Hades Tips & Tricks
A beginner's guide to the systems and habits that matter most in Hades. Built for players on their first few escape attempts who want to understand what the game is actually rewarding.
14 Tips · 3 categories
6 tipsCombat
Experiment with All Six Weapons
Each weapon plays completely differently, and the Boons that pair well with each one shift dramatically between them. Unlock everything as soon as you can and spend time with each one. Your favorite will only reveal itself through trial and error.
Your Attacks Can Destroy Enemy Projectiles
Most incoming projectiles can be hit and destroyed before they reach you. Your attacks also interrupt and stun most enemies mid-swing. Both habits are easy to overlook early but become essential against harder enemy types.
Don't Underestimate Armored Enemies
Yellow-outlined enemies have armor that must be stripped before their attacks can be interrupted. A full room of shielded enemies requires a different approach than standard fights. Focus fire to break armor quickly rather than spreading damage across multiple targets.
Dash Through Attacks for Invincibility Frames
Your dash makes you fully invincible for its entire duration. Use it to slip through enemy attacks, reposition behind targets, cross gaps, or pass through walls and scenery. Treat it as your primary defensive tool, not just a movement button.
Don't Sleep on Your Cast Ability
The Cast feels underwhelming in isolation, but it scales dramatically with Boons. A few upgrades can turn it into volleys of spinning vortexes that clear rooms on their own. Invest in it early and let it compound.
Use the Environment Against Enemies
Most rooms have hazards you can exploit. Destructible pillars drop rubble from above, pressure plates trigger spikes and explosions, and backing enemies into corners deals bonus damage. Thinking about positioning often pays off more than raw damage output.
1 tipExploration
Check Doors for the Skull Challenge Icon
A skull symbol on a door means what's inside is harder than a standard room. It could be a boss, a miniboss, or a room packed with shielded enemies. Spot it before committing so you can plan your approach or save a healing option.
7 tipsProgression
Talk to NPCs Between Your Runs
The House of Hades is full of characters worth checking in with between escape attempts. Make a habit of talking to everyone after each run. They hand out items, unlock new interactions, and the story that unfolds through these conversations is one of the best parts of the game.
Daedalus' Hammer Directly Upgrades Your Weapon
When Daedalus' Hammer appears as a room reward, take it. It applies a permanent upgrade to your current weapon for that run, and some options completely change how the weapon behaves. It is consistently one of the strongest rewards available.
Poms of Power Strengthen Any Boon You Already Have
Poms of Power let you upgrade an existing Boon rather than adding a new one, increasing its effect. They are most valuable on Boons already doing heavy lifting in your build. Look for them in shops and reward rooms once your core options are locked in.
Spend Darkness at the Mirror for Permanent Talents
The mirror in Zagreus's room converts Darkness into persistent upgrades that carry across every run. Prioritize an extra dash charge and the one-time death-revival talent early. They have the largest immediate impact per point spent.
Give Nectar to NPCs to Earn Keepsakes
Handing Nectar to a character unlocks a Keepsake you can equip at the start of each run for a passive bonus. Prioritize Keepsakes that boost your HP ceiling or starting gold early. Level them up by completing rooms while they are equipped.
Use Gemstones at the House Contractor
Gemstones are spent with the House Contractor to make structural upgrades to the House of Hades and insert specific room types into the dungeon. These upgrades persist across all runs and can meaningfully expand your options mid-escape.
Don't Let Repeated Deaths Discourage You
Dying in Hades is expected, not a failure state. Each death advances the story and returns you with more resources. Progress is measured in permanent unlocks and mirror upgrades, not individual run outcomes.
Verified: 2026-05-11 · All content is original with full credit to original creators.