly how you should handle your inventory:
Check your social tab first. Look at who is closest to a level-up. If someone is at 90% of Level 2, do not give them a "Legendary" gift. It’s a waste of "XP" because it won't overflow into the next level effectively. Use a small gift or just a regular hangout.
Save your big-ticket items—the ones that cost a fortune or were hard to find—for the start of a new level. This clears the "dead space" of the friendship bar instantly.
Go to the village square and do a lap of the shops every single morning before you head to the dungeons. If you see a Camera Lens or a Vintage Map, buy it. You will meet someone who wants it eventually. These items are rare and you'll regret not having them when the right conversation pops up.
Keep a mental note of who gives you what. If a character unlocks a "New Attack Slot," they are a Tier 1 priority. Gifts go to them first. If they just unlock a "New Outfit Color," they get the leftovers. Unless you really care about fashion, in which case, go wild.
Finally, remember that the "Social Butterfly" achievement/trophy requires a lot of gift-giving. If you’re a completionist, you need to be efficient. Start early. Don't wait until the final week of the in-game calendar to start being nice to people. By then, the shops might not have what you need, and you’ll be stuck with a bag full of monster guts and nobody to give them to.
💡 You might also like: Cookie Clicker Hacked Game: Why Everyone Is Still Messing With The Console
Hinterberg is a small town. Word gets around. Make sure you’re the person who always brings the right snack to the party.