Unlocking the Secrets: How to Get the True Ending and Epilogue in Hades

The path to the true ending and final epilogue in Hades is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires dedication, persistence, and a deep dive into the game’s intricate systems. Unlike many games, Hades’ story unfolds gradually, interwoven with the roguelike mechanics, making the journey just as important as the destination. To get the “true ending” and then the epilogue, you must first escape the Underworld a total of 10 times. This unlocks the main credits and concludes the initial arc of Zagreus’ escape attempts. However, this is merely the beginning. The “true” ending comes after further effort, and the epilogue is the final culmination of your efforts. Here’s a breakdown of the steps to unlock both.

The First Step: Escaping 10 Times

The Initial Ending

The most immediate goal in Hades is to escape the Underworld. Each escape attempt is a run where you fight your way through the various regions, from Tartarus to the Temple of Styx, culminating in a battle against your father, Hades. Successfully defeating Hades and escaping triggers a scene where Zagreus reaches the surface, and it is here that he is introduced to his mother. This process needs to be repeated a total of 10 times to unlock the main credits and consider the game “completed”. These runs don’t need to be consecutive; you can fail as much as you need to to get stronger.

Dialogue is Key

Between your escape attempts, focus on building relationships and exhausting dialogue options with key characters, especially:

• Persephone: Speak to her after each successful escape. She is pivotal to the true ending.
• Hades: He’ll have a lot to say as you attempt to overthrow him.
• Olympian Gods (Zeus, Demeter, etc): Pay attention to their dialogue as you complete runs.

The Path to the True Ending

Beyond the Surface

Escaping ten times is only the start. After the credits roll, the game continues, pushing you towards a deeper conclusion. Keep doing runs, talking to all of the characters. You’ll need to focus on your relationship with Persephone.

Exhausting Persephone’s Dialogue

To progress toward the true ending, you will need to talk to Persephone a total of ten times, including your first meeting. Each time you meet with her, she’ll reveal more of her story and her relationship with Hades and the gods. This requires beating Hades nine more times after your initial 10th escape. This doesn’t require consecutive wins. The important thing is that you continue to engage in these escape attempts and return to the House of Hades after you finish to speak with her. This will eventually reveal her “plan”.

Prophecy Unlocked

Continue playing and interacting with Persephone until you unlock the “The Queen’s Plan” prophecy. This prophecy signals that you are on the right track to unlock the game’s true ending. This prophecy is a quest marker that begins the next phase of the story.

The Epilogue: A Family Reunion

Building Relationships

Once you’ve unlocked the “The Queen’s Plan” prophecy, the next major step is to raise your affinity with most of the Olympian gods, including Hermes. This involves gifting them Nectar, a resource earned through escape attempts, and advancing their dialogue. You’ll know you are making progress when they offer you keepsakes or gifts.

The Grand Dinner Party

After you have raised enough affinity with the Olympians, continue to do more runs and speak with Persephone until she reveals her full plan, that is, the grand dinner party. This involves having all the gods attend a party at the House of Hades. This requires you to reach maximum hearts with multiple gods. It’s a long journey, but the final epilogue cinematic makes it all worthwhile.

The Final Cutscene

Completing the dinner party sequence by ensuring each god attends, triggers a final epilogue cinematic, which is the true conclusion of the game. This will conclude Zagreus’s story.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times do I have to beat Hades to get the true ending?

You need to defeat Hades a total of 19 times to exhaust all of Persephone’s dialogue, including the first 10 wins required to see the main end credits. The other 9 are what unlocks the true ending cutscene.

Can I fail runs in between getting the epilogue?

Yes, the escape attempts do not need to be consecutive. You are allowed to fail, in fact it is expected that you will fail a lot. Each attempt will help you upgrade your skills and prepare for your next run.

Do I need to romance anyone to get the true ending?

No, the true ending is not dependent on your romances. You do not need to romance Dusa, Megaera, or Thanatos to get the true ending or epilogue. Focus on talking to and gifting Nectar to the Olympian gods instead.

What is the “Queen’s Plan” prophecy?

“The Queen’s Plan” is a prophecy that unlocks when you are well on your way to the true ending. It signals that you have progressed far enough in your relationships with key characters, especially Persephone. It will act as a guide for the next phase of the story.

How do I raise my affinity with the Olympian gods?

You raise your affinity with the Olympian gods by giving them Nectar and interacting with them during each run. Keep gifting them nectar and the heart icon will become darker, indicating your bond is growing with the gods.

Is there a limit to the number of runs I can do in Hades?

No, Hades is designed to be infinitely replayable. The escape attempts are randomized, ensuring that each playthrough is different, so there’s always something to do and improve.

Can I see the epilogue without having unlocked all the weapon aspects?

Yes, unlocking all weapon aspects is not required for the epilogue, though it’s good to unlock them for added benefits. You can unlock all hidden weapon aspects with a little practice and dedication, and can be done while working towards the epilogue.

Do I have to beat Hades twice in the same fight?

Yes, during the final encounter in an escape attempt, Hades regenerates his health after being defeated the first time. So, you have to beat him twice each time for one win to be registered.

How long does it take to get to the true ending and the epilogue?

The time it takes will vary from player to player. It is a lengthy process that might take many hours because of the required number of runs. The journey is part of the joy, though, so it’s best to just enjoy the process.

Is it possible to complete Hades without dying?

No, you are supposed to die and it is expected that you will die multiple times before completing the game. Each death only makes you stronger.

What happens after the epilogue?

After the epilogue, you can continue playing the game, attempt higher heat runs, and deepen relationships with characters. There will also be a new feature that has been unlocked, but we won’t spoil that here.

What should I do if I’m stuck on the epilogue progress?

Ensure you’ve exhausted all dialogue options with Persephone, Hades, and all the Olympian Gods. Keep gifting them Nectar and continuing escape attempts to unlock necessary dialogue and events.

Is Hades a difficult game?

Yes, Hades is designed to be challenging, like most roguelike games. Expect to die many times, but each attempt provides you with resources and unlocks that will make you stronger.

Do I need to complete all the prophecies to see the true ending?

No, you only need to complete the “The Queen’s Plan” prophecy to get the epilogue. Completing other prophecies are not a pre-requisite to seeing the true ending.

Does Hades have multiple endings?

Hades has what can be considered a “main ending” after defeating Hades 10 times and a “true ending” and then the “final epilogue”. All of them require significant time and effort. These are the only endings in the game.

By following these steps and embracing the grind, you can unlock the full story of Hades, and see how Zagreus’ quest eventually concludes. The journey is long but ultimately rewarding, filled with character development, engaging dialogue, and epic boss battles. Good luck and happy escaping!