Hades was a smash hit that elevated the Roguelike genre with its vivid game design and impactful narrative. Hundreds of thousands of players dove head first into the Olympian-themed fantasy game that allowed them to take control of Zagreus, son of Hades, on a mission to escape the underworld. While facing the perils of Hades’ dominion, Zagreus would have to face off against multiple threats, such as legendary beasts, gods, and hordes of undead.
Hades 2 brings a new spin to the game by following Melinoe, Zagreus’ sister, on her own journey to face off against Chronos, the god of time. Hades 2 brings back the Boon system, with many of the old and some exciting new boons from various gods being placed in the game. Just recently, Hades 2 received the Warsong update, which reintroduced Ares to the game and brought new boons with him. Here are some of the best Ares boons in Hades 2, ranked.
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8
Mutual Destruction
High Risk, High Reward
Mutual Destruction allows the player to significantly increase the damage they inflict on foes by a fixed chance. This is a powerful tool that can wipe out mobs, or deal significant damage to single targets while in a tight spot.
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Mutual Destruction provides an opportunity for the player to inflict 200% more damage the lower their health becomes. As the player’s health gets lower, the chance of inflicting this bonus damage becomes higher. This boon can come in incredibly handy the further the player makes it during the playthrough, and it is always a good boon to pick up.
7
Blood Spree
A Versatile Self-Heal
Many Ares boons rely on missing health to trigger special effects. This requirement can make most playthroughs more challenging, as a single mistake can prove dire. However, some Ares boons allow for healing, one of which is Blood Spree. Blood Spree enables the player to heal as they inflict damage with attacks and abilities, as long as their health is below forty. This boon synergizes with the many other Ares boons by allowing the player to maintain a low health, but still be able to replenish without losing the benefit of other boons.
6
Single Elimination
Massive Damage Boost For Singular Targets
Single Elimination is a very valuable boon to pick up regardless of build focus. In Hades 2, damage is a crucial factor, and anything that improves damage with as little cost as possible is a must-have. Single Elimination boosts the damage against single targets and isolated enemies. The boost from this boon is massive, and great for facing off against guardians like Cerberus and Typhon. Single Elimination is a great boss-killer boon, and when paired with other damage boosts, players will have an easier time taking on the game’s content.
5
Profuse Bleeding
Create Blood Drops For Stacking Buffs
The Blood Drop mechanic in Hades 2 is one of the key aspects of Ares boons and is used to activate a number of effects. Players can receive blood drops by inflicting wounds on targets, which a number of Ares boons allow them to do. Profuse Bleeding is one of those boons and the backbone of many builds in Hades 2. With this boon, enemies who are afflicted with Wounds create blood drops. This boon is paramount of an Ares-focused build is the player’s goal during their playthrough, since other boons depend on the existence of blood drops.
4
Vicous Strike
A Core Boon For High-Damaging Builds
Vicious Strike is another must-have boon when focusing on an Ares build playthrough. Taking full advantage of some of Ares’ mightiest boons requires the ability to inflict Wounds and create blood drops. To do the former, Vicious Strike is a core need, as it grants Wounds as frequently as possible.
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With Vicious Strike, every instance of damage can inflict Wounds on targets. This is the linchpin boon that unlocks the potential of all other Ares boons, especially those on this list.
3
Sanguinary Savor
Take Full Advantage Of The Blood Drop System
The added health effects from Ares’ boons in Hades 2 are game-changers that set his array of abilities apart. In addition, inflicting wounds on targets and activating synergetic effects is a satisfying build type. One of the aspects of the game that comes from Ares’ boons is the Blood Drops, which boost player movement and attack speed. Sanguinary Savor doubles the effect of Blood Drops and removes the need for players to collect them. The Sanguinary Savor boon works well with the majority of other Ares boons, and is a must for most playthroughs.
2
Meat Grinder
Modifies An Already Powerful Ability With More Damage
Many of the base abilities in Hades 2 can be modified or upgraded to include additional effects, which is a core mechanic in the game and makes advancing through content easier. Meat Grinder modifies a player’s Omega Cast ability so that it launches a blade rift during activation.
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Blade Rift affects a set area in the binding of the ability and rapidly damages foes inside it. This ability does have a specific requirement, as a player must possess one of the following artifacts: Rapture, Solar, Artic, Sword, Engagement, Tidal, Smolder, Anvil, or Storm Ring.
1
Grievous Blow
Maximize Damage By Applying Wounds To Targets
Grievous Blow is the cherry on top of the massive amount of damage that a player can inflict while taking advantage of the high-damaging boons in the Ares tree. While taking advantage of targets that have been inflicted with wounds, Grievous Blow allows the player to further inflict 200% more damage to targets. It goes without saying that this boon, alongside other boons of a similar nature, makes for exceptional DPS capabilities.
- Released
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May 6, 2024
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