How Many Runs Does It REALLY Take to “Finish” Hades?

So, you’ve plunged headfirst into the captivating underworld of Hades, Supergiant Games’ rogue-like masterpiece. You’re battling your way through Tartarus, Asphodel, Elysium, and the Temple of Styx, facing off against mythical foes, and slowly piecing together Zagreus’s compelling story. But a burning question lingers: how many attempts, how many runs, will it actually take to reach the end?

The straightforward answer is: at least 10 successful runs are needed to reach what many consider the “true” ending. However, “finishing” Hades is far more nuanced than simply seeing the credits roll. To truly experience all it has to offer, expect to dedicate significantly more time and effort. Let’s delve into the different layers of completion and what each requires.

What Constitutes “Finished” in Hades?

Defining “finished” is subjective, as it depends on your personal goals within the game. Here’s a breakdown of common milestones:

• Beating Hades Once: This is your initial victory, proving you can conquer the Underworld’s final boss.
• Reaching the “True” Ending: This involves escaping 10 times and exhausting Persephone’s dialogue.
• Unlocking the Epilogue: This requires completing specific tasks and building relationships with various characters.
• Completing Prophecies: The Fated List of Minor Prophecies provides numerous objectives to pursue.
• Maxing Out Relationships: Building strong bonds with all the characters in the game, including romantic options.
• Conquering High Heat Levels: Testing your skills by increasing the difficulty modifiers in the Pact of Punishment.
• 100% Completion: A completionist’s dream, involving unlocking every aspect, achievement, and piece of lore.

The 10-Run Minimum: The “True” Ending

As mentioned earlier, escaping the Underworld 10 times is the minimum requirement to progress to the “true” ending. These runs do not need to be consecutive, so don’t be discouraged by setbacks. Each escape allows Zagreus to visit Persephone, his mother, and engage in increasingly revealing conversations. To unlock the true ending, you must completely exhaust her dialogue options over those ten visits. That means beating Hades 9 more times after your initial win. This unravels the core narrative and provides closure to Zagreus’s primary motivation.

Beyond the True Ending: The Epilogue Awaits

Even after the “true” ending, Hades continues to offer compelling content. The epilogue, a more complete wrap-up of the story, requires a significant amount of post-game effort. This involves fulfilling specific prophecies, strengthening relationships with characters like Orpheus and Eurydice, and generally fostering harmony within the House of Hades. The exact number of runs needed to trigger the epilogue varies depending on your choices and interactions. Expect to spend dozens more hours in the Underworld before you witness this final chapter.

Factors Influencing Run Count

Several factors can influence the number of runs you need to reach your desired level of completion:

• Skill Level: More experienced players will naturally complete runs more consistently, reducing the overall number needed.
• Weapon Choice: Some weapons and aspects are easier to master than others, impacting your win rate. The Twin Fists of Malphon are considered by many to be the best weapon.
• Boon Synergies: Understanding how different boons from the Olympian Gods interact is crucial for creating powerful builds.
• Resource Management: Efficiently using Darkness, Gems, Keys, and Nectar is essential for upgrading your abilities and building relationships.
• Pact of Punishment: Increasing the heat level through the Pact of Punishment raises the difficulty, potentially requiring more runs to achieve victory.
• Luck: The random nature of boons and room layouts can sometimes significantly impact your success.

Don’t Focus Too Much on the Run Count!

While it’s helpful to understand the progression milestones, try not to get too caught up in the exact number of runs. Hades is designed to be enjoyed, and the journey is just as important as the destination. Embrace the challenges, experiment with different builds, and immerse yourself in the game’s rich lore and compelling characters. The feeling of mastering the game, understanding the boons and synergies, and finally conquering the Underworld is something truly special.

This deep engagement with gameplay mechanics and narratives aligns perfectly with the principles explored by organizations like the Games Learning Society, who investigate how games can foster learning and problem-solving skills. You can learn more about the GamesLearningSociety.org and their work on their website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions players have about completing Hades:

1. Can you beat Hades on your first run?

While theoretically possible, beating Hades on your first run is extremely unlikely. The game is designed to be challenging, and mastering its mechanics takes time and practice. Dying is a normal part of the experience.

2. How hard is Hades to finish?

Hades is considered a challenging game, especially for newcomers to the rogue-like genre. However, with practice, patience, and a good understanding of the game’s systems, it is certainly beatable.

3. Do you have to beat Hades 10 times consecutively?

No, you do not need to beat Hades 10 times consecutively to unlock the “true” ending. Your progress is tracked even if you fail runs in between successful escapes.

4. How long does it take to 100% complete Hades?

100% completion of Hades can take upwards of 95 hours, depending on your skill level and dedication. This involves unlocking all aspects, completing all prophecies, maxing out relationships, and conquering high heat levels.

5. Is dying normal in Hades?

Yes! Dying is an integral part of the Hades experience. It’s how you learn, adapt, and grow stronger.

6. What happens after you beat Hades 10 times?

After beating Hades 10 times and exhausting Persephone’s dialogue, you unlock the “true” ending. However, there is still more to do, including pursuing the epilogue and other post-game content.

7. Can you romance characters in Hades?

Yes, you can romance three characters in Hades: Dusa, Megaera, and Thanatos. Building relationships with these characters requires gifting them Nectar and Ambrosia.

8. Is Hades worth replaying?

Absolutely! Hades has tremendous replay value due to its randomized nature, continuous meta-progression, and compelling narrative.

9. What is the best weapon in Hades?

The “best” weapon is subjective and depends on your playstyle. However, the Twin Fists of Malphon are often considered a top-tier choice, particularly the Aspect of Demeter for aggressive players.

10. What is “Heat” in Hades?

“Heat” is a difficulty modifier that you can apply through the Pact of Punishment. Increasing the heat level makes the game more challenging but also unlocks valuable rewards.

11. How does the Pact of Punishment work?

The Pact of Punishment allows you to customize the difficulty of your runs by applying various modifiers, such as increased enemy health, damage, or speed.

12. What are Boons?

Boons are blessings from the Olympian Gods that grant Zagreus powerful abilities and enhance his attacks. They are a crucial part of building effective strategies.

13. How do I unlock all the weapon aspects?

You unlock weapon aspects by investing Titan Blood into the different weapons at the Mirror of Night.

14. What is Ambrosia used for?

Ambrosia is a resource used to strengthen your relationships with certain characters in the House of Hades.

15. Will there be a Hades 2?

Yes! Hades II is currently in early access and is planned for a full release.