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Do You Have to Beat Hades Twice? Unraveling the Final Boss Fight in Hades

Yes, technically, you do have to beat Hades twice during the final boss fight in the acclaimed roguelike, Hades. This isn’t about completing the entire game twice, but rather defeating the final boss, Hades himself, two separate times in a single boss encounter. He regenerates his health after you deplete his initial health bar, requiring you to fight him again before you can truly consider the run “completed”. This double battle is a core design feature that sets up a thrilling and climactic finale to each escape attempt.

Understanding the Hades Boss Fight

The Regenerative Aspect

When you reach the final area of the Underworld and face your father, Hades, be prepared for a grueling showdown. Unlike most bosses, who are felled by depleting their health once, Hades will, after his health is fully depleted for the first time, become invulnerable and regenerate his health. This forces players to recognize the pattern of his attacks and adjust their strategies. This second phase of the fight is not simply a replay of the first; Hades introduces some new tactics and increased intensity. The knowledge that you need to face him twice is critical for planning your attack.

A Test of Skill and Strategy

The double fight with Hades is deliberately designed to test players’ mastery of the game. By this point in the game, you should be comfortable with your preferred weapon, understand the boons you have collected from the gods and effectively utilize your chosen strategy. The Hades boss fight is the culmination of your entire run and demands precision and adaptability. It’s not just about button-mashing; it’s about understanding Hades’ attack patterns, knowing when to dodge, and when to strike.

Death is a Teaching Tool

While facing Hades twice is mandatory during the final boss fight of each escape attempt, it is important to know that dying in Hades is not a failure. In fact, it is a core mechanic. Each death provides an opportunity for growth. You learn from your mistakes, unlock upgrades, and discover new dialogues that enrich the game’s narrative. So, while beating Hades in one go is possible, it’s often through many runs, and learning, that you’ll have the experience and power needed to achieve that.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding Hades, its boss fights, gameplay, and broader themes to offer further insights:

Is it possible to beat Hades without dying in a single run?
Yes, it is possible to beat Hades without dying in a single run, though extremely challenging. Players who have mastered the game’s mechanics, boon combinations, and understand attack patterns can achieve this feat. This typically requires a lot of practice and skill, often being undertaken by experienced players or content creators.
Do I need to beat Hades multiple times to get the “true” ending?
Yes, to unlock the game’s true ending, you will need to defeat Hades a total of ten times. This involves completing ten escape attempts. With each successful escape, new dialogues will be unlocked and the game’s story will progress. This makes it worthwhile to continue the game even after your first win.
Can I beat Hades on my first try?
While it is technically possible to beat Hades on your first try, it is extremely difficult for most players. Hades is a challenging roguelike game, and players usually take a few runs to learn the ropes. So, most of the time it takes time and knowledge to get to that first completion.
What happens after I beat Hades?
After beating Hades, you get the option to continue your escape attempts. Beating Hades multiple times leads to different character dialogues and story progression which can eventually lead to the game’s true ending. You can also explore the game’s other mechanics and content, such as building relationships with other characters and unlocking different weapons.
How many main endings are there in Hades?
There are two main “endings” in Hades. The first happens after beating the final boss 10 times, and the second ending happens after maxing out relationships with at least 6 Olympic gods.
What are the best weapons to use against Hades?
The best weapon depends on your playstyle. Many players prefer the Twin Fists of Malphon for aggressive builds or the Adamant Rail for ranged strategies. Experimentation is crucial to finding what suits you best. The Aspect of Demeter for the Twin Fists is considered very effective by many players.
How does Heat work in Hades, and what is max Heat?
Heat is a difficulty modifier that is added to your game after you have beaten the game once. You can add Heat to your runs by choosing different conditions that make the game harder. The max Heat in Hades is 64. It is thought to be almost impossible for most players to beat the game on this setting without specific combinations of boons.
Is it worth playing Hades after the first completion?
Absolutely. Hades is designed to be endlessly replayable. The randomized nature of each run, the diverse boons available, and the engaging story make every playthrough a unique experience. There are also a number of other goals, such as building relationships or attempting 64 Heat runs that keep players coming back to the game.
How long does it take to 100% complete Hades?
Reaching 100% completion in Hades can take up to 95 hours, but this depends on your experience and goals. There is a significant amount of content to explore if you want to reach full completion. It is much shorter to complete a basic playthrough, which can take around 22 hours.
Can I romance other characters in Hades?
Yes, you can romance certain characters in Hades. The available options for romance are Dusa, Megaera, and Thanatos. You can give Nectar gifts to most characters, but romance is limited to those three. They are the focus of the romantic elements of the game.
Is Dusa an asexual character in Hades?
Yes, Dusa is portrayed as an aroace character in Hades. It is up to the player whether they choose to pursue a romantic option with her.
What is “Boiling Blood” and how does it help against Hades?
“Boiling Blood” is a specific boon that increases the damage of an enemy if you have hit them with a cast. When maxed, it increases damage output by 10% per rank. This can provide a very strong damage increase against bosses like Hades. You can even stack it with other damage increasing boons such as “Shadow Presence”.
Is it normal to die a lot when starting Hades?
Yes, it is absolutely normal to die frequently, especially at the beginning of the game. Dying is a crucial part of Hades, allowing you to unlock new upgrades and dialogue, and become a better player.
Who is the first boss players face in Hades?
The first boss players will face in Hades is Megaera the Fury. She is the first major challenge the player will face.
Do I need to have played Hades I before playing Hades II?
No, you do not need to play Hades I before playing Hades II. While both games are connected, Hades II is designed to be accessible to new players. However, having played the original will allow players to notice some connections.

Conclusion

The encounter with Hades is a multi-phase challenge that requires strategy, skill, and understanding of the game’s mechanics. The need to defeat him twice during the boss fight is a defining characteristic of Hades final encounters. The game is designed to be challenging and encourages players to learn from their defeats as they attempt their escape. With its replayability, compelling narrative and satisfying gameplay, Hades offers a truly memorable experience even after defeating its final boss many times.

Do you have to beat Hades twice?