Hades 2 Tips and Tricks: Beginner’s Guide For Early Access

Kyuma |  Published: May 07, 2024
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Master the underworld in Hades 2 with this guide. Learn tips for choosing rewards, synergizing Boons, and utilizing powerful weapons.

Hades 2, the highly-anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed rogue-like game, has finally arrived in Early Access on Steam. This guide provides tips and tricks for new players to navigate the treacherous underworld and progress through the game’s challenging levels.

Hades 2 Tips and Tricks

Hades 2 beginner's guide
Supergiant Games

Getting Started

When starting Hades 2, players should prioritize defensive play unless their build includes regeneration abilities. Health is a crucial factor in determining success, so it’s important to play cautiously in each room rather than rushing through levels.

The Importance of the Cauldron

The Importance of the Cauldron
Supergiant Games

The Cauldron is a crucial element in Hades 2, allowing players to unlock and upgrade various abilities and perks. Prioritize unlocking the Night’s Craftwork, which grants access to the pickaxe, enabling players to gather silver for crafting new weapons.

The Significance of Meditation in Hades 2 Early Access

The Significance of Meditation in Hades 2 Early Access
Supergiant Games

Meditation is a new mechanic introduced in Hades 2, allowing players to unlock and equip cards that grant passive bonuses and abilities.

By spending Psyche to upgrade your Grasp, players can equip more cards, opening up new build possibilities. Experiment with different card combinations to create powerful synergies that complement your weapons and playstyle.

Investing in the Centaur card (column 3, row 3) is highly recommended, as it provides bonus maximum life and magic for every five rooms cleared without requiring any Grasp cost.

Choosing Rewards

After completing a room, players are presented with a choice of rewards. Skull-labeled rooms contain tougher enemies but offer higher rarity rewards. Generally, players should prioritize rooms with Boons until they have a strong base setup. Pomegranates are valuable for upgrading skills, especially early on. Gold is useful for purchasing items at the shop.

Boon Synergies

Hades 2 features a wide variety of Boons that can be combined for powerful synergies. New players may find success by focusing on a single Olympian’s Boons, as they tend to work well together. Experimenting with different combinations is key to creating powerful builds.

Mastering the Cast

Hades 2 Tips and Tricks
Supergiant Games

The Cast ability in Hades 2 functions differently than in the original game. It now creates a circle that roots or slows enemies caught within it. Players should aim to have the Cast active as much as possible to control crowds and mitigate damage from melee-focused enemies.

Weapon Strategies

Hades 2 weapons
Supergiant Games

Each weapon in Hades 2 offers unique playstyles and synergies:

  • Sister Blades: Rapidly attack to build up the Scorch effect from Hestia Boons for significant damage over time.
  • Umbral Flames: Focus on either the piercing, bouncing attack or the orbiting special, and combine with complementary Boons for devastating effects.
  • Moonstone Axe: Utilize the charged block to mitigate damage and create openings for powerful Omega Attacks enhanced by Boons like Scorch or Demeter’s Frost.

Progress in the early runs of Hades 2 can be challenging, but players shouldn’t get discouraged. Each attempt, even if unsuccessful, grants resources that can be used to unlock permanent upgrades. Over time, the game becomes more manageable as players gain access to new mechanics, Keepsakes, and a better understanding of enemy patterns and Boon synergies.

By following these tips and strategies, new players can overcome the challenges of the underworld and experience the captivating world of Hades 2. Embrace the journey, experiment with different builds, and most importantly, have fun while navigating the ever-changing landscape of the underworld.

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