The fast-paced roguelike Hades has been steadily improving ever since it entered early release in late 2018 and even more features are anticipated by the time it is officially released this summer. The game has added features that put it far ahead of the competition, including enhanced graphics, expanded areas, and added abilities that protagonist Zagreus can use to exact his revenge on the ultimate enemy.
One of the key parts of the game is crafting a character from the boons that are offered by the pantheon of Greek gods who assists Zagreus on his descent into the underworld. Like any good roguelike, every option is presented randomly, which means that building a strong character with a specific ability in mind is always a challenge. It also makes some of the game’s best boons extremely hard to access. This guide will introduce players to the mechanics of finding and using duo boons.
How To Find Rare Boons In Hades
One of the basic mechanics players should be familiar with to find boons is how they are generated. Each run begins with a boon presentation from one god, with the opportunity to branch out as the player advances further along the dungeon. Importantly, it becomes easier to find rare boons if the player sticks with fewer gods, as the chance of rare boons increases each time a player selects the same god.
However, duo boons are rare boons with a special requirement. They need specific choices from two different gods to appear. This is because duo boons always modify the effects of previous boons, and the player must have both to be eligible to be presented with a duo boon.
Finding Duo Boons in Hades
The player must have at least one first-tier boon from two different gods. While the tiers are not identified in game, players can spot first-tier boons because they modify either the attack, cast, dodge or special ability that the god provides. Once you have first-tier boons from both gods, keep picking those same gods until a duo boon is offered.
Like most roguelikes, there are a few things the player can do to tip the scale in their favor. To increase the chance of rare boons being presented, there are a couple of other tricks the player can use. The first is to equip the keepsake of one of the two gods whose duo boon players hope to access. Having this equipped makes a certain god more likely to appear during the run.
The second is to take penalties from the chaos gate that increases the chance of rare boons appearing. The player will have to measure the costs of these penalties however, as some can end the run. However, the benefit that a powerful duo boon can be worth the risk.
How to Use Duo Boons in Hades
Once the player has acquired a duo boon, Zagreus can use them just as he would any other attack, cast or ability. Each duo boon has its own specific effects and is useful in different situations. However, some are some of the most powerful can shift the course of the entire run.
For example, Hunting Blades is Ares/Artemis duo boon that creates an area of effect cast that seeks the nearest foe, allowing players to fire and while evading. To acquire Hunting Blades, a player must already have the Slicing Shot boon from Ares and either Deadly Flourish, Deadly Strike, Artemis’s Aid or Hunter Dash from Artemis.
Another powerful duo boon is Sea Storm, which is provided from a Zeus/Poseidon combination. This boon cause every knock back effect that hits enemies to also cause a lightning strike, doing massive damage to individuals and groups. To get Sea Storm, players must first get Tempest Strike, Flood Shot, Tempest Flourish, Poseidon’s Aid or Tidal Dash from Poseidon, then visit Zeus for either Thunder Flourish, Lightning Strike, Electric Shot, Zeus’ Aid or Thunder Dash.
Hades is available on PC.