Hades: Your First Escape — A Beginner's Walkthrough
What to prioritize in your first runs, how progression works, and when you can expect to clear Tartarus for the first time.
Understanding the Progression Loop
Hades is a roguelite — you're expected to die, a lot. Each failed escape attempt earns Darkness, Gems, Keys, and story progress. The goal of early runs is less about escaping and more about gathering resources to unlock permanent upgrades in the Mirror of Night.
The Mirror of Night — First Purchases
Back in the House of Hades between runs, spend Darkness at the Mirror of Night. Prioritize these early:
- Death Defiance — Revive once per chamber with 50% health. This is critical for early escapes.
- Greater Reflex — Unlocks a second dash. Movement and dodging become dramatically better.
- Thick Skin — Flat health increase. Simple and valuable at low skill levels.
Boons: What to Take
Boons from the Olympians modify your Attack, Special, Cast, or Dash. Early on, take anything that enhances your primary damage source — don't overthink it. Zeus boons (lightning) and Ares boons (Doom damage over time) are forgiving and effective for beginners.
The Four Biomes
- Tartarus — First biome. 12 chambers. Boss: Megaera.
- Asphodel — Fire and lava. Boss: Lernaean Bone Hydra.
- Elysium — Armored enemies. Boss: Theseus and Asterius.
- Temple of Styx — Short final stretch to Hades himself.
Your First Clear
Most players first clear happens around run 20–30. Don't be discouraged — each run grants Nectar (for gifting NPCs), Keys (for new weapons), and Darkness (for upgrades). The game is designed so that your character gets stronger whether or not you clear the run.
Once you clear for the first time, the real game begins — the narrative only fully resolves after multiple successful escapes.