
I’ve been absolutely hooked on Hades 2 since it launched in Early Access, and if you’re anything like me, you probably dove in headfirst only to realize this underworld is way more complex than it appears at first glance. As someone who’s spent countless hours mastering every weapon, unlocking every Incantation, and facing down Chronos more times than I can count, I’m here to tell you that this Hades 2 Beginner’s Guide will be your best friend on your journey through the depths of the underworld.
Whether you’re a veteran of the original Hades or completely new to the roguelike genre, Hades 2 throws enough new mechanics, weapons, and systems at you to make even experienced players feel like beginners again. That’s exactly why I put together this comprehensive guide – to help you skip the frustration and get straight to the satisfying progression that makes this game so incredibly addictive.
Right now, in May 2024, Hades 2 is in the perfect sweet spot of Early Access – packed with content while still receiving regular updates and balance changes. This means there’s never been a better time to jump in, especially with a guide that covers everything from basic combat mechanics to advanced meta-progression strategies. Trust me, by the time you finish reading this, you’ll be clearing through Erebus like it’s a Sunday stroll and taking down bosses that seemed impossible just hours ago.
Hades 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed roguelike dungeon crawler Hades, developed by Supergiant Games. This time around, you step into the shoes of Melinoe, the immortal Princess of the Underworld and sister to Zagreus from the first game. The story picks up after Chronos, the Titan of Time, has escaped his imprisonment and captured Hades himself. As Melinoe, it’s your mission to battle through the underworld, defeat Chronos’s forces, and restore order to the realm of the dead.
Unlike many sequels that simply add more content, Hades 2 introduces a completely new protagonist, refined combat mechanics, and a fresh take on the roguelike formula that made the original so beloved. The game is currently in Early Access, which means new content, balance changes, and features are being added regularly as development continues.
What makes Hades 2 special is how it balances accessibility with depth. Whether you’re a veteran of the original Hades or completely new to roguelikes, the game welcomes you with open arms while offering layers of strategy that will keep you engaged for hundreds of runs. The combination of fast-paced combat, meaningful progression systems, and Supergiant’s signature storytelling creates an experience that’s both immediately satisfying and endlessly replayable.
I’ll be honest – I was skeptical when I first heard about Hades 2. How could Supergiant possibly improve upon what many consider a perfect game? But after sinking over 100 hours into the Early Access version, I can confidently say this isn’t just a worthy sequel – it’s a evolution that takes everything great about the original and makes it even better.
What really hooked me was the combat system. Melinoe feels distinctly different from Zagreus, with her witch-like abilities and the introduction of Magick and Omega Moves adding a whole new layer to combat. I love how each run feels unique not just because of different boons, but because I can approach combat in completely different ways. One run I might focus on rapid attacks with the Witch’s Staff, while the next I’m casting explosive Omega Moves with the Twin Flames.
The progression system also feels more rewarding this time around. Instead of just unlocking weapons and talents, you’re constantly discovering new Incantations, unlocking regions of the Crossroads, and uncovering the rich lore of the underworld. Every failed run still feels meaningful because you’re always working toward some long-term goal, whether it’s unlocking a new weapon aspect or advancing the story.
But what keeps me coming back day after day is the world and characters. Supergiant has once again created a cast of gods, goddesses, and mythical figures that feel alive and genuinely interesting. The way the story unfolds through repeated runs, with new dialogue and character development appearing each time, creates a narrative experience that’s impossible to put down.
When you first start Hades 2, the game throws you right into the action without much explanation. This can be overwhelming, but that’s intentional. The best way to learn is by doing, so don’t worry about understanding everything at once. Here are the essential controls you’ll need:
Controller:
Keyboard:
Your first goal should be simple: survive as long as possible and gather resources. Don’t worry about winning – that’s not realistic at first. Instead, focus on:
Each weapon in Hades 2 has a distinct playstyle. Here’s what I recommend for beginners:
Combat in Hades 2 revolves around four main abilities that work together:
The key to mastering combat is learning when to use each ability. Don’t just spam your attack – mix in specials for variety, use cast to control groups of enemies, and always be ready to dash away from danger.
One of the biggest new mechanics in Hades 2 is the Magick system. The blue bar above your health represents your Magick, which powers your Omega Moves. Here’s what you need to know:
Omega Moves are charged versions of your Attack, Special, and Cast that consume Magick but deal significantly more damage. They can turn the tide of battle when used strategically.
Important Magick Tips:
The best strategy I’ve found is to use your basic abilities to build up Magick through boons and Arcana, then unleash Omega Moves when facing bosses or large groups of enemies.
Unlike traditional games where you get stronger permanently, Hades 2 uses a meta-progression system where you become more capable over multiple runs. Here’s what to focus on:
After each run, you return to the Crossroads, which serves as your hub area. There are three main sections:
Incantations are the primary way you’ll unlock new features. Focus on these early:
Arcana Cards are permanent upgrades that significantly increase your power. They cost Ashes, which is why you should prioritize collecting this resource early. Here are the best Arcana Cards to get first:
Remember that you can only equip a limited number of Arcana Cards at once, determined by your Grasp limit. Increase this by collecting Psyche and upgrading at the Silver Pool.
Boons are power-ups from various gods that modify your abilities. Understanding which gods work well together is key to creating powerful builds:
Selene is unique because she offers Hexes instead of regular boons. These special abilities can be upgraded through the Path of Stars system, making them incredibly powerful. I recommend always taking a Hex when Selene appears, as even the basic versions are useful and they become game-changers when upgraded.
Effective resource management separates successful players from those who struggle. Here’s how to handle each resource type:
The first major boss you’ll encounter is Hecate, the Witch of the Crossroads. Here’s how to beat her:
After watching many new players struggle with Hades 2, I’ve noticed these common mistakes:
Once you’ve mastered the basics, here are some tips to accelerate your progress:
Each weapon has multiple Aspects that dramatically change how they play. Experiment with different Aspect and boon combinations:
Certain Arcana Cards work better together:
Mastering the dash is crucial for high-level play:
A: Yes, it’s a direct sequel featuring a new protagonist (Melinoe) and continuing the story, but you don’t need to have played the first game to enjoy this one.
A: Early Access means the game is still in development. New content, features, and balance changes are being added regularly. The core game is complete and very polished, but more story content and possibly new regions will be added.
A: No, Hades 2 is a separate game with its own progression system. However, there are some nods to the first game’s events in the story.
A: The Witch’s Staff is generally considered the most beginner-friendly due to its balanced mix of close and ranged capabilities, but the best weapon ultimately depends on your personal playstyle.
A: New weapons are unlocked through specific Incantations at the Cauldron in the Crossroads. Keep playing and gathering resources to unlock the required Incantations.
A: It’s a list of challenges you can complete for rewards, unlocked through the Fated Intervention Incantation. These range from simple tasks like “defeat 50 enemies” to more complex challenges.
A: It depends on your weapon and playstyle, but generally, you want a balance of both. Early on, focus on whichever ability you use most frequently.
A: Nectar can be found as a rare drop during runs, purchased from the Wretched Broker, or earned through certain prophecies and challenges.
A: Save your Gold for Charon’s shop before boss fights, where you can purchase significant buffs. Avoid spending Gold early in runs unless absolutely necessary.
A: God Mode is an accessibility option that makes you stronger with each death, eventually making the game much easier if you’re struggling. You can enable it at any time from the main menu.
The world of Hades 2 is deep, complex, and incredibly rewarding once you get the hang of it. Remember that death isn’t failure – it’s progress. Every run teaches you something new, whether it’s an enemy pattern, a weapon combination, or just better resource management. Take your time, experiment with different approaches, and most importantly, have fun exploring the rich world Supergiant Games has created.
What aspects of Hades 2 are you most excited to explore? Have you discovered any particularly powerful weapon and boon combinations? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!