Introduction

Hades is one of the most acclaimed roguelike action games ever created, blending fast-paced combat, rich storytelling, and endless replayability. Playing as Zagreus, son of Hades, you attempt to escape the Underworld again and again, each run providing new challenges and rewards. But unlike traditional roguelikes, Hades also emphasizes progression through persistent upgrades and narrative depth.

Escaping the Underworld is no easy feat. Success requires mastering the mechanics, optimizing builds, learning enemy patterns, and making the most of limited resources. This guide will help you refine your skills and increase your chances of escaping, whether you’re a beginner just starting or a seasoned runner seeking mastery.

1. Learn the Fundamentals of Combat

At its heart, Hades is about tight, reactive combat. Every weapon, boon, and upgrade you choose builds on your ability to dash, strike, and manage enemies effectively.

Dash is Your Lifeline

Dodging is the single most important skill in the game. Many enemies and bosses use attacks that can’t simply be blocked—so practice using the dash to avoid danger while positioning yourself for counterattacks.

Patience Wins

Instead of spamming attacks, focus on learning enemy patterns. The longer you survive, the more damage you can deal over time.

2. Choosing the Right Weapon

Each Infernal Arm offers a distinct playstyle. The Stygian Blade suits beginners with its balanced kit, while the Twin Fists favor aggressive players who thrive up close.

Weapon Types

• Stygian Blade (Sword): Balanced melee.
• Heart-Seeking Bow: Long-range precision.
• Shield of Chaos: Defensive and versatile.
• Twin Fists of Malphon: Fast-paced melee.
• Adamant Rail: Ranged sustained fire.
• Spear of Varatha: Long-reach melee with flexibility.

Experiment until you find a weapon that feels natural—mastery is easier when you enjoy the style.

3. Understanding Boons and the Olympian Gods

Boons are the backbone of Hades runs. Each god provides distinct effects: Zeus excels at chain lightning, Athena provides defensive deflects, Dionysus inflicts poison, and so on.

Synergy is Everything

Don’t pick boons randomly—look for synergies. For example, pairing Demeter’s chill effects with Poseidon’s knockback can lock enemies down while you safely deal damage.

Experiment Widely

Since boons vary every run, adaptability is key. Learn how to build around what you’re given instead of forcing one playstyle.

4. Prioritizing Keepsakes and Companions

Keepsakes are crucial for tailoring runs to your needs. If you’re struggling early, take keepsakes that guarantee certain gods (like Athena for defense). Later, use keepsakes that provide survivability or increase damage against bosses.

Companions, once unlocked, give powerful one-time summons that can swing tough battles in your favor. Save these for boss fights or emergencies.

5. Mastering Enemy and Boss Patterns

Every area of the Underworld introduces new enemies and mechanics. Familiarizing yourself with attack patterns ensures you’re not caught off guard.

Learning by Dying

The roguelike nature of Hades means death is expected. Each time you fall, you learn enemy behavior and return stronger with upgrades.

Boss Encounters

• Megaera & the Furies: Focus on avoiding projectiles while keeping pressure on the boss.
• Theseus & Asterius: Separate them when possible to avoid overwhelming attacks.
• Hades (final boss): Be patient—his moves punish reckless aggression.

6. Upgrading Through the Mirror of Night

Permanent progression comes through the Mirror of Night, unlocked early in the game. It provides persistent bonuses like extra health, more dashes, and resource collection upgrades.

Key Mirror Upgrades

• Death Defiance: Grants extra lives per run—essential for beginners.
• Greater Reflex: Provides an additional dash for mobility.
• Dark Foresight: Improves reward chances.

Always prioritize survivability before damage in your early upgrades.

7. Resource Management

Gems, darkness, nectar, and keys are all valuable. But knowing how to spend them efficiently speeds up progress.

• Keys: Unlock weapons and Mirror upgrades.
• Nectar: Build relationships with characters and unlock keepsakes.
• Gems: Unlock house upgrades.
• Titan Blood & Diamonds: Rare resources for weapon aspects and high-value upgrades.

Focus on resources that improve your survival chances first—cosmetics can come later.

8. Building Relationships and Story Progression

Unlike many roguelikes, Hades rewards you for engaging with its narrative. Giving nectar to characters unlocks new dialogue, keepsakes, and even powerful story-based upgrades.

Why Story Matters for Gameplay

• Building bonds unlocks additional keepsakes.
• Advancing Zagreus’s relationships provides long-term gameplay benefits.
• The narrative also gives valuable context to your repeated attempts to escape.

9. Experimenting with Weapon Aspects

Each weapon has unlockable aspects that drastically change its playstyle. For example, the Spear’s Aspect of Achilles enhances mobility, while the Rail’s Aspect of Eris turns self-damage into a buff.

Experimenting with aspects keeps the game fresh and allows you to approach challenges in new ways. Focus on one weapon aspect at a time to learn its quirks.

10. Perseverance and Adaptability

The final key to mastering Hades is mindset. Every death teaches you something, every run improves your resource pool, and every victory feels earned.

Adaptability is your greatest weapon—no two runs are identical, and the ability to build around what the gods give you is the mark of a skilled player.

Embrace the Journey

Don’t rush the process. Enjoy the storytelling, experiment with builds, and celebrate small milestones. Escaping the Underworld is the ultimate goal, but the path to that victory is what makes Hades unforgettable.

Conclusion

Hades is more than just a roguelike—it’s a blend of action, progression, and storytelling that rewards persistence and creativity. By mastering combat fundamentals, experimenting with weapons and boons, managing resources, and embracing the roguelike cycle of learning through defeat, you’ll steadily improve and eventually conquer the Underworld. Remember, the gods may guide you, but success ultimately lies in your hands.