Hades Walkthrough

Welcome to our ultimate Hades Walkthrough! Dive deep into the fiery depths of the Underworld with this comprehensive guide designed to help you master every aspect of the game. Whether you're just starting your escape from the clutches of Tartarus or seeking to unlock every possible ending, this walkthrough will be your trusted companion. Get ready to discover key locations and challenges, learn how to use abilities and weapons effectively, develop winning strategies for every boss battle, and unlock all epic endings. Embrace your destiny, outwit your foes, and become the true hero of Hades. Let's begin your journey to freedom!

Starting Your Escape

Welcome to the Underworld, where escaping is the name of the game. In Hades, you play as Zagreus, the rebellious son of Hades, who’s determined to break free from his father’s realm. Getting started can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know to kick off your escape attempt in style.

Getting to Know Your Hub: The House of Hades

Before you dive into the action, spend some time in the House of Hades. This is your home base where you'll prepare for each escape attempt. Here’s a breakdown of important characters and spots:

• Hades: He’s not just your dad; he's also your main antagonist. Hades will be hanging out at his desk, usually giving you grief about your futile attempts to escape. Chat with him to get a feel for why he's so opposed to your getaway.

• Nyx: The goddess of night and your pseudo-mentor. She’s a great source of support and guidance. Make sure to talk to her to learn more about the Underworld and get some motherly advice.

• Achilles: Your trainer and a legendary warrior. Achilles will give you tips and may even occasionally offer new skills and tactics. Chatting with him can make a big difference in your preparation.

• The Mirror of Night: Located in your bedroom, this mirror allows you to spend Darkness (a collectible resource) to gain permanent upgrades. Focus on keys skills such as “Death Defiance” for extra lives and “Shadow Presence” to increase backstab damage.

Preparing for Battle: Choosing Your Weapon

Next up, pick your weapon. As you progress, you'll unlock new Infernal Arms. Here are the ones you’ll start with:

• Stygius (Stygian Blade): A classic sword that’s balanced for melee combat. It’s straightforward and great for beginners.

• Heart-Seeking Bow: Offers ranged attacks, perfect for those who want to stay safe from a distance.

Each weapon has its strengths, so experiment to find your favorite. You can also unlock Exagryph (the Adamant Rail), Aegis (the Shield of Chaos), and Varatha (the Eternal Spear) as you gather more keys.

First Steps: Entering Tartarus

Once you’re ready, head to the entry hall and step through the giant glowing portal to Tartarus, the first biome of the Underworld.

• Chambers: You’ll navigate through a series of chambers filled with enemies. Each chamber ends with a reward such as Darkness, Obols (currency), Pomegranate of Power (to upgrade Boons), or health items.

• Boons: Along the way, you’ll encounter Olympian gods who offer Boons-temporary powers that can significantly aid your escape. Prioritize Boons that complement your weapon and play style. For instance, if you’re using the Heart-Seeking Bow, look for Boons that boost ranged attack damage.

• Mini-Bosses: You’ll occasionally face tougher enemies than usual, known as mini-bosses. They’re a bit more challenging but drop better rewards.

Staying Alive: Health and Resources

Health management is crucial. Keep an eye on your health bar and collect healing items when you can. Some chambers will provide Centaur Hearts that increase your maximum health, which is super helpful for the rough journey ahead.

• Centaur Hearts: These add +25 to your max health, vital for survival through the tougher chambers.

• Chthonic Keys: These unlock new weapons and upgrades, so grab them whenever you see them.

Closing Thoughts on the First Run

On your first few runs, focus on exploring and getting familiar with enemies and weapon mechanics. You won’t get very far initially, but that’s okay! Hades is all about learning through repeated attempts. Each time you die, you’ll return more prepared and powerful.

Every run contributes to your progress, so take your time, gather resources, and chat with allies. With this solid foundation, you'll be well-equipped for your journey through Tartarus and beyond. Happy escaping!

Key Locations and Challenges in Hades

When you're hacking and slashing your way out of the Underworld in Hades, you’ll come across a series of unique locations, each with its own sets of challenges. Here's a breakdown of what to expect in each major region and how to deal with the toughest obstacles.

The House of Hades

Overview: This is your home base. After each death, you’ll return here. Take advantage of the House to upgrade your skills, chat with NPCs, and plan your escape.

Challenges:

• Resources Management: Use your collected Darkness, Gemstones, and Keys wisely to unlock new talents and upgrades.
• Interacting with Characters: Building relationships with characters can give you powerful keepsakes and story insights. Always talk to everyone and give them Nectar.

Tartarus

Overview: The first region you’ll battle through. It’s dark and filled with weak but numerous enemies.

Challenges:

• Traps: Watch out for spikes, falling stones, and other deadly traps. They can quickly chip away your health if you’re not careful.
• Mini-bosses: Expect to face mini-bosses like the Fury Sisters. Memorize their attack patterns to dodge effectively.
• Boons and Power-ups: Early on, focus on picking up boons from gods like Athena for defense or Zeus for attack boosts.

Asphodel

Overview: A fiery river area with lava pits everywhere. The enemies get tougher here, ranging from bone-rakers to flame wheels.

Challenges:

• Environmental Hazards: Avoid the lava at all costs. Jumping on floating platforms is key to staying safe.
• Boss Fight: The Lernean Bone Hydra can be tricky. It spawns several heads that you need to defeat. Use crowd control strategies to manage multiple threats.
• Choosing Boons: Mid-game, you might want to start focusing on balancing out your boons-make sure to grab some defensive ones to manage the increased difficulty.

Elysium

Overview: A gorgeous but dangerous paradise full of heroic shades and armored enemies.

Challenges:

• Shielded Enemies: Many enemies here have shields that make them difficult to damage directly. Break their shields first.
• Duo Enemies: The bosses Theseus and Asterius offer a dual threat. Dealing with both at the same time takes patience, and learning their attack patterns is crucial.
• Patience and Positioning: Maintain a distance and use hit-and-run tactics. Enemies like the Soul Catchers and Chariots can overwhelm you if you’re not careful.

Temple of Styx

Overview: The final region before facing Hades himself. It’s filled with poison traps and rodents.

Challenges:

• Poison Pits: Poison damage can be devastating. Keep an eye out for healing fountains to cleanse yourself.
• Satyr Tunnels: Navigating these tunnels is key to finding the Satyr Sacks for Cerberus. Prioritize clearing these efficiently.
• Resource Preparation: Stock up on Death Defiances and healing items before moving on to face Hades.

Final Boss: Hades

Overview: The moment of truth! Facing off against Hades is no small feat.

Challenges:

• Learning His Patterns: Hades has multiple phases. Learn his attack patterns and adapt your strategy as the fight progresses.
• Managing Minions: During the fight, Hades will summon minions. Quickly deal with them to avoid being overwhelmed.
• Endurance: Save your resources for this fight. Use all the skills, boons, and power-ups you’ve acquired to push through to victory.

Pro Tips

1. Experiment with Boons: Try different god-given boons in different combinations to find out what suits your playstyle best. Some duo-boons can provide massive boosts!
2. Keep Moving: Staying still is a death sentence. Dodge, dash, and attack on the move to avoid taking unnecessary damage.
3. Upgrade Strategically: Focus on upgrades that help you last longer like increased health, better Death Defiance, and powerful cast abilities.

Understanding these key locations and their challenges can make all the difference. Keep fighting, keep learning, and soon you'll be escaping the Underworld like a pro!

Using Abilities and Weapons Effectively

In Hades, mastering Abilities and Weapons can be the difference between a smooth escape from the Underworld and a swift defeat. Whether you're new to the game or looking to hone your skills, here are some tips to help you maximize your combat effectiveness.

Weapons: Know Your Arsenal

There are six primary weapons in Hades, each with unique movesets and strategies. Here's a quick rundown:

• Stygian Blade: A balanced weapon with good melee range and quick attacks. Great for beginners.
• Heart-Seeking Bow: Offers strong ranged attacks. Charge your shots for maximum damage.
• Shield of Chaos: Acts as both offense and defense. Use it to block enemy attacks and bash them with a shield slam.
• Eternal Spear: Has excellent reach, and its special attack can hit multiple enemies.
• Twin Fists of Malphon: Focus on fast, close-range punches. Perfect for a high-speed, brawler playstyle.
• Adamant Rail: This gun-like weapon excels in ranged damage. Manage ammo wisely and blast enemies from afar.

Picking the Right Boons

Boons are special abilities granted by the gods of Olympus, and they can dramatically change your combat capabilities. Aim to synergize these with your weapon choice:

• Zeus: Great for adding lightning damage to your attacks. Works well with fast, repetitive strikes like the Twin Fists.
• Aphrodite: Adds high damage and the Weak status, which reduces enemy attacks. Pairs well with weapons that hit hard and slow, like the Heart-Seeking Bow.
• Poseidon: Enhances knockback effects. Ideal for the Stygian Blade to keep enemies at bay.
• Athena: Provides defensive options like Deflect. Great with the Shield of Chaos to block and punish attacks.
• Ares: Grants Doom, which is a delayed damage effect. Excellent for fast weapons to stack the effect quickly.
• Artemis: Increases critical hit chance, which is perfect for precise weapons like the Eternal Spear.

Utilizing Abilities Wisely

Abilities in Hades include your Attack, Special, Cast, Dash, and Call. Each plays a crucial role in your survival and effectiveness in battle:

• Attack: Your bread and butter. Focus on consistent damage output.
• Special: Usually offers high burst damage or utility. Use it to soften up tough enemies.
• Cast: A ranged magic attack that can vary dramatically in effect based on blessings. Between battles, take time to retrieve your cast stones.
• Dash: Essential for dodging and mobility. Use it liberally and experiment with dash-based abilities like Athena's Divine Dash to deflect attacks.
• Call: Ultimate abilities powered by the gods. Use it strategically, especially during boss fights, to turn the tide of battle.

Combining Abilities for Maximum Effect

One of the keys to excelling in Hades is learning to combine your abilities effectively. Here are some combos to try:

• Dash-Strike: Dash in and immediately strike - effective with most weapons, especially those with melee focus.
• Cast and Bash: Use your Cast to deal ranged damage and follow up with a melee attack while the enemy is distracted. Works well with the Shield of Chaos.
• Special on Repeat: Some weapons, like the Heart-Seeking Bow, have Specials that can be spammed for massive damage.

Adapt and Conquer

No run in Hades is the same due to its roguelike nature. Adjust your strategy based on the Boons and abilities you acquire:

1. Adapt to Boons: If you find a boon that significantly enhances an ability, pivot your playstyle around it.
2. Keep Moving: Mobility is critical. Use your Dash often to avoid damage and line up perfect shots.
3. Experiment: Don't be afraid to try new weapon and ability combinations. Finding surprising synergies is part of the fun.

By understanding your weapons and abilities, learning to synergize Boons, and continually adapting to new challenges, you'll find your escapes becoming more successful. Happy hunting, and good luck escaping the Underworld!

Strategies for Boss Battles

In Hades, each boss battle requires a unique strategy and a good handle on your chosen weapon. If you go in swinging wildly, you won’t last long. Here’s how to take on each major boss and come out on top.

Megaera and the Furies

You’ll first encounter Megaera, one of the Furies, in Tartarus. Here are some key tips:

• Keep Moving: Megaera's attacks can be devastating if you stay in one spot. Run circles around the room.
• Learn Her Patterns: Megaera has a few distinct attacks. She can dash across the room, release a shockwave, or summon homing projectiles. Recognize the signs and dodge accordingly.
• Prioritize Dodging Over Damage: Avoiding her attacks should be your main focus. When she's paused or mid-attack, that’s your chance to strike.
• Watch Out for Alecto and Tisiphone: In later runs, you'll face Alecto or Tisiphone instead of Megaera. Alecto's rage mode makes her stronger, so be extra mindful of her charges, while Tisiphone fills the arena with obstacles that limit your movement. Adapt to their patterns accordingly.

Lernaean Bone Hydra

When you reach Asphodel, the Bone Hydra is waiting. It's a multi-phase battle:

• Deal with the Minions First: In the first phase, focus on the main Hydra head while dodging its simple attacks. When the minions come out, clear them quickly to avoid getting overwhelmed.
• Stay Mobile: The Hydra has a wide range of attacks, from smashing the ground to shooting projectiles. Staying on the move helps you avoid them.
• Use Ranged Attacks: If you have a ranged weapon or a cast that deals good damage, use it. This keeps you out of the way of Hydra’s ground attacks.
• Keep Cool in Phase Two: More heads will appear in the later phase. Target one at a time and keep an eye on the ground for their purple flame attack zones.

Theseus and Asterius

The duo in Elysium can be quite a headache. Theseus, the spear-wielding champion, and Asterius, the Minotaur, combine their strengths to challenge you:

• Focus on Asterius First: The Minotaur has less health and is more aggressive. Taking him down first makes it easier to dodge Theseus’ attacks later.
• Dodge and Duck: There’s a lot going on in this fight. Use your dash ability to stay out of the way of both Theseus's spear throws and Asterius's charges.
• Spread Out the Damage: If you have a weapon or cast that hits multiple foes, make sure you’re hitting both Theseus and Asterius whenever possible.
• Handle Theseus’ Godly Aid: When Theseus is alone, he’ll call upon the gods for powerful attacks. Learn the patterns (e.g., Zeus’s lightning bolts) and make dodging these a priority.

Hades

The final boss is your father, Hades. This fight is intense, requiring all the skills you’ve honed:

• Pace Yourself: It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t rush in too aggressively - Hades has multiple phases and can heal himself.
• Master His Attack Patterns: Hades has a mix of melee and ranged attacks, such as a wide swipe or summoning spikes. Stay alert and memorize these to dodge effectively.
• Utilize Invincibility: Make good use of any invincibility frames you get from dashing or using abilities. Timing them right can save your life.
• Don't Get Cornered: Keep some space around you. Getting trapped against the edge of the arena is a death sentence.
• Phase Two Troubles: After depleting his health bar once, he'll come back stronger. Watch for his enhanced attacks like the homing skulls and AOE spikes. Play even more defensively in this phase.

Final Thoughts

Boss battles in Hades are tough but fair. Each one has a learning curve, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t win on your first try. Each defeat teaches you something new, helping you refine your strategy for the rematch. Keep practicing, and you'll eventually carve your way through these formidable foes. Happy escaping!

Unlocking All Endings

🏛 Welcome to the 'Unlocking All Endings' section of our Hades walkthrough! If you're here, you've probably already slain many foes in your quest to escape the Underworld. But did you know there's more than one way to finish Hades? Buckle up and let's explore how to unlock all those juicy endings. 🏛

The First Escape - A Hero's Trial

The first major goal is escaping the Underworld. You'll need to vanquish Hades, your dad, and reach the surface. This isn’t the true ending, but it’s the start of your journey.

• Beat Hades: Dodge his attacks, learn his patterns, and don’t forget to use those dashes!
• Reach the Surface: Once you defeat him, head out and enjoy the fresh air. But remember, Zagreus's journey is just beginning.

The Pact of Punishment - New Challenges Await

Once you've tasted freedom, use the Pact of Punishment to ramp up the difficulty and keep things fresh. This isn't required for all endings, but it's key to accessing new content and keeps the game challenging.

• Heat Levels: Increase heat levels to unlock better rewards and gain valuable resources.
• Challenges: Face tougher enemies, timed battles, and other devious obstacles.

Persephone - The Family Reunion

To get to the real ending, you need to convince Persephone to return to the Underworld.

• Escape 10 Times: Successfully escape the Underworld ten times. Yeah, it’s a grind, but practice makes perfect.
• Dive into the Story: Pay attention to dialogues and interact with characters.

After these escapes, a touching family reunion awaits you. Get your tissues ready!

Epilogue - Happily Ever After?

Even after Persephone returns, there's still more to the story. Roguelikes never really end, do they? To unlock the Epilogue:

• Achieve High Relationship Levels: Max out your relationships with key characters (Nyx, Achilles, etc.). Gifts of nectar and ambrosia can go a long way!
• Complete Prophecies: Check out the Fated List of Minor Prophecies. Completing these grants rewards and often leads to more story content.
• Talk to Persephone: Keep talking to her and Hades in the House of Hades. More scenes will unlock as you progress.

The Hidden and Minor Endings

There are a few other smaller scenes and endings that flesh out the world of Hades:

• Thanatos and Megaera: Develop your relationships with these characters for unique dialogue and scenes.
• Sisyphus and Bouldy: Help Sisyphus with his boulder problem, and you'll discover sweet moments.
• Secret Boss Battles: Keep challenging yourself, and you might stumble upon some rare encounters!

Tips for Unlocking Endings

1. Focus on Relationships: Gifts of nectar and ambrosia are essential. Prioritize characters with depth in their stories.
2. Upgrade Abilities: Keep improving your gear and abilities to make escapes smoother.
3. Embrace the Grind: Roguelikes thrive on repetition. Each escape attempt teaches you something new.
4. Keep Talking to Characters: Frequent interactions unlock new story content.

Conclusion

Unlocking all the endings in Hades is a journey filled with combat, strategy, and heart. Whether you're all about the lore or just want to max out Zagreus's abilities, there's always something new to discover. Keep at it, and happy escaping! 🚪🔥