Thanks! This was really useful feedback.
I’ve changed the level generation so that at least one enemy appears fairly close to the starting position. You were right: if the main hook is deciding whether to fight or retreat, the player should get that decision early instead of wandering through an empty maze first.
I’m keeping the shovel hint for now because a few other players completely missed what the shovel icon meant. But I was really happy that you understood the idea of “discovery itself being part of the game” — that has actually been one of the core concepts from the beginning.
Thanks again!
I've updated the game. Give it a try!