Hades is a rogue-like dungeon crawler developed by Supergiant Games, which has received widespread acclaim for its addictive gameplay, compelling story, and dynamic combat system. As you attempt to escape the Underworld as Zagreus, the son of Hades, you will face numerous challenges and powerful foes. To aid you on your quest, here is a collection of strategies, tips, and tricks that will enhance your chances of success.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into the advanced techniques, it's important to grasp the fundamentals of Hades:

• Randomized Rooms: Each run is unique with randomized room layouts, enemy types, and rewards. Adaptability is key.
• Boons: Boons are upgrades offered by the Olympian gods. They can boost your abilities or provide new effects.
• Death is a Progression: With each defeat, you gain valuable resources to strengthen Zagreus for subsequent attempts.

Optimising Your Runs

Every run in Hades is an opportunity to go further than before. Here's how you can optimise your efforts:

Consider Your Weapon Choice

Choose a weapon that suits your playstyle. Each weapon (or Infernal Arm) has unique strengths that cater to different strategies:

Stygian Blade:

All-around performance with balanced speed and power.

Eternal Spear:

Offers reach and a rapid attack sequence.

Shield of Chaos:

Provides defensive capabilities alongside offensive bashes.

Experiment with each weapon and their aspects to understand their potential.

Make Smart Boon Choices

Selecting boons that complement your weapon and playstyle is crucial. Look for synergies between different god's boons to create powerful combinations.

Manage Your Health

Your health is a precious resource. Keep an eye out for Centaur Hearts to increase your total health and seek healing items or fountain rooms to restore lost health.

Prioritise Upgrades and Power-Ups

Certain rooms offer better rewards than others. Always aim for boons, Daedalus Hammers, and Centaur Hearts to empower Zagreus.

Gather Darkness and Keys

Accumulate Darkness to enhance your abilities at the Mirror of Night, and collect keys to unlock new weapons and abilities.

Fighting Strategically

Combat in Hades can be intense. Here are some combat tips to keep you in the fight longer:

Understand Enemy Patterns

Each enemy type has a specific attack pattern. Learn these patterns to dodge or intercept attacks effectively.

Utilise Your Dash

Dashing is not just for evasion; it can also be used to reposition yourself for a counterattack. Use it wisely to avoid damage and maintain control of the battlefield.

Combine Attacks and Abilities

Chain your normal attacks with special moves and casts to maximise damage output. Combining these with boons can create devastating effects.

Use the Environment

Traps in the environment aren't just hazards for you. Lure enemies into traps to dispatch them without putting yourself in harm's way.

Focus on High-Value Targets

In rooms with multiple enemies, identify and neutralize high-threat targets first, such as those with area-of-effect attacks or those who can buff their allies.

Mastering the Mirror of Night

The Mirror of Night is your key to permanent progression in Hades. Spend Darkness to unlock and upgrade various abilities, which are split into two categories: purple and green abilities. The purple abilities often provide immediate benefits, while the green abilities generally create new playstyles or strategies.

Select Upgrades That Complement Your Strategy

Choose Mirror upgrades that align with how you prefer to play. For example, if you're adept at avoiding damage, 'Thick Skin' might be more beneficial than 'Death Defiance'.

Don't Ignore Utility Skills

Some skills, like additional dashes or faster attack speeds, can drastically enhance your combat effectiveness.

Experiment with Different Configurations

You can reset your Mirror upgrades using Chthonic Keys. Don't be afraid to try new configurations to find what works best for you.

Managing Resources and Currencies

The Underworld is filled with various currencies and resources that can significantly influence your escape attempts.

Invest in the House of Hades

Spend your collected gemstones to upgrade the Underworld. These upgrades can offer helpful benefits for your future runs.

Strategic Use of Obols

During your escape, you'll collect Obols that can be spent at Charon's shop. Prioritise items that will help you immediately, such as boons or health replenishments.

Befriend the Gods and Characters

Gifting Nectar to gods and characters grants you Keepsakes, which provide unique benefits. Build relationships to receive powerful gifts.

Maximize the Use of Ambrosia and Titan Blood

Ambrosia and Titan Blood are rare resources used to deepen bonds and upgrade your weapons. Think carefully before using these resources, as they are hard to come by.

Boss Encounters

Boss battles in Hades are challenging milestones. Here are some tips for taking on these formidable opponents:

Study Boss Movements

Each boss has a set of moves and abilities. Recognize their attack patterns to find the best moments to strike or evade.

Bring the Right Keepsake

Before a boss fight, consider equipping a Keepsake that bestows an advantage, such as a boon amplification or resistance to damage.

Stay Mobile

Being constantly on the move can help you avoid a majority of incoming attacks. Use your dash effectively to stay out of danger.

Chip Away at Their Defenses

Some bosses have protective stages or shields. Work to break these down before focusing on dealing massive damage.

Conclusion

While Hades is a challenge, it's one that can be overcome with patience, strategy, and a willingness to learn from your encounters. Employ these tricks to improve your dungeon runs, grow stronger with each attempt, and eventually secure your place among the Pantheon of escapees. Happy adventuring!