Unlocking the Underworld’s Secrets: How Many Runs to See the Full Story in Hades?

So, you’ve descended into the Underworld as Zagreus, the rebellious son of Hades, and you’re hooked. The fast-paced combat, the vibrant characters, and the intriguing story have you craving more. But how many attempts will it take before you truly experience the full narrative of Hades?

The short answer is: you’ll need at least 10 successful escape attempts to see the initial credits roll and begin to unravel the deeper mysteries of the story. However, reaching the true ending, including the epilogue, will take considerably longer, potentially upwards of 50-100 runs, depending on your playstyle and luck. It’s about more than just beating the final boss; it’s about forging relationships, fulfilling prophecies, and exploring every nook and cranny of the Underworld.

Beyond the Tenth Escape: The Path to the Epilogue

Beating Hades for the first time (actually, the tenth time!) is a major milestone, but it’s far from the end. Think of it as the end of the first act. After your tenth successful run and the reunion with Persephone, a new phase of the game opens up. Now, the focus shifts towards deepening your relationships with the various characters within the game – both Olympian gods and the denizens of the Underworld.

This is where the real depth of the narrative lies. The game introduces the “Fated List of Minor Prophecies,” which presents you with a series of tasks and objectives that often involve specific characters. Completing these prophecies not only unlocks new dialogue and story elements but also allows you to progress your relationships with key figures.

To reach the epilogue, you’ll need to max out your relationships (friendship levels) with at least six Olympic gods. This requires gifting them Nectar and Ambrosia, and triggering specific conversations. It’s a process that demands patience, persistence, and a willingness to engage with the game on a much deeper level. The epilogue itself is a satisfying conclusion that ties up many of the loose ends and provides closure to Zagreus’s story.

Factors Influencing Your Run Count

The number of runs it takes to reach the true ending varies significantly from player to player. Here are some of the factors that can influence your journey:

• Skill Level: Experienced roguelike players will likely adapt to Hades’ mechanics more quickly, leading to faster and more successful runs.

• Weapon Choice: Experimenting with different weapons and aspects is crucial. Finding a weapon that complements your playstyle can dramatically improve your success rate. The Twin Fists of Malphon is a fan favorite.

• God Boons: The boons you receive from the Olympian gods can make or break a run. Understanding the synergy between different boons and building a cohesive build is essential.

• Resource Management: Effectively using resources like Darkness, Gems, and Nectar to upgrade Zagreus and build relationships will significantly impact your progress.

• Luck: Let’s face it, sometimes you just get unlucky with boon choices or enemy encounters. Perseverance is key.

Hades: A Game Beyond Completion

Ultimately, Hades is more than just a game to be completed; it’s an experience to be savored. The narrative unfolds gradually, rewarding players who take the time to explore its intricacies. Even after reaching the epilogue, there’s still plenty to discover, from experimenting with different builds to pushing yourself with higher Heat levels.

The beauty of Hades lies in its replayability and the way it seamlessly weaves gameplay and narrative together. Each run, whether successful or not, contributes to your understanding of the characters, the world, and the story. So, embrace the challenge, enjoy the journey, and let the Underworld reveal its secrets at its own pace. And consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society to learn even more about the design and narrative strategies employed in games like Hades. GamesLearningSociety.org

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many times do I need to defeat Hades to finish the main story?

You need to defeat Hades ten times to see the initial credits and unlock the path to the epilogue.

What happens after I beat Hades the first time (tenth run)?

After your tenth successful escape, Persephone returns to the House of Hades, new dialogue options become available, and the Fated List of Minor Prophecies expands.

What is the “true ending” of Hades?

The “true ending” refers to the epilogue, which is unlocked after maximizing your relationships with at least six Olympian gods.

How do I increase my relationship with the gods?

You increase your relationship with the gods by gifting them Nectar and, later, Ambrosia, and by triggering specific dialogue interactions.

What is the Fated List of Minor Prophecies?

The Fated List is a collection of tasks and objectives that, upon completion, reward you with valuable resources and unlock new story elements.

Is there a limit to how many times I can play Hades?

No, there is no limit. You can continue playing Hades indefinitely, experimenting with different builds, increasing the Heat level, and unlocking new secrets.

Can I skip dialogue in Hades?

Yes, you can skip dialogue, but it’s generally not recommended, as you’ll miss important story details and character development.

Does the difficulty increase after beating Hades?

Yes, you can increase the difficulty by using the Pact of Punishment, which adds various challenges and modifiers to your runs.

What is “Heat” in Hades?

Heat is a system that allows you to increase the difficulty of your runs by applying various conditions through the Pact of Punishment. Each condition adds a certain amount of Heat, and the higher the Heat, the greater the challenge.

What are keepsakes and how do they help?

Keepsakes are items you receive from characters that provide specific bonuses at the start of each run. They can significantly improve your chances of success.

What is the best weapon in Hades?

The “best” weapon is subjective and depends on your playstyle. However, the Twin Fists of Malphon and the Eternal Spear are popular choices due to their versatility and power.

Is Hades a difficult game?

Hades can be challenging, especially for newcomers to the roguelike genre. However, its forgiving progression system and rewarding gameplay loop make it accessible to a wide range of players.

Will there be a Hades 2?

Yes! Hades II is currently in development and is expected to launch in early access in Q2 2024.

Can I beat Hades without dying?

While challenging, it is possible to beat Hades without dying, but it requires a high level of skill, strategy, and a bit of luck.

Is God Mode cheating in Hades?

God Mode provides damage reduction to Zagreus with each failed run, making the game easier. It’s not considered cheating, and it doesn’t lock you out of achievements or content. It’s a tool for players who want a less punishing experience.