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Hades: Starting Guide (Tips & Tricks)

Hades: Starting Guide

Firstly, congratulations on your purchase of possibly one of the best Roguelike games I’ve played so far. Why has my experience led me to this conclusion? Simply put, even if you die (a lot) the game still provides you with a sense of progress thanks to the many upgrades that can be made.

Secondly, the awesome graphics, lore and audio!

List of Terms

Any control settings are the defaults.

General Actions and Collectables

  • Attack – Left-mouse button
  • Cast – Right-mouse button
  • Bloodstone – The crystal that is used for Cast
  • Call – F, not possible to use unless you’ve obtained a “Call” Boon
  • Interact – E
  • Movement – WASD
  • Reload – R
  • Gift – G, see Nectar
  • Boons – B, here you can click on your current Boons to see their description
  • Backstab – Attack from the back (deals 150% damage)
  • Artifacts – currency that can be collected or traded, three boons that are only active during
  • Escapes included
  • Keepsake – An equippable and upgradable artifact that provides you with some benefits
  • Infernal Arms – Weapons
  • Pact of Punishment (PoP) – Unlocked after Escaping for the first time

Artifacts

  • Darkness – Can be exchanged at the MoN
  • Charon’s Obol – Can be exchanged during Escapes with Charon, disappears after you die
  • Centaur Heart – +25 HP during Escapes, one of the Boon Artifacts, disappears after you die
  • Pom of Power – Increases a Boon by 1 level, one of the Boon Artifacts, disappears after you die
  • Daedalus Hammer – Provides you with an Infernal Arms upgrade, one of the Boon Artifacts, disappears after you die
  • Chthonic Keys – Can be used to unlock Infernal Arms and MoN
  • Titan Blood – Can be used to permanently upgrade Infernal Arms
  • Gemstones – Can be exchanged at the HC
  • Diamond – Can be exchanged at the HC
  • Nectar – A gift that can be given to the Olympian Gods, Chthonic Gods and Others of Note (the first gift will provide you with a Keepsake, except for Lord Hades)
  • Ambrosia – A gift that can be given to aforementioned NPC’s (see Nectar) for XXXX

House of Hades and Lore Related

  • MoN – passive skills that can be obtained and upgraded at the Mirror of Nights in your Chamber
  • HC – House Contractor, where you can spend gems to obtain House Renovations.
  • TFL – Objectives that can be fulfilled in order to obtain rewards, can be found after adding
  • The Fated List decoration to your Chamber at the House Contractor(costs 20 gems – XXXX).
  • Codex – Hold C, here you can find Lore-related information and how to obtain them on i.e. the Gods of Olympus, Enemies, Weapons.

Escape/Underground World Map

  • Tartarus – The area where you first start, before the first boss
  • Asphodel – The area after the first boss (Megaera or her sisters)
  • Elysium – The area after the second boss (Lernaean Bone Hydra)
  • The Temple of Styx – The area after the third boss (Theseus and Asterius), Charon offers an array of Boons, Poms, Diamonds etc. for steep prices (Obol).
  • You have to go through tunnels to find a Sack of XXXX for Cerberus. If you get Poisoned, use the little wells to cure which can be done during combat!
  • XXXX – The area after the fourth boss (Hades)

Infernal Arms

A few things I would like to explain before we start. Damage is based on a frontal attack, an attack from the back (Backstab) is 150% by default. Some attacks can’t Backstab, but I’ll have you find out which ones for yourselves. Any amount of ___% damage is also based on a frontal attack.

Stygian Blade (Stygius)

  • Unlocked: default
  • Damage: 20
  • Range: short
  • Normal attack: 3-stage combo, 100% – 125% – 150% damage
  • Normal attack Backstab: 3-stage combo, 150% – 150% – 225% damage
  • Special: Nova Smash, AoE, 250% damage

Eternal Spear (Varatha)

  • Unlocked: XXXX Keys
  • Damage: 20
  • Range: short – mid – long
  • Normal attack: 3-stage combo, 100% – 150% – 150% damage
  • Normal attack Backstab: 3-stage combo, 150% – 225% – 225% damage
  • Special: Spin Attack, Chargable AoE, max 500% damage

Shield of Chaos (Aegis)

  • Unlocked: 6 Keys
  • Damage: 25
  • Range: short
  • Normal attack: knockback
  • Normal attack Backstab: knockback, 150% damage
  • Normal attack Hold: defend, XXXX damage reduction
  • Normal attack Hold – Release: Bull Rush, 200% damage fully charged
  • Special: Throw, Homing Ranged, 60% damage

Heart-Seeking Bow (Coronacht)

  • Unlocked: 6 Keys
  • Damage: 50 (Normal attack, fully charged)
  • Range: mid – long
  • Normal attack: Chargable, if released at the right moment 120% damage
  • Normal attack Backstab: Chargable 150% damage, if released at the right moment 180% damage
  • Special: Volley Fire, Frontal Cone AoE, 9 arrows each dealing 20% damage

Adamant Rail (Exagryph)

  • Unlocked: 8 Keys
  • Damage: 10
  • Range: mid – long
  • Normal attack: 12 bullets ammo by default, 100% damage
  • Normal attack Backstab: 12 bullets ammo by default, 150% damage
  • Special: Bombard, Circle AoE, 600% damage
  • Reload: R to Reload manually, or auto-reload when the clip empties. Takes approx. 1 Sec

Upgrading Aspects of the Infernal Arms

Stygius

  • Zagreus Aspect – Bonus Move Speed
  • Lvl 1 benefit/cost – +10% Bonus Move Speed / 1 Titan Blood
  • Lvl 2 benefit/cost – XXXX% Bonus Move Speed / XXXX Titan Blood

 

  • Nemesis Aspect – For 3 Sec. after you Special, your Attack may deal Critical damage
  • Lvl 1 benefit/cost – +15% Bonus Crit Chance / 1 Titan Blood
  • Lvl 2 benefit/cost – XXXX% Bonus Crit Chance / XXXX Titan Blood

 

  • Poseidon Aspect – Your Special dislodges Bloodstone from foes
  • Lvl 1 benefit/cost – +10% Cast Damage / 2 Titan Blood
  • Lvl 2 benefit/cost – XXXX% Cast Damage / XXXX Titan Blood

 

  • Hidden Aspect
  • XXXX

Varatha

  • Zagreus Aspect – Bonus Special Speed & Range
  • Lvl 1 benefit/cost – +30% Bonus Special Speed & Range / 1 Titan Blood
  • Lvl 2 benefit/cost – XXXX% Bonus Special Speed & Range / XXXX Titan Blood

 

  • Achilles Aspect – For 3 Sec. after you Special, you can retrieve your Spear with Raging Rush
  • Special no longer sends the Spear back to you, instead using Special again makes you Dash to your Spear, increasing strength of the next 2 Attacks / Casts.
  • Lvl 1 benefit/cost – +50% Post-Rush Bonus Damage / 1 Titan Blood
  • Lvl 2 benefit/cost – XXXX% Post-Rush Bonus Damage / XXXX Titan Blood

 

  • Hades Aspect – Your Spin Attack (max charged Normal attack) is replaced with Punishing Sweep
  • Once struck by Spin Attack, foes take increased damage from Attack and Special
  • Lvl 1 benefit/cost – +30% Punishing Bonus Damage / 2 Titan Blood
  • Lvl 2 benefit/cost – XXXX% Punishing Bonus Damage / XXXX Titan Blood

 

  • Hidden Aspect
  • XXXX

Aegis

  • Zagreus Aspect – Damage Reduction
  • Lvl 1 benefit/cost – +5% Damage Reduction / 1 Titan Blood
  • Lvl 2 benefit/cost – XXXX% Damage Reduction / XXXX Titan Blood

 

  • Chaos Aspect – After you Bull Rush, your next Special throws multiple shields
  • Lvl 1 benefit/cost – +1 Bonus Shields Thrown / 1 Titan Blood
  • Lvl 2 benefit/cost – +XXXX Bonus Shields Thrown / XXXX Titan Blood

 

  • Zeus Aspect – Your Special is replaced with Blitz Disc
  • Blitz Disc deals rapid damage, returning on command. Attack is not disabled
  • Lvl 1 benefit/cost – 8 Blitz Disc Base Damage per Hit / 2 Titan Blood
  • Lvl 2 benefit/cost – XXXX Blitz Disc Base Damage per Hit / XXXX Titan Blood

 

  • Hidden Aspect
  • XXXX

Coronacht

  • Zagreus Aspect – Critical Attack Chance
  • Lvl 1 benefit/cost – +2% Critical Attack Chance / 1 Titan Blood
  • Lvl 2 benefit/cost – 4% Critical Attack Chance / 1 Titan Blood
  • Lvl 3 benefit/cost – XXXX% Critical Attack Chance / XXXX Titan Blood

 

  • Chiron Aspect – Your Special automatically seeks the foe last struck by your Attack
  • Lvl 1 benefit/cost – -3 Max Shots per Special / 1 Titan Blood
  • Lvl 2 benefit/cost – -XXXX Max Shots per Special / XXXX Titan Blood

 

  • Hera Aspect – Your Cast loads Bloodstone into your next Attack, firing on impact
  • Lvl 1 benefit/cost – 10 Sec Ammo Drop Time / 2 Titan Blood
  • Lvl 2 benefit/cost – XXXX Sec Ammo Drop Time / XXXX Titan Blood

 

  • Hidden Aspect
  • XXXX

Exagryph

  • Zagreus Aspect – Bonus Max Ammo
  • Lvl 1 benefit/cost – XXXX Bonus Max Ammo / 1 Titan Blood
  • Lvl 2 benefit/cost – XXXX Bonus Max Ammo / 1 Titan Blood
  • Lvl 3 benefit/cost – 8 Bonus Max Ammo / 1 Titan Blood
  • Lvl 4 benefit/cost – 10 Bonus Max Ammo / 1 Titan Blood

 

  • Eris Aspect – For 8 Sec after absorbing your Special’s blast, deal more damage
  • Lvl 1 benefit/cost – 12% Bonus Damage / 1 Titan Blood
  • Lvl 2 benefit/cost – 24% Bonus Damage / 2 Titan Blood

 

  • Hestia Aspect – After you manually Reload, your next shot is empowered
  • Lvl 1 benefit/cost – 50 Empowered Shot Base Damage / 2 Titan Blood
  • Lvl 2 benefit/cost – XXXX Empowered Shot Base Damage / XXXX Titan Blood

 

  • Hidden Aspect
  • XXXX

Keepsakes

Keepsakes are obtained through Nectar (Gift). The first time you provide a Gift to an Olympian God, Chthonic God or Others of Note they will provide you with a Keepsake.

A Keepsake can be equipped for benefits, upgrade them by meeting objectives.

Name: Old Spiked Collar

Obtained: first Gift given to Cerberus

Rank/Benefit/Cost

  • Rank 1 / +25 HP / Default
  • Rank 2 / +38 HP / Clear 25 Encounter(s)
  • Rank 3 / +50 HP / Clear 50 Encounter(s)

Name: Myrmidon Bracer

Obtained: first Gift given to Achilles

Rank/Benefit/Cost

  • Rank 1 / -20% damage taken from the front, +10% damage taken from the back] HP / Default
  • Rank 2 / -30% damage taken from the front, +10% damage taken from the back / Clear 25 Encounter(s)
  • Rank 3 / -XXXX% damage taken from the front, +XXXX% damage taken from the back / Clear 50 Encounter(s)

Name: Black Shawl

Obtained: first Gift given to Nyx

Rank/Benefit/Cost

  • Rank 1 / Whenever you gain Darkness, restore HP for 50% of the amount / Default
  • Rank 2 / Whenever you gain Darkness, restore HP for XXXX% of the amount / Clear 25 Encounter(s)
  • Rank 3 / Whenever you gain Darkness, restore HP for XXXX% of the amount / Clear 50 Encounter(s)

Name: Bone Hourglass

Obtained: first Gift given to Charon

Rank/Benefit/Cost

  • Rank 1 / Items from Well of Charon have increased durations by 3 Encounters / Default
  • Rank 2 / Items from Well of Charon have increased durations by 6 Encounters / Clear 25 Encounter(s)
  • Rank 3 / Items from Well of Charon have increased durations by +XXXX Encounters / Clear 50 Encounter(s)

Name: Chthonic Coin Purse

Obtained: first Gift given to Hypnos

Rank/Benefit/Cost

  • Rank 1 / Start next Escape attempt with 100 Obol / Default
  • Rank 2 / Start next Escape attempt with XXXX Obol / Clear 25 Encounter(s)
  • Rank 3 / Start next Escape attempt with XXXX Obol / Clear 50 Encounter(s)

Name: Harpy Feather Duster

Obtained: first Gift given to Dusa

Rank/Benefit/Cost

  • Rank 1 / Broken urns have a 2% chance to contain HP Recovery items / Default
  • Rank 2 / Broken urns have a XXXX% chance to contain HP Recovery items / Clear 25 Encounter(s)
  • Rank 3 / Broken urns have a XXXX% chance to contain HP Recovery items / Clear 50 Encounter(s)

Name: Distant Memory

Obtained: first Gift given to Orpheus

Rank/Benefit/Cost

  • Rank 1 / Deal +10% damage to distant foes / Default
  • Rank 2 / Deal +10% damage to distant foes / Clear 25 Encounter(s)
  • Rank 3 / Deal +10% damage to distant foes / Clear 50 Encounter(s)

Name: Owl Pendant

Obtained: first Gift given to Athena

Rank/Benefit/Cost

  • Rank 1 / Boon found from Athena. +10% chance to be Rare or better / Default
  • Rank 2 / Boon found from Athena. +XXXX% chance to be Rare or better / Clear 25 Encounter(s)
  • Rank 3 / Boon found from Athena. +XXXX% chance to be Rare or better / Clear 50 Encounter(s)

Name: Adamant Arrowhead

Obtained: first Gift given to Artemis

Rank/Benefit/Cost

  • Rank 1 / Boon found from Artemis. +10% chance to be Rare or better / Default
  • Rank 2 / Boon found from Artemis. +XXXX% chance to be Rare or better / Clear 25 Encounter(s)
  • Rank 3 / Boon found from Artemis. +XXXX% chance to be Rare or better / Clear 50 Encounter(s)

Name: Blood-filled Vial

Obtained: first Gift given to Ares

Rank/Benefit/Cost

  • Rank 1 / Boon found from Ares. +10% chance to be Rare or better / Default
  • Rank 2 / Boon found from Ares. +XXXX% chance to be Rare or better / Clear 25 Encounter(s)
  • Rank 3 / Boon found from Ares. +XXXX% chance to be Rare or better / Clear 50 Encounter(s)

Name: Overflowing Cup

Obtained: first Gift given to Dionysus

Rank/Benefit/Cost

  • Rank 1 / Boon found from Dionysus. +10% chance to be Rare or better / Default
  • Rank 2 / Boon found from Dionysus. +XXXX% chance to be Rare or better / Clear 25 Encounter(s)
  • Rank 3 / Boon found from Dionysus. +XXXX% chance to be Rare or better / Clear 50 Encounter(s)

Name: Lambent Plume

Obtained: first Gift given to Hermes

Rank/Benefit/Cost

  • Rank 1 / Gain +1% Dodge chance and move speed each time you quickly clear an Encounter / Default
  • Rank 2 / Gain +XXXX% Dodge chance and move speed each time you quickly clear an Encounter / Clear 25 Encounter(s)
  • Rank 3 / Gain +XXXX% Dodge chance and move speed each time you quickly clear an Encounter / Clear 50 Encounter(s)

Name: Cosmic Egg

Obtained: first Gift given to Chaos

Rank/Benefit/Cost

  • Rank 1 / Enter Chaos Gates without losing HP. Boon from Chaos +10% chance to be Rare or better / Default
  • Rank 2 / Enter Chaos Gates without losing HP. Boon from Chaos +30% chance to be Rare or better / Clear 25 Encounter(s)
  • Rank 3 / Enter Chaos Gates without losing HP. Boon from Chaos +40% chance to be Rare or better / Clear 50 Encounter(s)

House Contractor – Renovations

The House Contractor can be found to the right side of Lord Hades. Here you can spend Gems to obtain House Renovations.

  • Name: The Lounging Area. XXXX
  • Cost: 1 Diamond. XXXX
  • Effect: Added Chamber (House of Hades), adds the lounging area and unlocks Chef (currently interactable once), Trade and Dusa.

 

  • Name: Urns of Lesser Value
  • Cost: 40 Gems
  • Effect: Underworld Renovation, chambers may contain urns with 5 Obol

 

  • Name: Greater Plunder
  • Cost: 150 Gems
  • Effect: Underworld Renovation, each Infernal Trove contains more

 

  • Name: Brilliant Gemstones
  • Cost: 3 Diamonds
  • Effect: Underworld Renovation, Collecting Gems also gives you +20 Obol

 

  • Name: Fated Keys
  • Cost: 3 Diamonds
  • Effect: Underworld Renovation, Collecting Keys also gives you +1 XXXX

 

  • Name: Asphodel Fountain Chamber.
  • Cost: 20 Gems.
  • Effect: Added Chamber (Asphodel), restores some HP amid the searing heat.

 

  • Name: Elysium Fountain Chamber.
  • Cost: 40 Gems.
  • Effect: Added Chamber (Elysium), restores some HP amid the lush environs.

 

  • Name: Azure Drapery
  • Cost: 10 Gems
  • Effect: House Decor, Gives the drapery a hue reminiscent of the sea

 

  • Name: Scrying Pool.
  • Cost: 10 Gems.
  • Effect: Bedroom Decor, after adding it to your Bedroom you can get information on your progress (so far only Escapes Attempted and Foes Slain).

 

  • Name: Minor Table of The Fated List. XXXX
  • Cost: 20 Gems. XXXX
  • Effect: Bedroom Decor, unlocks the first set of objectives for TFL.

 

  • Name: Trojan Arms.
  • Cost: 200 Gems.
  • Effect: Bedroom Decor, showcases broken weapons from a historic siege.

 

  • Name: Aphrodite Wall-Scroll
  • Cost: 120 Gems
  • Effect: Bedroom Decor, Features the goddess of love and beaty herself

 

  • Name: Lounge Flooring.
  • Cost: 55 Gems.
  • Effect: House Decor, repairs the unsightly damage dealt by Cerberus.

Mirror of Night

A gift for Nyx, allows you send darkness crystals and Chthonic keys in exchange for perminent upgrades.

The 2 upgrades to get first are Greater Reflex and Death Defiance. Both these upgrades are highly useful in the early game. I would recommend getting Death Defiance first, since this allows you to cheat death once per escape attempt (run) and get through more chambers and acquire more resources per run, it’s also an absolute godsend during Boss fights.

Upgrades

Ability Description Ranks Cost
Shadow Presence Each rank gives you +10% damage when you strike foes from behind. 5
(+50% damage)
10 / 15 / 20 / 25 / 30
(Total: 100)
Chthonic Vitality Each rank restores 1 when you enter each chamber. 3
(+3 per chamber)
10 / 20 / 40
(Total: 70)
Death Defiance Each rank restores you for 50% 1 time when your Life Total is depleted. 3
(3 extra chances)
30 / 500 / 1000
(Total: 1530)
Greater Reflex Each rank lets you chain +1 Dash before briefly recovering. 1
(+1 dashes)
50
(Total: 50)
Boiling Blood
(3 Chthonic Keys)
Each rank gives you +10% Attack & Special damage to foes with in them. 5
(+50% damage)
10 / 30 / 50 / 70 / 90(Total: 250)
Infernal Soul(3 Chthonic Keys) Each rank gives you +1 for your Cast. 2
(+2)
20 / 80
(Total: 100)
Deep Pockets
(6 Chthonic Keys)
Each rank grants you 10 at the start of each escape from the House of Hades. 10
(+100)
30 / 35 / 40 / 45 / 50 / 55 / 60 / 65 / 70 / 75
(Total: 525)
Thick Skin
(6 Chthonic Keys)
Each rank adds +5 to your Life Total. 10
(+50)
40 / 45 / 50 / 55 / 60 / 65 / 70 / 75 / 80 / 85
(Total: 625)
Privileged Status
(12 Chthonic Keys)
Each rank gives you +25% damage vs. foes afflicted by at least two Status Curse effects. 2
(+50% vs)
50 / 100
(Total: 150)
Olympian Favor
(12 Chthonic Keys)
Each rank adds a 1% bonus chance for a Boon to have Rare effects. 50
(+50% chance)
50 per rank
(Total: 2500)
God’s Pride
(12 Chthonic Keys)
Each rank adds a 1% bonus chance for a Boon to have Epic effects. 25
(+25% chance)
100 per rank
(Total: 2500)
Fated Authority
(36 Chthonic Keys)
Each rank gives you 1 chance to randomly alter the reward for the next chamber. 10
(+10 rerolls)
1k / 2k / 3k / 4k / 5k / 10k / 20k / 30k / 40k / 50k
(Total: 165,000)

The Fates List

The Fates List (TFL) holds a massive amount of Objectives for you to fulfill in order to receive rewards.

TFL can be unlocked via the House Contractor (HC).

Distant Relatives

  • Reward: 3 Nectar
  • Objective: Meet the following Olympian Gods

 

  • Zeus;
  • Poseidon;
  • Athena;
  • Ares;
  • Aphrodite;
  • Artemis;
  • Dionysus;
  • Hermes.

Infernal Arms

  • Reward: 20 Gems
  • Objective: Obtain (XXXXand use?) the following weapons

 

  • Stygian Blade;
  • Eternal Spear;
  • Shield of Chaos;
  • Heart-Seeking Bow;
  • Adamant Rail.

Chthonic Knowledge

  • Reward: 20 Gems
  • Objective: Unlock 50 Codex EntriesXXXX

Is There No Escape?

  • Reward: 1000 Darkness
  • Objective: XXXXEscape?

Chthonic Colleagues

  • Reward: 10 Keys
  • Objective: Meet the following Chthonic Gods

 

  • Alecto;
  • Tisiphone;
  • Primordial Chaos;
  • Lord Hades;
  • Nyx;
  • Charon;
  • Hypnos;
  • Thanatos;
  • Megaera.

God of War

  • Reward: 50 Gems
  • Objective: Earn the following of Ares’ Boons

 

  • Curse of Agony;
  • Curse of Pain;
  • Blade Dash;
  • Slicing Shot;
  • Ares’ Aid;
  • Curse of Vengeance;
  • Urge to Kill;
  • Battle Rage;
  • Impending Doom;
  • Dire Misfortune;
  • Black Metal;
  • Engulfing Vortex;
  • Vicious Cycle.

Goddess of the Hunt

  • Reward: 50 Gems
  • Objective: Earn the following of Artemis’ Boons

 

  • Deadly Strike;
  • Hunter Dash;
  • True Shot;
  • Deadly Flourish;
  • Artemis’ Aid
  • Quick Reload;
  • Pressure Points;
  • Support Fire;
  • Burst Shot;
  • Hunter’s Mark;
  • Clean Kill;
  • Hide Breaker;
  • Hunter Instinct;
  • Exit Wounds;
  • Fully Loaded.

God of Swiftness

  • Reward: 50 Gems
  • Objective: Earn the following of Hermes’ Boons

 

  • Second Wind;
  • Swift Strike;
  • Swift Flourish;
  • Quick Recovery;
  • Greater Haste;
  • Drift Dash;
  • Flurry Cast;
  • Passing Through;
  • Greatest Reflex;
  • Greater Evasion;
  • Relative Speed;
  • Greater Recall.

Goddess of Wisdom

  • Reward: 50 Gems
  • Objective: Earn the following of Athena’s Boons

 

  • Divine Strike;
  • Divine Flourish;
  • Divine Dash;
  • Phalanx Shot;
  • Athena’s Aid;
  • Sure Footing;
  • Bronze Skin;
  • Holy Shield;
  • Proud Bearing;
  • Blinding Flash;
  • Brilliant Riposte;
  • Divine Protection.

God of Wine

  • Reward: 50 Gems
  • Objective: Earn the following of Dionysus’ Boons

 

  • Blight Strike;
  • Blight Flourish;
  • Nasty Dash;
  • Tipsy Shot;
  • Dionysus’ Aid;
  • After Party;
  • Positive Outlook;
  • Peer Pressure;
  • Numbing Sensation;
  • Bad Influence;
  • High Tolerance;
  • Black Out.

Divine Pairings

  • Reward: 5 Ambrosia
  • Objective: Earn the following of Duo Boons

 

  • Scintillating Feast;
  • Vengeful Mood;
  • Sea Storm;
  • Lightning Phalanx;
  • Merciful End;
  • Spent Spirit [XXXX&XXXX];
  • Deadly Reversal [Artemis & Athena];
  • Hunting Blades;
  • Lightning Rod;
  • Heart Rend;
  • Curse of Longing;
  • Sweet Nectar;
  • Low Tolerance;
  • Exclusive Access.

Primordial Boons

  • Reward: 20 Keys
  • Objective: Earn the following of Chaos’ Boons

 

  • Strike;
  • Shot;
  • Grasp;
  • Soul;
  • Favor;
  • Affluence;
  • Eclipse;
  • Flourish;
  • Lunge;
  • Defiance.

Primordial Banes

  • Reward: 20 Keys
  • Objective: Earn the following of Chaos’ Curses

 

  • Pauper’s;
  • Slippery;
  • Maimed;
  • Flayed;
  • Addled;
  • Caustic;
  • Enshrouded;
  • Excruciating;
  • Abyssal;
  • Atrophic;
  • Slothful;
  • Roiling.

The Stygian Blade

  • Reward: 30 Gems
  • Objective: Earn the following Daedalus enchantments

 

  • Flurry Slash;
  • Super Nova;
  • World Splitter;
  • Piercing Wave;
  • Double Nova;
  • Armor Slayer;
  • Doiuble Edge;
  • Cruel Thrust.

The Heart-Seeking Bow

  • Reward: 30 Gems
  • Objective: Earn the following Daedalus enchantments

 

  • Twin Shot;
  • Sniper Shot;
  • Explosive Shot;
  • Flurry Shot;
  • Piercing Barrage;
  • Perfect Shot;
  • Relentless Barrage;
  • Triple Shot.

The Shield of Chaos

  • Reward: 30 Gems
  • Objective: Earn the following Daedalus enchantments

 

  • Dashing Wallop;
  • Charged Shot;
  • Dread Flight;
  • Explosive Return;
  • Armor Shredder;
  • Sudden Rush;
  • Pulverizing Blow;
  • Minotaur Rush.

The Eternal Spear

  • Reward: 30 Gems
  • Objective: Earn the following Daedalus enchantments

 

  • Extending Jab;
  • Flurry Jab;
  • Exploding Launcher;
  • Multi Skewer;
  • Armor Skewer;
  • Vicious Skewer;
  • Massive Spin;
  • Quick Spin.

The Adamant Rail

  • Reward: 30 Gems
  • Objective: Earn the following Daedalus enchantments

 

  • Inescapable Blast;
  • Flurry Fire;
  • Spread Fire;
  • Rocket Bomb;
  • Triple Bomb;
  • Piercing Fire;
  • Infinity Chamber;
  • Explosive Fire.

Wanton Ransacking

  • Reward: 2 Titan Blood
  • Objective: Slay each of the various Wardens guarding key Chambers

 

  • Dire Inferno-Bomber;
  • Dire Burn-Flinger;
  • Dire Wave-Maker;
  • Dire Voidstone;
  • Megagorgon;
  • Dire Skull-Crusher;
  • Dire Soul Catcher;
  • XXXX;
  • XXXX;
  • XXXX;
  • XXXX.

Hades Boon Effects

Written by Holiday

There are a few prerequisites on how Boons work that need to be clear to everyone. These are not immediately obvious or self explanatory, so please read through them before moving on.

When reading a Boon, there are three things you can look out for:

1. You might see numbers in parenthesis. This denotes that the number is part of a multiplier as opposed to a flat damage number. Here’s an example: 50% x 1.3 = 65%, so the damage increase will be 65%!

2. You might see an asterisk (*) before the name. This denotes there being something of note to do with the Boon, such as an interaction between itself and another Boon.

3. You might see a (^) before the name. This means that there is a bug related to the Boon (that I am aware of.) Please report known bugs to me personally, so I may add them to the list. Any bugs related to Boons will be removed upon their patch. You will be credited for informing me of them.

Boons come in six Rarities: Common, Rare, Epic, Heroic are the main four we’ll worry about. Boons do not come with a set rarity, and thus will have four different sets of numbers. We’ll be denoting these four rarities like this throughout the guide: C: R: E: H:

The fifth rarity is called Legendary, which are modifiers available to a specific Boon on each God. These Boons will be outlined and bold faced at the bottom of every God’s page, like so.

Finally, the sixth rarity, Duo, are unique in that they will not appear unless you have specific Boons from two different Gods. Those will be included in their own section as opposed to Boons for the individual gods.

Aphrodite

Heartbreak Strike – Your Attack deals more damage and inflicts Weak.
C: +50% R: (1.3-1.5) E: (1.8-2.0) H: (2.3-2.5)

Heartbreak Flourish – Your Special deals more damage and inflicts Weak.
C: +80% R: (1.3-1.5) E: (1.8-2.0) H: (2.3-2.5)

Shatter Shot – Your Cast fires in a reduced-range spread pattern that inflicts Weak.
C: 90 R: 108 E: 126 H: 144

Passion Dash – Your Dash deals damage at the start and end, and inflicts Weak.
C: 17-19 R: (1.3-1.5) E: (1.8-2.0) H: (2.3-2.5)

Empty Inside – Your Weak effects have a longer duration.
C: +5sec R: +7.5sec E: +10sec H: N/A

Dying Lament – When slain, foes damage other nearby foes and inflict Weak.
C: 25-30 R: (1.3-1.5) E: (1.8-2.0) H: N/A

Wave of Despair – After you take damage, damage nearby foes and turn them Weak.
C: 20-25 R: (1.3-1.5) E: (1.8-2.0) H: N/A

Different League – Resist some damage from nearby foes’ attacks.
C: 10% less R: 12% less E: 15% less H: N/A

Sweet Surrender – Your Weak effects also make foes more susceptible to damage.
C: +10% dmg R: (1.3-1.5) E: (2.0-2.2) H: N/A

Life Affirmation – Any Life chamber rewards are worth more.
C: +50% R: +65% E: +80% H: N/A

Aphrodite’s Aid – Your Call fires a seeking projectile that inflicts Charm.
C: N/A R: N/A E: N/A H: N/A

^Unhealthy Fixation – Your Weak effects also have a chance to Charm foes. Charm Chance 15%, Duration 4 Seconds.

Ares

Curse of Agony – Your Attack inflicts Doom.
C: 50 R: (1.3-1.5) E: 1.8-2.0) H: (2.3-2.5)

Curse of Pain – Your Special inflicts Doom.
C: 70 R: (1.3-1.5) E: 1.8-2.0) H: (2.3-2.5)

Slicing Shot – Your Cast sends a Blade Rift hurling ahead.
C: 10 R: 11 E: 13 H: 14

Blade Dash – Your Dash creates a Blade Rift where you started.
C: 5 R: (1.3-1.5) E: 1.8-2.0) H: (2.3-2.5)

Urge to Kill – Your Attack and Cast deal more damage.
C: +8% R: +10% E: +12% H: N/A

Curse of Vengeance – After you take damage, inflict Doom on surrounding foes.
C: 60 R: (1.3-1.5) E: (1.8-2.0) H: N/A

Black Metal – Your Blade Rift powers deal damage in a wider area.
C: +20% R: +22% E: +24% H: N/A

Engulfing Vortex – Your Blade Rift effects last longer and pull foes in.
C: .2 sec R: .3 sec E: .4 sec H: .5 sec

Dire Misfortune – Your Doom effects deal more damage when applied multiple times.
C: 5 R: 5 E: 7 H: 10

*Battle Rage – After slaying a foe, your next Attack or Special deals more damage.
C:+100% R: ___ E: 200% H: N/A

Impending Doom – Your Doom effects deal more damage, after +0.5 Sec.
C: +60% R: +76% E: +92% H: N/A

Ares’ Aid – Your Call turns you into an Invulnerable, damage dealing Blade Rift for 5 Sec.
C: 15 R: 18 E: 21 H: 24

Vicious Cycle – Your Blade Rift effects deal 1 more damage for each consecutive hit.

*Can’t figure out Rare % increase (numbers don’t add up to +150% consistently)

Artemis

Deadly Strike – Your Attack is stronger, with +15% chance to deal Critical damage.
C: +20% R: (1.3-1.5) E: (1.8-2.0) H: (2.3-2.5)

Deadly Flourish – Your Special is stronger, with +20% chance to deal Critical Damage.
C: +40% R: (1.3-1.5) E: (1.8-2.0) H: (2.3-2.5)

True Shot – Your Cast deals more damage and seeks the nearest foe.
C: 70 R: 84 E: 98 H: 112

Hunter Dash – Your Dash Attack deals more damage.
C: +50% R: +75% E: +100% H: +150%

Clean Kill – Your Critical effects deal even more damage.
C: +15% R: +22% E: +30% H: N/A

Support Fire – Your Attack, Cast and Special spawn an additional seeking shot.
C: 15 R: 19 E: 24 H: N/A

Quick Reload – Foes drop Bloodstones stuck in them faster.
C: 10 R: 8 E: 7 H: N/A

*Exit Wounds – Your foes suffer damage when your Bloodstones stuck in them are dislodged.
C: 140 R: 160 E: ?? H: N/A

Pressure Points – Any Damage you deal has a chance to be Critical.
C: +3% R: +4% E: +5% H: N/A

Burst Shot – Your Cast fires a second projectile, though it has reduced damage.
C: 25% R: 35% E: 45% H: 55%

Hide Breaker – Your Critical effects deal even more damage to Armor.
C: 200% R: (1.3-1.5) E: (1.8-2.0) H: N/A

Hunter Instinct – Your God Gauge charges faster when you deal Critical damage.
C: 25% R: 30% E: 35% H: N/A

Hunter’s Mark – After you deal Critical damage to a foe, a foe near it is Marked.
C: +30% crit chance R: (1.3-1.5) E: (1.8-2.0) H: N/A

Artemis’ Aid – Your Call fires a seeking arrow towards the nearest foe. 15 Arrows max Gauge.
C: 130 R: 156 E: 182 H: 208

Fully Loaded – Gain an extra 3 Bloodstones for your Cast.

Athena

Divine Strike – Your Attack is stronger, and can Deflect.
C: +40% R: (1.3-1.5) E: (1.8-2.0) H: (2.3-2.5)

Divine Flourish – Your Special is stronger, and can Deflect.
C: +60% R: (1.3-1.5) E: (1.8-2.0) H: (2.3-2.5)

Phalanx Shot – Your Cast damages foes in a small area, and can Deflect.
C: 85 R: 102 E: 119 H: 136

Divine Dash – Your Dash deals damage and can Deflect.
C: 15 R: (1.3-1.5) E: (1.8-2.0) H: (2.3-2.5)

Brilliant Riposte – When you Deflect attacks, they deal more damage.
C: +20% R: (1.3-1.5) E: (1.8-2.0) H: N/A

Sure Footing – Resist damage from Traps.
C: 40% R: 50% E: 60% H: N/A

Bronze Skin – Resist damage from foes’ attacks.
C: 5%-10% R: (1.3-1.5) E: (1.8-2.0) H: N/A

Holy Shield – After you take damage, damage nearby foes and briefly Deflect.
C: 30 R: (1.3-1.5) E: (1.8-2.0) H: N/A

Deathless Stand – Death Defiance makes you Impervious longer. Replenish 1 charge now.
C: +2 sec R: +2.5 sec E: +3 sec H: N/A

Last Stand – Death Defiance restores more Health than usual. Replenish 1 charge now.
C: +10% R: +15% E: +20% H: N/A

Blinding Flash – Your attacks that Deflect also make foes Exposed for 5 Sec.
C: +50% R: (1.3-1.5) E: (1.8-2.0) H: N/A

Proud Bearing – You begin each Encounter with your God Gauge partly full
C: 20% R: 25% E: 30% H: N/A

Athena’s Aid – Your Call briefly makes you Invulnerable and Deflect all attacks.
C: 1 sec R: 1.2 sec E: 1.4 sec H: 1.6 sec

Divine Protection – You have a barrier that negates incoming damage. Cooldown 20 sec.

Dionysus

Blight Strike – Your Attack inflicts Poison.
C: 4 R: 5 E: 6 H: 7

Blight Flourish – Your Special inflicts Poison.
C: 5 R: 6 E: 7 H: 8

Nasty Dash – Your Dash inflicts foes near you with Poison.
C: 2 R: 3 E: 4 H: 5

*Tipsy Shot – Your Cast lobs a projectile that bursts into Festive Fog.
C: 100 R: 120 E: 140 H: 160

Numbing Sensation – Your Poison effects also make foes move slower.
C: 10%-15% slower R: (1.3-1.5) E: (2.0-2.5) H: N/A

Peer Pressure – Poison-afflicted foes contaminate other nearby foes every 4 Sec.
C: 2 R: (1.3-1.5) E: (2.0-2.5) H: N/A

High Tolerance – Take less damage while standing in Festive Fog.
C: 10%-15% R: (1.3-1.5) E: (2.0-2.5) H: N/A

After Party – If your Health is low after Encounters, restore to the threshold.
C: ~20% R: ~38% E: ~45% H: ~60%

Positive Outlook – Take less damage while at 40% Health or below.
C: 10% R: 15% E: 20% H: N/A

Bad Influence – Deal more damage while 3 foes are Poison-afflicted.
C: 50% R: (1.3-1.5) E: (1.8-2.0) H: N/A

Premium Vintage – Gain max Health when you pick up Nectar. Receive 1 Nectar now.
C: +20 R: +25 E: +30 H: N/A

Dionysus’ Aid – Your Call inflicts Poison to foes all around you for 1.5 Sec. 12 sec max gauge.
C: 10 R: 12 E: 14 H: 16

Black Out – Poison-afflicted foes take double damage in Festive Fog.

*Festive Fog is an AoE that will stun enemies in their attack animation while they’re inside the radius.

Hermes

Swift Strike – Your Attack is faster.
C: +12% R: +21% E: +30% H: +40%

Swift Flourish – Your Special is faster.
C: +12% R: +21% E: +30% H: +40%

Rapid Cast – Your Cast is faster and fully automatic.
C: +20% R: +60% E: +90% H: N/A

Drift Dash – After you Dash, gain +100% move speed for a some time.
C: .6 sec R: .75 sec E: .9 sec H: N/A

Passing Through – Running into foes makes them slower for 3 Sec.
C: 20% R: 25% E: 30% H: N/A

Greater Haste – You move faster.
C: +20% R: +30% E: +40% H: N/A

Quick Recovery – After you take damage, quickly Dash to recover some lost Health
C: 20% R: 30% E: 40% H: N/A

Greater Evasion – You have a chance to Dodge.
C: +15% R: +20% E: +25% H: +30%

Greatest Reflex – You can Dash more times in a row.
C: +1 dash R: +2 dashes E: +3 dashes H: N/A

Second Wind – After using Call, gain Dodge chance and move speed for 5 Sec.
C: +30% R: +38% E: +48% H: N/A

Relative Speed – Your Dash makes nearby foes 50% slower for 1 Sec.

Greater Recall – Your Bloodstones automatically return to you.

Poseidon

Tempest Strike – Your Attack deals more damage and knocks foes away.
C:+30% R: (1.3-1.5) E: (1.8-2.0) H: (2.3-2.5)

Tempest Flourish – Your Special deals more damage and knocks foes away.
C: +70% R: (1.3-1.5) E: (1.8-2.0) H: (2.3-2.5)

Flood Shot – Your Cast damages foes in an area and knocks them away.
C: 60 R: 72 E: 84 H: 96

Tidal Dash – Your Dash damages foes in an area and knocks them away.
C: 35 R: (1.3-1.5) E: (1.8-2.0) H: (2.3-2.5)

Typhoon’s Fury – You deal more damage when slamming foes into barriers.
C:+100% R: (1.3-1.5) E: (1.8-2.0) H: N/A

Breaking Wave – Slamming foes into walls or corners creates a watery blast in the area.

*Razor Shoals – Using knock-away effects also Rupture foes.
C: 5% R: 7.5% E: 10% H: N/A

Ocean’s Bounty – Any Darkness or Obol rewards are worth more.
C: +50% R: +55% E: +60% H: N/A

**Sunken Treasure – Gain an assortment of Darkness, Obol and Health.

Boiling Point – Your God Gauge charges faster when you take damage.
C: +40% R: +75% E: +100% H:

Poseidon’s Aid – Your Call makes you surge into foes while Invulnerable for 1.5 Sec.
C: 150 R: 180 E: 210 H: 240

Second Wave – Your knock-away effects shove foes a second time after the first.

*Not sure what the % damage is for?

**♥♥♥♥♥ random how should I know

Zeus

Thunder Flourish – Your Special causes a lightning bolt to strike nearby foes.
C: 30 R: 37.5 E: 40 H: 60

Thunder Dash – Your Dash causes a lightning bolt to strike nearby foes.
C: 10 R: (1.3-1.5) E: (1.8-2.0) H: (2.3-2.5)

Clouded Judgment – Your God Gauge charges faster upon dealing or taking damage.
C: +15% R: +38% E: +61% H: N/A

Static Discharge – Your Lightning effects also make foes Jolted.
C: 50-60 R: (1.3-1.5) E: (1.80-2.0) H: N/A

Lightning Strike – Your Attacks emit chain lightning upon damaging a foe.
C: 10 R: 12 E: 15 H: 18

Zeus’ Aid – Your Call makes lightning strike nearby foes repeatedly.
C: 80 R: 100 E: 120 H: 140

Heaven’s Vengeance – After taking damage, your foe is struck by lightning.
C: 60-80 R: (1.3-1.5) E: (1.8-2.0) H: N/A

*Electric Shot – Your Cast is a burst of chain-lightning that bounces between foes.
C: 60 R: 75 E: 90 H: 105

*Storm Lightning – Your chain-lightning effects bounce more times.
C: +2 R: +4 E: +6 H: N/A

High Voltage – Your lightning bolt effects deal damage in a larger area.
C: +60% R: +72% E: +84% H: N/A

Double Strike – Your lightning bolt effects might proc twice.
C: 25% R: 30% E: 35% H: N/A

Billowing Strength – After using a Call, you deal more damage for 5 seconds.
C:+30% R: +37% E: +45% H:

Splitting Boon – All your lightning effects create and additional burst.

*Electric shot gains 3, 6 or 9 jumps when combined with Storm Lightning.

Chaos

Choas’ Boons work differently from all others. Every boon has two parts, a Blessing and a Curse.

Curses are demerits that occur for a few Encounters. They do not tick down for rooms that do not have Enemies, such as Charon shops or NPC rooms. They are always temporary and will go away after the set number of encounters is cleared.

Blessings are permanent positive effects that are only gained after the Curse is removed, meaning you must go through the required number of Encounters to gain the benefits of the Blessing.

These Blessings and Curses are in two separate categories and any Blessing can be matched with any Curse, making for a HUGE variety in match ups. As such, I will only be going over their effects and not the specific numbers behind each one for the time being.

Curses

  • Pauper’s – For the next 2–4 encounters, you cannot earn Obols.
  • Slippery – For the next 2–4 encounters, you cannot collect Cast Ammo for a while.
  • Caustic – For the next 2–4 encounters, slain foes toss an Inferno-Bomb at you.
  • Enshrouded – For the next 4–5 chambers, chamber reward previews are hidden.
  • Excruciating – For the next 2–4 encounters, you take increased damage.
  • Abyssal – For the next 2–4 encounters, you take increased damage from traps.
  • Atrophic – For the next 2–4 encounters, your Life Total is reduced.
  • Slothful – For the next 2–4 encounters, you have lose move speed.
  • Roiling – For the next 2–4 encounters, you face more foes.
  • Stabbing – For the next 2–4 encounters, each time you Dash, you take damage.
  • Maimed – For the next 2–4 encounters, each time you Attack, you take damage.
  • Flayed – For the next 2–4 encounters, each time you Special, you take damage.
  • Addled – For the next 2–4 encounters, each time you Cast, you take damage.

Blessings

  • Strike – Afterward, your Attack deals increased damage.
  • Flourish – Afterward, your Special deals increased damage.
  • Shot – Afterward, your Cast deals increased damage.
  • Lunge – Afterward, your Dash Attack deals increased damage.
  • Grasp – Afterward, increase your maximum Bloodstones.
  • Soul – Afterward, increase your maximum Health
  • Favor – Afterward, Boons have a higher chance to be Rare or better.
  • Affluence – Afterward, any Obol you find is worth more.
  • Eclipse – Afterward, any Darkness you find is worth more.
  • Defiance – Afterward, gain +1 Death Defiance stack.

Duo

Duo boons require you to have two specific Boons in order to be available from the God. They do not come with differing stats based on rarity, and the Boons can be a variety of things to meet the requirements of the Duo Boon. As such, in place of the rarity section, it will be a list of Boons that will work for unlocking the Duo Boon.

Curse of Longing – Aphrodite / Ares – Your Doom effects continuously strike Weak foes.
Aphrodite: Heartbreak Strike, Heartbreak Flourish, Shatter Shot, or Passion Dash
Ares: Curse of Agony or Curse of Pain

Deadly Reversal – Artemis / Athena – After you Deflect, briefly gain +35% chance to deal Critical damage for 2 sec.
Artemis: Deadly Strike, Deadly Flourish, True Shot or Hunter Dash
Athena: Divine Strike, Divine Flourish, or Divine Dash

*Exclusive Access – Dionysus / Poseidon – Any Boons you find have superior effects.
Dionysus: Blight Strike, Blight Flourish, Tipsy Shot, or Nasty Dash
Poseidon: Tempest Strike, Tempest Flourish, Flood Shot, or Tidal Dash

Heart Rend – Aphrodite / Artemis – Your critical hits do more damage to Weak enemies.
Aphrodite: Heartbreak Strike, Heartbreak Flourish, Shatter Shot, or Passion Dash
Artemis: Artemis: Deadly Strike, Deadly Flourish, or Pressure Points.

Hunting Blades – Ares / Artemis – Your Cast creates a faster Blade Rift that seeks the nearest foe.
Ares: Slicing Shot
Artemis: Deadly Strike, Deadly Flourish, Hunter Dash or Artemis’ Aid

Lightning Rod – Artemis / Zeus – Your collectible Bloodstones strike nearby foes every 1.5 seconds.
Artemis: Deadly Strike, Deadly Flourish, True Shot, or Hunter Dash.
Zeus: Lightning Strike, Thunder Flourish, Thunder Dash, or Electric Shot

Lightning Phalanx – Athena / Zeus – Your Cast bounces between enemies.
Athena: Phalanx Shot
Zeus: Lightning Strike, Thunder Flourish, Thunder Dash, or Electric Shot

Low Tolerance – Aphrodite / Dionysus – Your Poison effects stack even more times against Weak foes.
Aphrodite: Heartbreak Strike, Heartbreak Flourish, Shatter Shot, or Passion Dash
Dionysus: Blight Strike, Blight Flourish, or Nasty Dash

Merciful End – Ares / Athena – Your attacks that can Deflect immediately activate Doom effects.
Ares: Curse of Agony or Curse of Pain
Athena: Divine Strike, Divine Flourish, or Divine Dash

Scintillating Feast – Dionysus / Zeus – Your Festive Fog effects also deal lightning damage periodically.
Dionysus: Tipsy Shot or High Tolerance
Zeus: Lightning Strike, Thunder Flourish, Electric Shot, Thunder Dash or Zeus’ Aid

Spent Spirit – Aphrodite / Athena – Enemy projectiles move slower.
Aphrodite: Heartbreak Strike, Heartbreak Flourish, Shatter Shot, or Passion Dash
Athena: Divine Strike, Divine Flourish, or Divine Dash

**Sweet Nectar – Aphrodite / Poseidon – All Poms of Power you find are more effective.
Aphrodite: Heartbreak Strike, Heartbreak Flourish, Shatter Shot, or Passion Dash
Poseidon: Tempest Strike, Tempest Flourish, Flood Shot, or Tidal Dash

Sea Storm – Poseidon / Zeus – Your knock-away effects also cause foes to be struck by lightning.
Poseidon: Tempest Strike, Tempest Flourish, Flood Shot, or Tidal Dash
Zeus: Lightning Strike, Thunder Flourish, Electric Shot, or Thunder Dash

Vengeful Mood – Ares / Zeus – Your Revenge effects sometimes occur without taking damage.
Ares: Curse of Agony, Curse of Pain, or Curse of Vengeance.
Zeus: Lightning Strike, Thunder Flourish, Electric Shot, Thunder Dash, or Heaven’s Vengeance.

*All Boons are increased to Epic rarity or higher.
**Poms increase levels by 2

Written by Zagreus

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