The highly anticipated roguelike dungeon crawler, Hades 2, is finally here, and PlayStation 5 players are eager to dive into the Underworld once again. This time, you play as Melinoë, the Princess of the Underworld, and your quest is to defeat Chronos, the Titan of Time. But to master this game, you’ll need more than just raw skill. Our Hades 2 PS5 Combat Guide: Best Boon Combinations and Speedrun Strategies will equip you with the knowledge to conquer the challenges ahead.
Understanding the Basics of Combat in Hades 2
Before we delve into the specifics of boon combinations and speedrunning, let’s cover the fundamental aspects of combat in Hades 2 on the PS5. Mastering these basics is crucial for success.
Movement and Dodging
Like its predecessor, movement and dodging are paramount in Hades 2. Use the left analog stick to move Melinoë, and the dodge button (typically assigned to a shoulder button) to evade enemy attacks. Learning enemy attack patterns is essential; time your dodges carefully to avoid damage. Experiment with the different aspects (weapon variants) to tailor your playstyle.
Attacks and Special Moves
Each weapon in Hades 2 has a primary attack, a special move, and a cast ability. Experiment with different weapons to find the one that suits your playstyle. Understanding the range, speed, and damage output of each attack is crucial. The cast ability allows you to unleash a powerful ranged attack, but it requires mana, which regenerates over time.
The Importance of Boons
Boons are blessings from the Olympian Gods and other deities that modify your attacks, special moves, and abilities. These boons are essential for building powerful combinations and tailoring your character to specific playstyles. The key to success in Hades 2 lies in understanding which boons synergize well with each other and with your chosen weapon.
Best Boon Combinations for PS5 Players
Choosing the right boons can make or break your run in Hades 2. Here are some of the most effective boon combinations for PS5 players, focusing on ease of execution with the DualSense controller and overall effectiveness.
Aphrodite and Zeus: Weak and Jolted
This combination focuses on applying the “Weak” status effect from Aphrodite, which reduces enemy damage, and the “Jolted” effect from Zeus, which deals chain lightning damage. Applying weak with attack then hitting with a cast that provides jolted can give you amazing damage while surviving.
- Aphrodite’s Attack/Special Boon: Inflicts Weak on enemies.
- Zeus’s Attack/Special Boon: Adds Jolted to your attacks.
The synergy lies in the fact that weakened enemies are easier to hit and survive. The Zeus boon gives you extra range on your main attacks which is awesome. This is a great combination for beginners, as it provides both damage and survivability.
Artemis and Poseidon: Critical Damage and Knockback
If you prefer a more aggressive playstyle, this combination focuses on maximizing critical hit damage with Artemis and utilizing Poseidon’s knockback abilities to control the battlefield.
- Artemis’s Attack/Special Boon: Increases critical hit chance.
- Poseidon’s Attack/Special Boon: Adds knockback to your attacks.
The knockback from Poseidon helps you keep enemies at a distance, while Artemis’s critical hits deal massive damage. This is a high-risk, high-reward build that requires precise timing and positioning.
Hera and Hestia: Cast and Immolation
The cast, now being the main element of damage for Melinoë provides immense damage. Hera and Hestia, both have cast boons that will help you deal insane amounts of damage.
- Hera’s Cast Boon: Charges your cast
- Hestia’s Cast Boon: Deals burn damage over time
This is an awesome boon combination which makes the cast be the main focus. This build is great if you just like staying back.
Hades 2 Speedrun Strategies for PS5
For those looking to complete Hades 2 as quickly as possible on the PS5, speedrunning requires a different approach. Here are some strategies to help you achieve faster clear times. Speedrunning the game takes time, so knowing the fastest way is important. A speedrun is possible, so learn enemy patterns.
Optimize Your Route
Planning your route through the Underworld is crucial for speedrunning. Prioritize chambers that offer boons, Charon’s Obol (money), or upgrades. Avoid unnecessary encounters and focus on progressing to the final boss as quickly as possible. Knowing what to expect in each realm will save time.
Choose the Right Weapon and Aspects
Some weapons and aspects are better suited for speedrunning than others. Experiment with different options to find the one that allows you to clear encounters quickly and efficiently. The faster you clear encounters, the faster your run will be.
Prioritize Damage-Focused Boons
When speedrunning, prioritize boons that significantly increase your damage output. Avoid boons that focus solely on survivability, as the goal is to kill enemies as quickly as possible. Artemis, Zeus, and Ares are gods that are great for damage dealing.
Master Movement and Dodging
Efficient movement and dodging are essential for saving time. Learn to navigate each chamber quickly and avoid taking unnecessary damage. This requires practice and a deep understanding of enemy attack patterns.
Utilize God Mode (Optional)
If you’re struggling to complete runs quickly, consider utilizing God Mode, which increases your damage resistance by 2% each time you fail a run, up to a maximum of 80%. While this may be considered “cheating” by some, it can help you learn the game and optimize your strategies.
Advanced Combat Tips for Hades 2 on PS5
Once you’ve mastered the basics and experimented with different boon combinations, it’s time to delve into some advanced combat tips for Hades 2 on the PS5.
Exploiting Enemy Weaknesses
Each enemy in Hades 2 has unique weaknesses. Learning these weaknesses can help you defeat them more quickly and efficiently. Some enemies may be vulnerable to certain damage types, while others may be susceptible to specific status effects. Learn which damage types are most effective against different types of enemies.
Using the Environment to Your Advantage
Many chambers in Hades 2 contain environmental hazards, such as traps, lava pits, and exploding barrels. Utilize these hazards to your advantage by luring enemies into them or using them to deal extra damage.
Optimizing Your Cast
Your cast ability is a powerful tool that can be used to deal significant damage or control the battlefield. Experiment with different cast boons to find the ones that suit your playstyle. Some cast boons can deal massive damage, while others can inflict status effects or provide crowd control.
Practice and Experimentation
The key to mastering Hades 2 combat is practice and experimentation. Don’t be afraid to try new weapons, aspects, and boon combinations. The more you play, the better you’ll become at adapting to different situations and making the most of your abilities.
Conclusion
Hades 2 on the PS5 offers a deep and rewarding combat system that encourages experimentation and strategic thinking. By understanding the basics of combat, mastering boon combinations, and implementing speedrunning strategies, you can conquer the challenges of the Underworld and emerge victorious. The game has come a long way, and there is more content to explore.
Ready to put your newfound knowledge to the test? Dive into Hades 2 on your PS5 and start experimenting with these strategies today! Share your favorite boon combinations and speedrunning tips in the comments below!