The Hat is one of the later key items introduced in EarthBound Beginnings. It is found by going to Reindeer's train station and talking to the old woman, who will bring up a girl named Ana (or the name the player chose for her). Its one and only use is for recruiting her to the party. Once Ninten travels to Snowman, the player can give the Hat to Ana, and it will be worn on her sprite for the rest of the game, removing it from the player's inventory.
If the player doesn't talk much to NPCs they could very easily miss this item, prompting them to be confused as to where the Hat could be once they reach Snowman. There are also no additional clues as to where it could be in the game.
Trivia
- It is unknown how she lost her hat in Reindeer, or how the elder woman found it.
- If Ninten is unconscious, she will acknowledge Lloyd as the one giving her the hat instead, prompting a different set of dialogue.
- In the companion guide, it is called "Hat" in all versions of the game.
- The description reads, "A hat an old lady at Reindeer Station entrusts you with, to deliver to Ana. A unique item that gives you an idea of the young girl's fashion sense. She sure is cute in red, isn't she?".