Hades 2 Recommended Builds & Strategies
Understanding Hades 2 Build Crafting
Hades 2 expands on the original's boon system with magic spells, weapon aspects, and arcana cards that create countless build possibilities. Success comes from understanding boon synergies, adapting to available options, and matching your playstyle to weapon strengths.
Build Fundamentals
Weapon Choice
Each weapon excels with different boon types - fast weapons benefit from on-hit effects, slow weapons from high-damage multipliers.
Magic Integration
New magic spells can trigger boon effects, creating synergies unavailable in the original game.
Blessing Priority
Focus on core synergies first, then adapt based on available boons during your run.
Flexibility
The best players adapt their strategy based on early boon offerings rather than forcing one build.
Beginner-Friendly Builds
Safe Artemis Crit Build
Core Boons
- Artemis Attack/Special: Consistent critical hits
- Deadly Strike: +15% critical chance
- Pressure Points: Critical hits deal more damage
- Any Hermes Speed: Survivability through mobility
Strategy
Stay at medium range, land consistent attacks, and rely on critical hits for damage. This build forgives positioning mistakes and doesn't require complex timing.
Defensive Athena Build
Core Boons
- Athena Dash: Deflect attacks while repositioning
- Bronze Skin: Damage reduction
- Sure Footing: Immunity to traps
- Any Demeter Slow: Control enemy movement
Strategy
Perfect for learning enemy patterns. Focus on defense and deflection while dealing steady damage. Great for players who want to take their time.
Advanced Blessing Synergies
Dio-Zeus Hangover Lightning
Core: Dionysus Attack + Zeus Special
Key Duo: Splitting Bolt (lightning on hangover enemy death)
Strategy: Apply hangover, then lightning finishes weakened enemies while spreading to nearby foes.
Demeter-Artemis Chill Crits
Core: Demeter Cast + Artemis Attack
Key Duo: Crystal Clarity (cast crystal has crit chance)
Strategy: Plant crystals strategically, use attacks to trigger critical hits on chilled enemies.
Ares-Athena Deflect Doom
Core: Ares Special + Athena Dash
Key Duo: Merciful End (deflect triggers doom immediately)
Strategy: Apply doom, then dash through enemies to trigger massive instant damage.
Situational & Fallback Options
No Good Attack Boons Available
Focus: Cast-heavy build with Hermes cast-speed boons
Backup Plan: Any Artemis for consistent damage, Poseidon for crowd control
Weapons: Argent Skull (cast synergy) or Sister Blades (fast cast recovery)
Struggling with Survivability
Focus: Athena Dash + any Demeter slow + Hermes movement
Backup Plan: Consider enabling God Mode for damage reduction
Strategy: Prioritize staying alive over optimal damage until you learn patterns
Low Damage Against Bosses
Focus: Aphrodite Weak + Artemis Pressure Points + any damage multiplier
Backup Plan: Ares Doom for consistent boss damage over time
Key: Don't rely solely on multi-hit effects that work better on groups
Build Adaptation Strategy
Early Game (Erebus)
- Take any attack or special boon that matches your weapon
- Don't commit to specific synergies yet
- Prioritize survivability if you're struggling
- Look for early Hermes boons for quality-of-life improvements
Mid Game (Oceanus)
- Start building around your existing boons
- Look for duo boon opportunities
- Consider Pom of Power for key boons
- Start refusing boons that don't fit your build direction
Late Game (Surface)
- Focus on legendary and duo boons
- Upgrade existing boons rather than taking new ones
- Prepare specifically for the final boss encounter
- Use Eurydice/Wells to optimize your build
Build Strategy FAQ
Should I force a specific build every run?
No. Successful players adapt to available boons rather than forcing one strategy. Have 2-3 build ideas in mind and pivot based on early offerings.
Which weapon is best for beginners?
Sister Blades offer the most forgiving experience with fast attacks, good range, and compatibility with most boon types. Moonstone Axe is also beginner-friendly for its high damage per hit.
How important are duo boons?
Duo boons are powerful but not mandatory. A solid foundation of compatible basic boons often outperforms a forced duo boon with poor synergy.
What if I can't find the boons I need?
Use Keepsakes to increase odds of specific god encounters, visit every shop, and consider the well-reviewed strategy of taking "backup" boons that work with multiple build paths.
Are there builds that work better with God Mode?
High-risk, high-reward builds like Poseidon slam or close-range Zeus builds become more viable with God Mode's damage reduction, allowing aggressive positioning.