Hades Achievement Guide

Welcome to the ultimate Hades Achievement Guide! If you're eager to conquer every challenge and unlock all the prestigious achievements in the underworld, this comprehensive guide is your ticket to success. Dive deep into one of the most celebrated roguelike games of our time with our detailed walkthroughs and tips. We'll cover everything you need to know, from a General Achievement Walkthrough, unveiling The Family Secret, collecting the Complete Set, surviving Harsh Conditions, and managing Slashed Benefits. Ready to dominate the labyrinth of Hades and boast about those shiny new achievements? Let's get started!

General Achievement Walkthrough

So, you’re diving into the underworld in Hades and aiming for that sweet 100% completion. Got it! Let’s go through some general tips and tricks to nab all those achievements and make Zagreus proud.

Understanding Achievements

First things first, achievements in Hades are tied to various feats in the game. These range from simply escaping the Underworld to more obscure challenges like bonding with all the gods. Knowing what you're aiming for can make the grind feel more like a series of fun tasks and less like endless toil.

Escaping the Underworld

One of the major achievements is escaping the Underworld. You'll need to escape multiple times-at least ten-to get the 'Is There No Escape?' achievement. This means you'll have to fight your way past Hades and his various minions again and again. But don’t worry, each escape run helps you learn enemy patterns and improve your skills.

Tips

• Focus on upgrading your Mirror of Night abilities.
• Experiment with different weapons to find your favorite.
• Use Keepsakes to strengthen your runs.

Chthonic Codex

Another big set of achievements is tied to filling out the Chthonic Codex. This involves meeting and interacting with all the gods, shades, and various characters in the game. Some of them require multiple conversations, gifts, or even completing side quests.

Tips

• Make sure to give Nectar to every character you meet.
• Keep talking to characters between runs; their stories progress over time.
• Complete the Prophecies from the Fated List of Minor Prophecies for extra rewards and Codex entries.

Weapon of Destiny

You’ll also find achievements tied to mastering the six Infernal Arms. These weapons not only need to be unlocked but also used effectively in your escape attempts. There are hidden Aspects for each weapon that you can unlock, and doing so will grant you some neat achievements.

Tips

• Grab the “Infernal Arms” achievement by unlocking all six weapons.
• Unlock and upgrade the hidden aspects by spending Titan Blood.
• Try to win with every weapon; it broadens your skillset and helps you learn the game's mechanics.

Pact of Punishment

The Pact of Punishment will come into play as you get more confident. There are achievements for completing escape runs with various Heat levels. Essentially, Heat levels make the game more difficult but also more rewarding.

Tips

• Start by increasing Heat gradually; don’t go for extremely high levels until you’re ready.
• Use Heat bonuses to get valuable resources.
• Experiment with which conditions make the game harder but still manageable for you.

True Ending and Epilogue

To truly feel like a conqueror, you'll aim to achieve the true ending and the epilogue. This involves escaping enough times, maxing out relationships, and completing various narrative quests.

Tips

• Keep escaping until you’ve done it at least ten times.
• Max out your relationships with major characters by giving them Ambrosia.
• Follow through with character quests and conversations to progress the story.

Miscellaneous Achievements

There are a few achievements that fall into the fun or quirky category. Things like getting Orpheus to sing, unlocking all Keepsakes, or decorating the House of Hades. These add flavor and depth to your journey without necessarily making it harder.

Tips

• Note down any achievements tied to specific actions or items.
• Don’t forget to check the contractor's list for upgrades and decorations.
• Befriend everyone and explore every nook and cranny of the game.

Wrapping Up

Earning every achievement in Hades requires dedication and strategy, but it's incredibly rewarding. Keep pushing through, experiment with different techniques, and remember to enjoy the unfolding story. Good luck, fellow escape artist!

The Family Secret

So, you've been tearing through the Underworld, smashing through pesky shades, monsters, and pretty much anything that gets in your way. But now, let's talk about one of Hades' coolest secrets: The Family Secret.

What's "The Family Secret"?

Simply put, The Family Secret achievement is unlocked when you uncover a major plot twist about Zagreus, the game’s hero. To get there, though, you need to put in some serious time, as it involves piecing together critical story elements and having a few key conversations.

Step-by-Step: How to Unlock It

1. Escape Multiple Times: You need to successfully escape the Underworld at least 10 times. Each escape unlocks a piece of the puzzle, revealing more about Zagreus' origin and his complicated family dynamics.

2. Talk to Persephone: After each successful escape, you’ll find yourself meeting with Persephone in Greece. She’s got the inside scoop on what’s going on, so make sure you chat her up every chance you get.

3. Be Persistent: The conversations with Persephone are crucial. But it's not all at once. Each escape and subsequent talk will slowly unveil the story. Keep the dialogue flowing!

4. Return with Nuggets of Info: Every time you return to the House of Hades, make sure to talk with other characters like Nyx, Hades, Achilles, and others. They provide valuable context and additional snippets of lore. These interactions fill in gaps in the overarching mystery of Zagreus.

5. Trigger the Final Dialogue: After engaging in all these conversations and with at least 10 successful escapes under your belt, Persephone will eventually offer you the final piece of the story. This will unlock The Family Secret achievement, rewarding you with not just gameplay content but also a deeply emotional narrative payoff.

Tips for Success

• Stay Engaged with Characters: Every time you return from an escape attempt, make sure to speak to everyone in the House of Hades. You never know who might have an essential piece of the narrative puzzle.

• Focus on the Lore: Pay attention to the story. Sometimes, crucial details are hidden in seemingly casual conversations. This will enrich your understanding and appreciation and make the achievement much more rewarding.

• Diversify Your Builds: The more varied your gameplay, the more interactions and unique dialogues you’ll unlock. Experiment with different weapons, Boons, and strategies to keep things fresh and informative.

• Explore: Try different routes and engage with various characters outside of the main hall, like Orpheus and Eurydice. These side characters often have additional context that adds depth to the primary storyline.

Final Thought

Unlocking The Family Secret isn’t just about ticking a box; it’s about uncovering the deep, emotional core of Hades. The journey will give you a new appreciation for the characters and the rich storylines that Supergiant Games has masterfully woven into the fabric of the game. So, stick with it, and happy escaping!

Complete Set

So, you're diving into Hades and gunning for that elusive “Complete Set” achievement, huh? This is one of the tougher ones, but don't worry, we've got your back. The “Complete Set” achievement requires you to unlock every keepsake in the game, and it’s no small feat. You'll need a mix of perseverance, strategy, and maybe a dash of luck. Let’s break it down step by step to help you fill out that keepsake collection.

What Are Keepsakes?

Keepsakes are special items that give Zagreus, our underworld hero, different buffs or bonuses on his runs. You get them by giving Nectar to the various characters you meet throughout the game. There are 25 keepsakes in total, each belonging to a different character.

Getting That Nectar

Before we dive into who you need to befriend, let’s talk about Nectar. This golden drink is the key to bonding with the residents of the underworld. You'll find Nectar as rewards in chambers, from chests, or rarely as drops from enemies. Here are some handy tips for collecting more Nectar:

1. Boons and Upgrades: Some boons and upgrades increase Nectar drops. Look out for them, especially the ones from Hermes.
2. Fountain Chambers: Always stop at Fountain Chambers. These sometimes have Precious Bonds that give you a chance to get Nectar.
3. Fishing: Try to fish whenever you can. You can trade the catches with the House Contractor for a chance at Nectar.

Bonding Time: Who Gets What

Here’s a list of all the characters you need to offer Nectar to receive their keepsakes:

1. Olympian Gods: These are the gods who offer you boons during your runs. There's Zeus, Poseidon, Athena, Aphrodite, Artemis, Ares, Dionysus, Hermes, and Demeter. You’ll meet them through their boons, so keep some Nectar handy.
2. House and Chthonic Gods: These include Hades, Nyx, Charon, Hypnos, Thanatos, and Megaera. You'll find them around the House of Hades, usually lounging in some corner.
3. Other Residents: This group includes Dusa, Achilles, Skelly, Sisyphus, Patroclus, and Eurydice. Each one is located in specific parts of the House or Tartarus. You'll have to track down these characters in their respective locations.

Here’s a Quick Walkthrough on Who to Gift First

1. House of Hades: Start with characters always in the House. This includes Hades, Nyx, Dusa, Hypnos, and Achilles. They're easy to find, and you can gift them as soon as you have some Nectar.
2. Tartarus and Beyond: On your runs, make a beeline for Sisyphus (Tartarus), Eurydice (Asphodel), and Patroclus (Elysium). Offer them Nectar whenever you bump into them.
3. Gods of Olympus: Don’t forget about the Olympians. You’ll randomly encounter them in your runs when they offer boons. This can stretch out over multiple runs given the randomness, so be patient.

Leveraging Keepsakes

It’s smart to switch up your keepsakes based on what you need. For example:

• Chthonic Coin Purse (Hypnos): Start with extra gold.
• Black Shawl (Nyx): Ideal for extra backstab damage.
• Old Spiked Collar (Cerberus): Boosts your health.

Strategically changing keepsakes at different points can be the game-changer in a successful run.

Final Push

Once you start amassing keepsakes, remember to equip and use them during runs. This helps deepen your bond with characters (and might net you some rewards). After you've given Nectar to everyone and collected all 25 keepsakes, that shiny “Complete Set” achievement will pop.

Finishing this collection isn't just for bragging rights. It’s a badge that shows your dedication and strategic prowess in Hades. So get out there, make friends in low places, and happy hunting!

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With this guide, you're all set to work towards that “Complete Set” achievement in Hades. Persevere, and may the gods favor you!

Harsh Conditions

Harsh Conditions is one of the many challenges in Hades that will truly test your wit and skill. In this guide, we’re going to break down what this achievement entails and offer some handy tips to help you conquer it.

What is "Harsh Conditions"?

To unlock the Harsh Conditions achievement, you need to successfully escape the Underworld with all Heat gauges set to at least one. Sounds daunting? It can be, but it's definitely doable with the right approach.

Understanding Heat and the Pact of Punishment

The Pact of Punishment is a system that lets you make Zagreus' journey more challenging, essentially making the game harder on purpose. Each condition you activate on the Pact of Punishment fills up the Heat gauge. For the Harsh Conditions achievement, you need to turn on each condition at least once.

Here’s a quick rundown of the conditions:

1. Heightened Security: Traps deal more damage.
2. Lasting Consequences: Healing effects are less effective.
3. Convenience Fee: Prices in Charon's shop are increased.
4. Jury Summons: More enemies appear in encounters.
5. Extreme Measures: Bosses gain new abilities.
6. Calisthenics Program: Resistance to all damage.
7. Benefits Package: Enemies have extra perks.
8. Middle Management: Mini-bosses can appear in regular encounters.
9. Underworld Customs: Sacrifice Boons.
10. Forced Overtime: Enemies move and attack faster.
11. Routine Inspection: Certain powered-up Boons aren’t available.
12. Tight Deadline: Limited time to complete each Underworld chamber.
13. Damage Control: Enemies absorb the first instances of damage.

Tips for Tackling Harsh Conditions

1. Choose Your Weapons Wisely: Not all weapons fare well under every condition. The Twin Fists of Malphon or the Shield of Chaos can be good choices because they offer strong offense and good defensive options.

2. Prioritize Upgrades: Focus on upgrading your health and damage output. The Daedalus Hammer upgrades can be game-changers.

3. Boons and Keepsakes: Choosing the right Boons (like those from Athena for defense or Artemis for critical hits) and keepsakes can greatly ease your journey. The Lucky Tooth from Skelly can be a lifesaver.

4. Practice Makes Perfect: Take time to master the basics. Learn enemy patterns and the layout of each stage.

5. Activate Conditions Strategically: Some conditions are easier to manage than others. For instance, Convenience Fee and Heightened Security might be less challenging for you compared to Extreme Measures or Forced Overtime. Activate the ones you find manageable first.

6. Exploit Infernal Troves and Chaos: Infernal Troves offer extra resources, and Chaos Boons (while adding temporary debuffs) can give powerful perks. Weigh the risks and benefits based on your current build.

A Sample Path to Success

Let’s create a hypothetical setup you can try:

• Heightened Security: You can avoid traps with practice.
• Convenience Fee: Just be careful with your Obol spending.
• Jury Summons: More enemies mean more chances for drops.
• Lasting Consequences: Make sure to pick health-increasing Boons.

This setup adds a decent challenge without overwhelming you. Adjust based on your strength and playstyle.

Conclusion

Each journey to escape Hades is unique, and tackling the Harsh Conditions achievement adds a thrilling layer of difficulty. Remember, it's about perseverance and strategy. Keep experimenting with different builds and conditions until you find what works best for you. Good luck, and may the gods bless your endeavor!

Slashed Benefits

In Hades, the Slashed Benefits condition is part of the Pact of Punishment, which you unlock after defeating Hades for the first time. The Pact allows you to make your escape attempts harder in exchange for greater rewards. Slashed Benefits, represented by a pair of shears, is one of the options that tweaks how much health or defense you get from different sources. Here's everything you need to know about it.

What It Does

When you select Slashed Benefits, the healing and defense bonuses you receive from various sources are reduced. This includes:

• Healing from food: Those tasty soul-souffles and infernal onion rings heal you for less.
• Healing from Infernal Arms: Any weapon aspects that provide healing, like Varatha's Aspect of Zagreus, give you less health back.
• Darkness healing: If you have the Death Defiance upgrade, the darkness healing effect revives you with reduced health.

How "Big" Is The Cut?

The impact of Slashed Benefits scales based on the Heat level you choose. At level 1, the reduction is small, but as you crank it up, you really start to feel the pinch:

• Slashed Benefits I: Healing and defensive items provide 20% less benefit.
• Slashed Benefits II: Healing and defensive items provide 40% less benefit.
• Slashed Benefits III: Healing and defensive items provide 60% less benefit.

Strategies to Overcome

Since Slashed Benefits cuts into your healing and defense, you have to be more strategic:

• Choose Boons Wisely: Prioritize boons that offer damage reduction or extra health like Athena's boons for damage deflection. Aphrodite's Heartbreak Strike or Heartfelt Defense can also be life-savers.
• Use Keepsakes: Keepsakes like the Myrmidon Bracer (reducing damage taken from the front) or Old Spiked Collar (increases maximum health) can counteract some of the penalties.
• Double-Down on Death Defiance: Consider investing heavily in Death Defiance upgrades from the Mirror of Night. For the times you can’t avoid damage, these revives could be the buffer you need.
• Save Your Healing Items: Use fountains and Centaur Hearts when at critically low health, maximizing their effectiveness. This is essential when healing bonuses are reduced.
• Focus on Avoidance: Skills that reward not taking damage can be extra useful. Boons that offer dodge chances can keep you alive longer when direct healing isn't as effective.

The Upside

Why would you even want to choose Slashed Benefits if it makes healing so much harder? The main reason is better rewards. Adding Heat levels, including Slashed Benefits, increases the chances for rewards like Titan Blood, Ambrosia, and Diamonds. This is critical for upgrading your weapons, buying rare items, and unlocking new story elements.

Additionally, mastering runs with harder conditions makes you a better player. The reduced reliance on healing items forces you to refine your dodging and attacking skills, making future runs less dependent on external crutches.

Final Thoughts

Slashed Benefits can make your runs in Hades significantly more challenging, but with strategic planning and mindful gameplay, those extra rewards can be yours. Remember to adapt to the reduction in healing by buffing your base health and defense wherever possible. Good luck, and may the gods be with you!