Hades: 10 Essential Tips to Escape the Underworld Every Run

Introduction

Hades is a roguelike that demands skill, strategy, and a bit of luck. With dozens of boons, weapons, and upgrades, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Whether you're a new shade or a seasoned veteran, these 10 tips will help you secure more escapes and finally defeat your father.

1. Prioritize Daedalus Hammers

Daedalus Hammers appear in Tartarus and Asphodel. They offer powerful weapon modifications that can define your run. Always pick one if you see it. For example, the Shield gains a devastating charged shot with the Dashing Wallop upgrade.

2. Learn Boon Synergies

Combining boons from different gods can create devastating effects. For instance, Zeus's attack + Poseidon's dash triggers chain lightning. Experiment with duos like Sea Storm (Zeus + Poseidon) for extra damage.

3. Invest in Darkness for Mirror Upgrades

Spend Darkness on Mirror of Night upgrades early. Prioritize Death Defiance (extra lives), Greater Reflex (more dashes), and Boiling Blood (damage bonus to enemies with bloodstones). These permanent upgrades make each run easier.

4. Use Your Companion Wisely

Companions like Meg's 'Battie' or Than's 'Rib' provide massive damage or crowd control. Summon them during boss fights, especially when Theseus calls for aid or Hades uses his laser attack. Save them for critical moments.

5. Choose the Right Weapon Aspect

Each weapon has alternate Aspects that change your playstyle. For beginners, the Shield of Chaos with Aspect of Zagreus offers great survivability. For speedrunners, the Adamant Rail with Aspect of Eris boosts damage after absorbing your own special.

6. Master Boss Patterns

Each boss has predictable attack patterns. Against the Furies, dodge the shockwaves and use traps. For Lernie, kill the heads in order and avoid the lava. Theseus and Asterius: kill Asterius first, then bait Theseus's spear throw. Hades: dodge his spin attack and hide behind pillars during lasers.

7. Collect Centaur Hearts and Poms

Centaur Hearts increase your max health—vital for surviving later biomes. Pomegranates upgrade boon levels, boosting damage or effects. Prioritize these over minor boons if your build is already solid.

8. Use the Keepsake System

Equip keepsakes from gods to guarantee their boon appearance. For example, use Zeus's keepsake in Tartarus to get a strong boon early. Swap to Skelly's Lucky Tooth before the final fight for a Death Defiance backup.

9. Manage Your Resources

Obols (coins) should be spent on vital upgrades. Buy boons from Charon's shop, especially if they fill a gap in your build. Save some for the final shop before Hades where you can buy a Kiss of Styx (full heal).

10. Don't Neglect the Pact of Punishment

After your first escape, the Pact of Punishment adds difficulty modifiers for rewards. Start with Hard Labor (enemy damage) or Lasting Consequences (reduced healing) at low levels to get Titan Blood and unlock more weapon Aspects.

Conclusion

With these tips, you'll be slicing through shades and facing Hades with confidence. Remember, each death teaches you something. Keep experimenting, and soon you'll see the surface. Good luck, Prince of the Underworld!