Decoding the Depths: Understanding the True Ending of Hades
The question of what constitutes the “true” ending of Hades is multifaceted and often leads to confusion amongst players. Simply put, the game doesn’t have a single, definitive ending, but rather a series of narrative milestones that culminate in a satisfying conclusion. The primary ending is triggered after escaping the Underworld and defeating Hades for the tenth time. This leads to the main end credits and a crucial scene that sets up the post-game content. However, Hades’ narrative doesn’t conclude with the credits. Instead, the story continues to unfold, revealing a final epilogue, which many players consider the actual true ending. This epilogue requires dedicated effort and relationship building within the game. Therefore, when discussing the ending of Hades, we must consider both the 10th escape event and the subsequent epilogue.
The Primary Ending: Escaping the Underworld Ten Times
The Initial Escape and Its Impact
Your first successful escape from the Underworld and confrontation with Hades marks a significant achievement. You reach the surface to be greeted by your mother, Persephone. However, this reunion is bittersweet, as Zagreus discovers he is tied to the Underworld and cannot remain on the surface. He falls ill, is dragged back, but vows to continue his quest to understand his heritage. This initial escape lays the foundation of the plot, establishing Zagreus’s motivation for future runs.
The Tenth Escape and its Significance
After nine more successful escapes, you will reach the game’s primary ending. This is signified by the main credits sequence and the scene with Charon. At this point, the game suggests that Zagreus and Hades reach an agreement. Instead of escaping from the Underworld to see Persephone, Zagreus comes to an agreement with Hades to officially test the defenses of the Underworld. This gives Zagreus a job in the Underworld. It also signifies the approval of his father, a major achievement in the game narrative. It’s important to understand this is not the end of the game, but a significant milestone.
The Epilogue: A True Conclusion
Beyond the Credits: Unlocking the Epilogue
The true ending of Hades extends past the credit roll and requires further dedication from the player. After beating the game ten times, the path towards the epilogue opens up. Players must continue to escape the Underworld, strengthen relationships with key characters, and complete specific prophecies. This includes speaking frequently to Hades, Persephone, Zeus, and Demeter, among others, and gifting them Nectar.
“The Queen’s Plan” and the Final Act
A key element to unlocking the epilogue is fulfilling the prophecy called “The Queen’s Plan“. This prophecy is initiated once you’ve spoken to Persephone enough. This prophecy guides the player towards the culmination of the story. Persephone’s plan involves the coming together of both the Chthonic and Olympian gods as one big family, a theme of resolution and reconciliation that permeates the conclusion of the game.
The Final Resolution
Reaching the epilogue sees the resolution of many plot threads. Zagreus, instead of constantly trying to escape, finds purpose and acceptance in his role within the Underworld. The fractured relationships between the gods are mended, and the story reaches a satisfying point of conclusion. While gameplay continues after this epilogue, the main narrative arc of Hades is complete, and thus considered the true ending by most players.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Ending of Hades
1. How many times do I need to beat Hades to see the credits?
You need to beat Hades and escape the Underworld ten times to trigger the main credits and initiate the post-game storyline.
2. Do I have to complete all ten escape runs consecutively?
No, you do not have to complete the ten runs consecutively. You can fail runs in between, and it will still count toward the ten required escapes.
3. Is there a specific order for the god’s boons I need to get?
There is no specific order for obtaining god’s boons. The randomness is part of the rogue-like gameplay.
4. What is the Pact of Punishment?
After defeating Hades the first time, you unlock the Pact of Punishment, which allows you to modify gameplay difficulty on subsequent runs. This does not impact the storyline and is mainly for personal challenge.
5. Can Zagreus go to Olympus?
Zagreus receives an invitation to join the gods on Mount Olympus, but he cannot leave the Underworld. His story focuses on finding his purpose within the Underworld instead.
6. Is Hades the true villain of the game?
While Hades is the final boss, the game’s narrative portrays him as a complex character shaped by his own pain and circumstances. He is not presented as a one-dimensional villain. Some might even argue that Zeus’s behavior is a catalyst for Hades’ actions.
7. What is the “Queen’s Plan” prophecy?
The “Queen’s Plan” prophecy is a post-game event that drives the final act of the story and leads to the epilogue. You will gain the prophecy through interactions with Persephone.
8. How long does it take to reach the epilogue?
It will take at minimum 10 successful escape runs, but the time needed to reach the epilogue depends on how quickly you build relationships with the characters and trigger specific conversations. The epilogue can take several hours to obtain.
9. What is considered the hardest boss fight?
The final fight against Hades is generally considered the hardest, especially when players are new to the game. He has multiple phases and complex attack patterns.
10. Does “God Mode” affect the ending?
Using “God Mode” does not affect your ability to reach the primary ending or the epilogue. It only changes the run difficulty. However, God Mode run records are stored separately.
11. Is there a post-game content after the epilogue?
Yes, gameplay continues after the epilogue. You can still complete runs, increase relationships, and unlock cosmetic changes.
12. Is Hades worth replaying after finishing the story?
Hades has a very high replay value due to its rogue-like nature, its meta-progression system, diverse weapon options, and the desire to see all of the narrative threads play out through repeated attempts to escape.
13. What is the best weapon in Hades?
The best weapon in Hades is subjective and depends on your play style. However, the Twin Fists of Malphon are often considered a popular and effective option, especially with the Aspect of Demeter.
14. Can you beat Hades on your first run?
Beating Hades on your first run is highly unlikely due to the game’s difficulty and progression systems. You are meant to die and grow stronger on each run.
15. What is the maximum weapon level?
Weapons can be upgraded to a maximum of level 5 by spending Titan Blood. Each weapon has four different Aspects to choose from and upgrade separately.
In summary, the ending of Hades is not a single event, but a journey culminating in both the primary ending after the 10th escape and a more encompassing post-game epilogue. This multi-layered approach enhances the narrative and offers players a deeper and more satisfying experience within the Underworld.