It isn’t necessary to play Hades beforeHades 2.
In fact, there are many new systems the sequel introduces with a new protagonist, Melinoe.
Arcana Cards
You’ll need a steady supply ofAshesto unlock new Arcana Cards in Hades 2.
These cards are essentially extra buffs.
We recommend aiming towards theEternity Cardfirst, as it will give you oneDeath Defyeach run.
This will essentially save you from death and put you back to 40% Health and Magick.
It’s a crucial ability to pick up fast and is the 12th Arcana Card.
This means you will need to unlock a card from the first and second row first.
Then you’ll have the ability to gain lump sums of Psyche and upgrade your Grasp fairly early on.
We recommend concentrating onBonesto both unlock and buy rarer resources from the Wretched Broker.
you could then upgrade his store to stock even rarer components, like Nectar.
This is important for both improving relationships and unlocking Keepsakes (more on this below).
Ashes and Psyche are also important to collect early to unlock and equip more Arcana Cards.
Always confide in Frinos
This little froggie fella is adorable and deserves chin scratches.
you’re free to form relationships in Hades 2 with the Pantheon and wayward spirits.
Incantations
Incantations are spells it’s possible for you to concoct at Hecate’s cauldron.
This will unlock after your first run and new Incantations will show up on your menu as you progress.
To brew these spells requires different ingredients.
We also recommend theWoodsy Lifespring Incantationas this will summon a safe area occasionally during a run.
This can literally be a life-saver during a run and offers a nice little reprieve.
Plus, there’s a cute cat you could pet in the area.
These safe areas are disguised behind aSigilso there’s no way of knowing when they’ll pop up.
You’ll additionally gain whatever the Sigil on the door was for free.
you’re able to onlypick oneof three.
These can then combine with other God’s Boons and scale with rarity.
Aim to try a mix of them all and figure out the combinations that work best for you.
As a rule of thumb, you’re free to also prioritise the rarer Boons.
There will usually be a choice between improving Attacks or Casts, choose whichever you’re using more of.
Gifting and Keepsakes
Certain characters can be givenNectarto increase their relationship with Melinoe.
Luckily, Nectar isn’t as rare in Hades 2.
Otherise, you’re able to collect Nectar from completing Nectar Sigils on a run.
Usually, characters will give you aKeepsakein return for an initial gift of Nectar.
Keepsakes are an additional way of adding buffs to your run and can be swapped out each time.
To do so, interact with thecrate opposite the weapon pool.
Keepsakes willlevel upand increase their bonuses the more you use them on runs.
We recommend giving Nectar toDorafirst, to get theGhost Onion Keepsake.
Schelemeus should also be a priority as he will gift you theLuckier Toothwhich is essentially an extra death defy.
That rounds off our top tips for Hades 2 beginners.
For more Hades 2 content, see our guides to thebest Boons,best weaponsand more.
