6 Ultimate Hades 2 Beginner’s Guide to Play!

Hades 2 has finally stepped out of early access, and it’s already winning over fans with its refined combat, new mechanics, and expanded world. Whether you’re diving in as a newcomer or you’ve already conquered the Underworld in the first game, there are a few essential tips to make your runs smoother and more rewarding. This beginner’s guide breaks down the basics, weapons, upgrades, and strategies you’ll need to survive longer and grow stronger in Hades 2.

• Hades II Animals Tier List
• Hades II Weapon Aspect

1. Core Gameplay Basics

Melinoë, your protagonist, has a wide set of tools at her disposal. Every weapon comes with:

• Light & Heavy Attacks – Standard combos and charge moves.
• Omega Attacks – Powered-up versions of standard moves that consume magic.
• Special Attacks – Unique per weapon, often with ranged or defensive properties.

Movement & Defense

• Dash & Sprint: Dashing gives you invincibility frames, and holding it transitions into a sprint.
• Cast Ability: Now creates an AOE zone that slows, weakens, or damages foes.
• Magic (Mana): Does not naturally regenerate; you’ll need boons, keepsakes, or abilities to recover it.

Staggering enemies is key—most regular foes will flinch when hit, giving you space to stay aggressive. Shielded enemies, however, must still be dodged.

2. Weapons Guide for Beginners

Hades 2 gives you access to multiple weapons early, allowing you to find your favorite playstyle:

• Witch’s Staff: Balanced melee + ranged option, excellent starter weapon.
• Sister Blades: Fast, aggressive combo weapon with throwing dagger specials. Best with Aphrodite or Hestia boons.
• Twin Flames: Projectile-heavy weapon for magic builds. Pair with magic regen keepsakes.
• Moonstone Axe: Heavy melee with wide swings and a protective shield special. Great for players who like raw power.
• Argent Skull: Explosive charges with a quick recharge mechanic. Best for players who enjoy burst damage.
• Black Coat: Hybrid melee/ranged weapon with blocking mechanics. Higher skill ceiling but very rewarding.

Once you unlock aspects through incantations, each weapon gains even more depth, letting you specialize your builds further.

3. Hexes and Boons

Hexes are powerful moon-given abilities that consume mana but can turn the tide of battle. Some grant heals, while others deliver devastating magic attacks. Prioritize boosting health and mana early to maximize their impact.

Boons return from the first game, with Olympian gods offering buffs to your attacks, specials, and casts. Look for synergy—Poseidon sprint upgrades or Demeter freezes can drastically change your survivability. Legendary and duo boons are especially powerful when they appear.

4. Keepsakes and Companions

6 Ultimate Hades 2 Beginner’s Guide to Play!

Give nectar to characters to unlock keepsakes, each providing a unique buff:

• Skelly: Extra life (Lucky Tooth).
• Charon: Extra gold to spend.
• Chaos: Early chaos boons.
• Odysseus: Special knuckle bones keepsake.

Tip: You can unequip Chaos’s keepsake after gaining a boon and keep its benefits for the rest of the run.

Companions also play a bigger role in Hades 2, from Artemis sniping enemies to Nemesis challenging you mid-battle. Don’t skip out on giving them nectar early, as their keepsakes can give you strong defensive or offensive advantages.

5. Upgrades and Resources

After each death, you’ll return to the Crossroads hub. Here you can:

• Upgrade via the Cauldron – Permanent buffs and incantations.
• Farm, Mine, and Fish – Cozy new mechanics that grant valuable resources.
• Arcana Cards – Unlock and equip permanent stat buffs using Psyche and Ashes.

Focus on extra health, death defiance, and increasing your Grasp early to carry more Arcana Cards.

6. Beginner Tips for Surviving Longer

1. Prioritize Max Health – The +25 health and heal rewards are game-changers early.
2. Learn Enemy Patterns – Dodging at the right time is more valuable than extra damage.
3. Save Coins for Shops – Charon often sells key upgrades and healing.
4. Experiment with Builds – Don’t stick to one weapon forever; some boons shine only with certain playstyles.
5. Chaos Boons Are Worth It – Even with debuffs, their late payoff can carry runs.

Hades 2 stays true to its roguelike roots while layering in new systems that encourage experimentation. As you explore the Underworld and Olympus, the game rewards both aggression and careful planning. Don’t be afraid to die often—the loop is designed to teach you with each failure while giving you resources to grow stronger.

Whether you prefer brawling with the Moonstone Axe or weaving spells with the Twin Flames, there’s a weapon and build to suit every playstyle. Keep experimenting, keep upgrading, and most importantly, enjoy the ride. Death to Kronos!