Hades 2 is a roguelike dungeon crawler video game where you fight your way through randomly generated rooms filled with waves of enemies, bosses, and traps. Your character’s power is determined in part by the keepsakes you choose to equip. Each keepsake is a unique item that grants you a passive bonus or ability. Two of the best keepsakes in Hades 2 are the Pierced Butterfly and the Lambent Plume. These items provide significant advantages in combat and can help you clear rooms more easily.
The Pierced Butterfly is a keepsake that grants you a chance to inflict Bleed on enemies when you attack. Bleed is a status effect that deals damage over time, and it can be very effective against tough enemies and bosses. The chance to inflict Bleed increases as you level up the keepsake, and it can eventually reach 100%. This makes the Pierced Butterfly an excellent choice for any build that focuses on dealing damage over time.
The Lambent Plume is a keepsake that grants you a chance to create a Burning Pillar when you attack. Burning Pillars are stationary objects that deal damage to enemies who stand near them. They are very effective at controlling crowds of enemies, and they can also be used to block enemy projectiles. The chance to create a Burning Pillar increases as you level up the keepsake, and it can eventually reach 100%. This makes the Lambent Plume an excellent choice for any build that focuses on crowd control or defense. In addition, once you fully upgrade the keepsake, it will make any boon that boosts your cast damage also boost your attack damage.
Pact of Punishment: The Ultimate Challenge
Hades II offers a formidable challenge for seasoned players seeking to push their limits. The Pact of Punishment grants access to a myriad of modifiers that can drastically alter the gameplay. Each pact level imposes a unique set of restrictions and penalties, ranging from reduced healing options to limitations on the use of certain weapons. As players progress through the pact levels, the game becomes progressively more unforgiving, demanding a mastery of game mechanics and a relentless determination.
The Pact of Punishment comprises four distinct categories, each introducing its own set of challenges:
- Infernal: Increases the health, damage, and aggression of enemies.
- Extreme Measures: Limits the player’s access to healing, revives, and other resources.
- Binding Contract: Restricts the player’s weapon choices and skill upgrades.
- Forced Overtime: Reduces the time limits for each encounter and imposes a stacking penalty for lingering.
Each category offers multiple pact levels, providing a customizable difficulty curve. Players can tailor the Pact of Punishment to their preferred level of challenge and unlock unique rewards upon completing certain levels. Embracing the Pact of Punishment offers a true test of skill and endurance, granting seasoned players the ultimate challenge in their quest to conquer the Underworld.
Eurydice’s Keepsake: A Healing Sanctuary
Eurydice’s Keepsake is a cherished possession in Hades 2 that offers restorative abilities, making it an invaluable asset during the perilous journey through the underworld. When activated, the keepsake creates a sanctuary of healing, rejuvenating Zagreus’s health and granting him a momentary respite from the relentless onslaught of enemies.
Additional Benefits
In addition to its primary healing function, Eurydice’s Keepsake bestows several other beneficial attributes that enhance Zagreus’s combat prowess and survivability.
- Increased Healing Rate: While within the sanctuary, Zagreus’s health regenerates at an accelerated rate, allowing him to recover from injuries swiftly.
- Temporary Invincibility: Upon activating the keepsake, Zagreus gains a brief period of invulnerability, granting him immunity to enemy attacks and hazardous environmental effects.
- Target Practice: Enemies that enter the sanctuary are weakened, making them easier targets for Zagreus to eliminate.
Tactical Applications
Eurydice’s Keepsake offers a versatile array of tactical applications in combat. Here are some effective strategies for utilizing its benefits:
- Emergency Respite: When Zagreus finds himself overwhelmed by enemies or facing a particularly formidable foe, activating the keepsake can provide him with a precious moment to recover and regroup.
- Offensive Advantage: The sanctuary’s weakening effect on enemies can be exploited to gain a strategic advantage during boss fights or when facing large groups of adversaries.
- Environmental Hazards: The keepsake’s invulnerability can negate the detrimental effects of environmental hazards, allowing Zagreus to safely traverse areas filled with spikes, traps, or poisonous gas.
Spear of Achilles: Unparalleled Damage Potential
Wielding the Spear of Achilles grants a 20% chance to increase the Attack Damage of a player’s basic attacks by 100%. This powerful keepsake is highly sought after due to its ability to deal massive damage to enemies, especially against bosses or elite foes. With its potential to double the damage output of basic attacks, the Spear of Achilles is a formidable tool for any aspiring adventurer.
Benefits of the Spear of Achilles
The Spear of Achilles offers several noteworthy benefits to players:
- Increased Damage Output: As mentioned earlier, the Spear of Achilles has the potential to double the damage output of basic attacks, significantly boosting a player’s overall damage potential.
- Versatile Against All Enemies: Unlike some other keepsakes that may be more effective against specific enemy types, the Spear of Achilles is equally potent against all foes, regardless of their resistances or immunities.
- Synergy with Other Abilities: The Spear of Achilles can synergize well with other abilities that enhance basic attacks, such as the Aspect of Arthur or the Aspect of Talos, further amplifying the damage potential.
Usage and Strategy
To effectively utilize the Spear of Achilles, players should prioritize building towards high Attack Damage to maximize the impact of the keepsake’s bonus. Additionally, using the keepsake in conjunction with abilities that increase attack speed or critical chance can further optimize the damage output. It’s important to note that the Spear of Achilles is a random drop from the Stygian Boatman, so obtaining it requires some luck and patience.
Infernal Armlet: Embracing the Darkness
The Infernal Armlet is a powerful keepsake in Hades II that unleashes the raw power of darkness, providing significant benefits to Zagreus’ combat prowess. Embracing its sinister abilities can transform the landscape of battles, particularly when utilizing specific weapons and playstyles.
Enhanced Damage and Abilities
The Infernal Armlet grants a substantial bonus to Zagreus’ damage output, making every attack more lethal. Additionally, it enhances the effectiveness of his abilities, allowing them to inflict greater damage and unleash more devastating effects upon enemies.
Table of Enhanced Abilities
| Ability | Enhanced Effect |
|---|---|
| Shadow Strike | Increased damage and radius |
| Call of Darkness | Summoned shadows deal more damage |
| Soul Shackle | Trapped enemies take increased damage |
Synergies with Weapons and Playstyles
The Infernal Armlet synergizes exceptionally well with weapons that deal heavy upfront damage, such as the Stygian Blade or Varatha. It also complements playstyles that rely on abilities, as it amplifies their impact on combat. Furthermore, the armlet’s increased damage potential can be significant when combined with other keepsakes or Boons that enhance offensive capabilities.
Lambent Plume: Enlightening the Path
| Keepsake: | Lambent Plume |
|---|---|
| Effect: | Enemies leave a damaging shadowy aura on death. |
| Rarity: | Common |
Infuse the Darkness with Menace
The Lambent Plume is an illuminating keepsake that casts a menacing shadow over the underworld. As foes succumb to your relentless attacks, they release a lingering aura of darkness that envelops the battlefield.
Embolden Your Struggles
This shadowy aura serves as a testament to your prowess, marking the battlefield as your domain. It not only enhances your combat abilities but also instills terror in your enemies, making them less inclined to engage in direct confrontation.
Strategic Deployment
The Lambent Plume’s effectiveness is particularly notable in situations where enemies are clustered together. The overlapping auras create a concentrated field of damage, making it difficult for your foes to navigate and escape unscathed.
Synergy with Shadow-Focused Abilities
Furthermore, the Lambent Plume synergizes well with other Shadow-focused abilities, such as the Shadow Dash or the Shadow Sling. By combining these abilities, you can maximize the damage dealt by the shadowy auras, creating a devastating symphony of destruction.
Versatile Adaptation
The Lambent Plume has proven its versatility across a wide range of playstyles, adapting seamlessly to different weapon combinations and strategies. It is an indispensable tool for any Shadow-oriented build, enhancing both your offensive and defensive capabilities.
Conclusion
The Lambent Plume is a must-have for any aspiring Shadow master in the Underworld. Its ability to inflict lingering damage, bolster your presence, and synergize with other abilities makes it an indispensable companion on your journey through the realms of darkness.
Wreath of Asphodel: A Divine Intervention
The Wreath of Asphodel is a divine artifact that reigns supreme among the many keepsakes in Hades 2. Its unparalleled power and versatility make it an invaluable asset to any adventurer venturing into the infernal depths.
Divine Renewal
The Wreath of Asphodel’s essence lies in its ability to restore a divine boon to the player after they have lost all their HP. This miraculous effect grants a second chance to face the horrors of the Underworld, empowering the player to persevere through multiple encounters.
Strategic Choices
The boon granted by the Wreath of Asphodel is not random but rather a strategic choice. When selecting a boon to be revived, players can carefully consider their build and the specific challenges they may face in the upcoming chambers. This nuanced level of control allows for optimal synergy and adaptability.
Situational Advantage
The Wreath of Asphodel excels in situations where players encounter sudden spikes in difficulty or unexpected boss encounters. By utilizing the divine boon, players can gain a second lease on life, allowing them to reassess their strategy and capitalize on the chance to recover and triumph over any obstacle.
Enhanced Healing
In addition to reviving a divine boon, the Wreath of Asphodel also provides a significant healing bonus. Upon activation, the player regains a substantial portion of their health, aiding them in recovering from near-death experiences or sustaining themselves through multiple engagements.
Optimal Synergy
The Wreath of Asphodel synergizes exceptionally well with other keepsakes, such as the Acorn, the Bloodthirsty Collar, and the Titan’s Blood. These keepsakes enhance the healing effects, increase the duration of divine boons, or provide additional layers of protection, further amplifying the power of the Wreath of Asphodel.
Adaptive Versatility
The Wreath of Asphodel demonstrates its adaptability through its compatibility with various playstyles and builds. Its benefits cater to both aggressive and defensive approaches, allowing players to refine their strategies and tailor their gameplay to their preferences.
Upgradable Power
The Wreath of Asphodel shines brighter as its ranks increase. Each upgrade enhances its healing potential, reduces its cooldown period, and provides additional bonus effects, making it an even more formidable artifact in the hands of seasoned Underworld adventurers.
Shielding Sigil: Deflection and Protection
Shielding Sigil, a valuable Keepsake in Hades 2, grants enhanced protection against enemy attacks. It has two primary benefits:
Deflection
Shielding Sigil gives you a chance to deflect incoming projectiles and melee attacks. This ability not only reduces damage but also stuns enemies for a brief moment, giving you a tactical advantage.
Protection
The Keepsake also reduces the damage you take from the environment and certain enemy attacks. This protection becomes increasingly crucial as you progress through the game and encounter tougher foes and hazardous obstacles.
Chance to Deflect and Damage Reduction
The following table summarizes the chance to deflect and damage reduction provided by Shielding Sigil at different Rarity levels:
| Rarity | Chance to Deflect | Damage Reduction |
|---|---|---|
| Common | 10% | 10% |
| Rare | 15% | 15% |
| Epic | 20% | 20% |
| Legendary | 25% | 25% |
Hyperion’s Shadow: Mastery of Darkness
Hyperion’s Shadow is a powerful Keepsake in Hades 2 that enhances Zagreus’s abilities in darkness-related aspects. Upon acquiring this Keepsake, Zagreus gains the following benefits:
Darkness Efficacy
By default, Darkness grants Zagreus a 0.5% damage bonus per point. However, with Hyperion’s Shadow equipped, this bonus is increased to 1% per point.
Enhanced Darkness Affinity
The Darkness Affinity boon becomes more prevalent in your encounters. This means you’re more likely to encounter Darkness-related boons and abilities.
Enhanced Darkness Effects
When Zagreus uses Darkness-based abilities, such as the Shadow Slash or Dark Flare, their effectiveness is enhanced. This includes increased damage, range, or duration, making these abilities more potent in combat.
Enhanced Darkness Generation
The rate at which Zagreus generates Darkness is increased, allowing him to use his Darkness-based abilities more frequently.
Reduced Darkness Consumption
Darkness-consuming abilities, such as the Shadow Slash or Dark Flare, consume less Darkness, making them more resource-efficient.
Increased Darkness Capacity
Zagreus’s maximum Darkness capacity is increased, allowing him to store more Darkness and use his abilities more often without running out.
Dodges Generate Darkness
Each successful dodge generates a small amount of Darkness, providing Zagreus with an additional source of Darkness regeneration.
Curses Reduce Darkness Consumption
Curses, which are negative modifiers applied to Zagreus during his run, reduce the Darkness consumption of his abilities. This allows him to use his Darkness-based abilities more frequently even when cursed.
Increased Darkness Damage
The damage bonus from Darkness is increased even further, boosting Zagreus’s overall combat effectiveness.
| Darkness Bonus per Point |
|---|
| Default: 0.5% |
| Hyperion’s Shadow Equipped: 1% |
Hades 2 Best Keepsakes
When it comes to choosing the best keepsakes in Hades 2, there are a few factors to consider. First and foremost, you’ll want to think about your playstyle and which keepsakes will best complement it. Whether your focus is on dealing damage, staying alive, or controlling the crowd, there are keepsakes that can help you optimize your strategy.
Another way to select the best keepsakes is to consider the weapon you’re using. Some keepsakes are specifically designed to enhance certain weapons, so if you have a favorite weapon, you may want to choose a keepsake that will boost its effectiveness.
With that in mind, here are a few of the best keepsakes in Hades 2:
- Curse of Longing: This keepsake increases your damage by 10% for each boon you have equipped. If you’re planning on using a lot of boons, this keepsake can be a great way to boost your damage output.
- Thunder Signet: This keepsake grants you a 25% chance to deal double damage on your next attack after using your cast. This keepsake is great for dealing burst damage, and it can be especially effective with weapons that have a powerful cast ability.
- Infernal Soul: This keepsake increases your maximum health by 25%. This keepsake is essential for staying alive, especially if you’re new to the game.
- Bone Hourglass: This keepsake slows down time by 20% for 5 seconds after using your dash. This keepsake can be very helpful for dodging enemy attacks or setting up combos.
People Also Ask About Hades 2 Best Keepsakes
What is the best keepsake for beginners?
The Infernal Soul is the best keepsake for beginners as it provides a significant increase in maximum health, making it easier to survive.
What is the best keepsake for dealing damage?
The Curse of Longing is the best keepsake for dealing damage as it increases your damage by 10% for each boon you have equipped.
What is the best keepsake for staying alive?
The Infernal Soul is the best keepsake for staying alive as it provides a significant increase in maximum health.
What is the best keepsake for controlling the crowd?
The Bone Hourglass is the best keepsake for controlling the crowd as it slows down time by 20% for 5 seconds after using your dash.
