Hades 2: Tips and tricks Hades 2 guide, tips

On this page of the guide we have written out some useful tips that you should pick up at the beginning of the game. You will learn tips on combat and progression.

Last update: 09 May 2024

On this guide page for Hades 2, we have listed a set of starting tips aimed at beginner players. Our guide describes how to survive longer and what progression in the game looks like. This page will help you get started with the game and assist you in advancing further in the fight against Chronos.

• Don't be afraid to die
• Unlock permanent upgrades
• Consider which chamber to go to
• Use magick often
• Defense over offense
• Look out for enemies in armor
• Talk to independent characters

Don't be afraid to die

Although death may seem demoralizing, in Hades 2, it's an integral part of the game. When you die, you lose temporary bonuses - such as boons from the gods, centaur hearts, and obols, which can be spent in Charon's shop - and return to the Crossroads, but you keep all collected materials that you can spend on permanent upgrades. This means that you grow stronger with each death. Death also triggers new story events and eventually unlocks new opportunities at the Crossroads. Play at your own pace and don't stress too much about failures - even though Time is Melinoe's greatest enemy, it's not the player's enemy.

Unlock permanent upgrades

As we mentioned above, upgrades purchased at Crossroads are permanent and will allow you to grow stronger, making the game easier for you indelibly. After each run, allocate some time at the Crossroads and use the gathered resources to make permanent upgrades - particularly focus on the Hecate's cauldron for spellcasting, tarot cards before entering the training area (once unlocked, you can equip them based on your Grasp level - you can permanently enhance your Grasp by spending psyche currency), and the weapon station at the training ground.

Consider which chamber to go to

During your expeditions, you will often have to choose the next chamber you are going to. The symbols on the doors leading to the chambers show the reward that awaits you inside. Consider your needs before making a decision - if you require something that will fortify you and enable you to progress further during the run, opt for rewards like boons from the gods, Centaur Hearts, Soul Tonic, and so on. However, if you are in a good situation, go for materials such as ashes, bones, or psyche. Some doors have a tiny skull under their symbol - it means a greater reward for completing the chamber, but also much more powerful enemies.

Use magick often

Each of Melinoe's three basic offensive moves - attack, special, and cast - has a special Omega variation, which you can trigger by holding down the button assigned to a given move. Omega moves are powerful, but they consume your magick bar, which is located in the lower left corner of the screen just above your health bar. You have a limited amount of magick by default, unless you equip the right tarot card or obtain a specific divine boon for its regeneration. However, when you leave the chamber, your entire magick supply will be fully restored. Use Omega moves without fear - it's better to use magick suboptimally than not use it at all.

Defense over offense

Although you regain magick easily, regaining health is much more difficult. Healing chambers are uncommon, curative items bought at Charon's store are expensive, and the healing effects from tarot cards are minimal. So play carefully, watch for enemy attack animations, and only attack when it's safe to do so, prioritizing defense and dodge over offense. Your default cast will also give you a chance to take a breather - it's a large sigil on the ground that you can cast for free, and it immobilizes any enemies that come into contact with it. There's no need to hurry because time doesn't limit you - it's preferable to spend a few extra seconds in the chamber than to take unnecessary damage.

Look out for enemies in armor

Armored enemies marked with a yellow health bar are the greatest threat in any fight they appear in. They are not just more resilient, but also resistant to being staggered - your attacks cannot interrupt their assaults, unlike those of regular enemies. Be careful in fights with them and use dodges, while watching out for their attack animations until you destroy their armor.

Talk to independent characters

Interacting with NPCs at the Crossroads and during runs can provide you with various advantages or advance the storyline. After each expedition, we recommend speaking to each NPC at the Crossroads - especially if they have an exclamation mark icon above their head, which indicates particularly important conversations.