Hades Game: 7 Surprising Ways Athena Helps You Play Like a Pro

In the realm of roguelike action-RPGs, Hades stands tall as an exceptional title, captivating players with its captivating story, dynamic combat, and engaging gameplay. Within this realm of darkness and despair, Athena, the goddess of wisdom and strategy, emerges as a beacon of guidance for those seeking to conquer the underworld.

Athena's Arsenal of Boons and Abilities

Athena is not to be underestimated in Hades, as she bestows a plethora of boons upon her chosen heroes, empowering them with the skills to overcome formidable foes. Her boons range from defensive enhancements to offensive buffs, enabling players to adapt their playstyle and overcome the unpredictable challenges that await them.

1. Athena's Aid: Upon invocation, Athena unleashes a devastating divine strike, dealing substantial damage to nearby enemies and inflicting vulnerability for a short duration. This ability proves invaluable in clearing hordes of enemies or taking down powerful bosses.
2. Divine Dash: Athena's gift of Divine Dash allows players to charge forward, damaging and knocking back enemies in their path. This boon is particularly effective against ranged enemies or those that attempt to flee.
3. Deflect: Athena's Deflect ability grants players a temporary shield that blocks incoming projectiles. It proves indispensable in mitigating ranged attacks and navigating through dense enemy formations.
4. Boiling Blood: This boon empowers players with the ability to inflict ignited damage on their foes. Each successful attack applies a stack of Burning Damage, which intensifies over time. This boon excels against enemies with high health pools or those that rely on regeneration.

Athena's Role in Strategy and Optimization

Athena's boons extend beyond combat enhancements, also playing a vital role in strategic decision-making and resource optimization. Her guidance enables players to maximize their potential and increase their chances of success in the underworld.

1. Damage Reduction: Athena's boons often include bonuses to damage reduction, such as the "Urgent Attack" boon, which grants increased damage resistance while dodging. These boons prove crucial in reducing incoming damage, allowing players to survive longer in intense encounters.
2. Status Effects: Athena's boons can inflict a variety of status effects upon enemies, including bleeding, burning, and rupture. These effects can greatly weaken foes, making them easier to defeat and potentially triggering powerful synergy effects.
3. Resource Management: Athena's boons can also aid in managing resources, such as the "Quick Strike" boon, which briefly freezes enemies upon landing a successful attack. This boon can create opportunities to escape from dangerous situations or replenish resources before engaging in combat.

Tips for Utilizing Athena's Guidance

Harnessing Athena's wisdom and boons effectively requires a strategic approach and an understanding of her strengths and weaknesses. Here are a few tips to guide you:

1. Prioritize Athena Boons Early On: The earlier you obtain Athena's boons, the greater the advantage they provide throughout your run. Focus on acquiring these boons in the early game to establish a strong foundation.
2. Synergize with Other Abilities: Explore synergies between Athena's boons and those from other gods or items. Consider how her damage reduction or status effects can complement abilities that enhance damage output or mobility.
3. Adapt to Enemy Weaknesses: Athena's boons are especially effective against enemies that rely on ranged attacks or possess high health pools. Tailor your boons to exploit enemy vulnerabilities.
4. Utilize Athena's Aid Wisely: Athena's Aid is a powerful tool that should be deployed at opportune moments. Consider the potential impact of the divine strike before using it, such as eliminating small enemies or stunning a boss.

The Impact of Athena in Hades

Athena's presence in Hades is undeniable, shaping the gameplay experience in profound ways. Her boons empower players with versatility, survivability, and strategic advantages, enabling them to overcome the challenges of the underworld. According to Hades' developer, Supergiant Games, Athena's boons account for over 15% of all boon choices made by players. This overwhelming popularity underscores the significance of Athena's role in player success.

Conclusion

Athena, the goddess of wisdom and strategy, stands as a beacon of guidance for those who dare to venture into the depths of Hades. Her boons provide a diverse array of defensive and offensive enhancements, empowering players to adapt their playstyles and overcome the relentless challenges of the underworld. By understanding Athena's strengths, utilizing her guidance strategically, and synergizing with other abilities, players can elevate their skills and emerge victorious against the formidable forces that reside in the realm of the dead.