If you’ve been playing Hades for a while but still haven’t made it out of the Underworld, this guide is for you. Whether you’re stuck on bosses, unsure which upgrades to prioritize, or overwhelmed by later stages, these strategies will help you refine your approach and push deeper into your runs.
Mastering the Calls of the Gods
After a few runs, you’ll unlock Calls of the Gods—boons that let you summon divine aid in battle. These can be game-changers and should be used often.
- God Gauge: This bar, found beneath your health, fills as you deal or take damage (taking damage fills it faster).
- How to Use: Press R2 (or Right Trigger) to consume one segment for a minor effect. If the gauge is full, you can unleash a Greater Call with amplified power.
- Use It or Lose It: The gauge resets after each encounter. Don’t hoard it—use it regularly, especially if you’ve secured an Epic or Heroic Call.
How to Learn and Beat Bosses
Boss fights can feel chaotic, but a thoughtful approach makes them manageable. Here’s how to study and overcome them:
- Observe Before Attacking
Don’t expect to win on the first try. Use initial attempts to study attack patterns. - Learn the Tells
Most bosses have visual cues before big moves. For example, Meg raises her hand before spinning or crouches before dashing. - Don’t Get Greedy
Use quick hit-and-run tactics. Overcommitting usually results in unnecessary damage. - Deal With Minions Smartly
Use pillars and other terrain to block attacks or break line of sight. Keep your focus wide—don’t tunnel vision. - Respect Invincibility Phases
When a boss becomes untouchable, back off and observe. Use the time to plan your next move.
Set Sub-Goals to Avoid Burnout
Escaping isn’t the only measure of progress. Breaking the game into smaller objectives keeps things fun and rewarding.
1. Collect Bounties
Each first-time boss kill with a new weapon grants a special resource:
- Tartarus (Area 1) – Titan Blood
- Asphodel (Area 2) – Diamonds
- Elysium (Area 3) – Ambrosia
Clearing with the same weapon again gives Darkness. Check for a “?” icon on the next area’s preview screen to see if the bounty is still available.
2. Complete the Fated List of Minor Prophecies
Unlockable via the House Contractor, this checklist rewards you for completing in-game achievements such as:
- Meeting every Olympian
- Using all weapons
- Unlocking specific boon combos
You can later unlock Codex upgrades to track requirements for Duo and Legendary Boons. Gifting Nectar to gods reveals even more prophecy options.
3. Level Up Keepsakes
- Don’t stick with just one Keepsake—try out new ones to diversify your runs.
- A contractor upgrade lets you switch Keepsakes between biomes, adapting your build to each stage.
- Example: Charon’s Keepsake is great if you like shopping at Wells of Charon, encouraging a gold-heavy playstyle.
4. Unlock and Use Fishing
- Buy the Fishing Rod from the House Contractor (requires a Diamond).
- After clearing a room, listen for a chime—it means there’s a fishable spot.
- Trade fish with the Head Chef for valuable resources like keys, gems, and nectar.
5. Build NPC Relationships
- Giving Nectar strengthens your bonds with characters and unlocks new dialogue and rewards.
- Some characters won’t accept Ambrosia until you reach a certain relationship level or meet hidden conditions (e.g., completing another character’s arc).
- Pay attention to locked hearts—they signal a story milestone or side objective.
Final Tips for Escaping
1. Prioritize Mirror Upgrades Wisely
- Experiment with different Mirror of Night builds—some focus on survival, others on damage or economy.
- Try switching between Chthonic Vitality and Dark Regeneration or Greater Reflex and Ruthless Reflexdepending on your weapon and goal.
2. Manage Resources Thoughtfully
- Spend Gems and Darkness on upgrades with long-term benefits.
- Resist the urge to splurge on short-term buffs that don’t scale well.
3. Adapt to Each Weapon
- Every weapon encourages a different rhythm and positioning.
- Customize your playstyle and boons accordingly—don’t approach the Spear the same way you play with the Shield or Rail.
Conclusion
Success in Hades comes from perseverance, adaptability, and gradually improving your understanding of the game’s systems. Focus on learning rather than rushing escape attempts. With practice, clever builds, and strategic planning, you’ll eventually break free of the Underworld—and have a blast doing it.
Good luck, Zagreus. The House of Hades is watching. ⚔️🔥🧿
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