Independent Hades II guideNot affiliated with Supergiant Games
Aspect build · Argent Skull
Your Attack stays within reach, and explodes after landing your Specials or 3 seconds.
Choose the goal for this run. Every mode is a complete, aspect-specific build.
Set your ranks and pre-run tools here. Then choose Strongest or Safest for the combat decisions you make during the run.
Prepare what both goals share first. Each goal then lists only what changes.
If current Grasp cannot hold the full list, keep the cards that protect the main plan first, then add Persistence and Death before other support cards.
| Pick | Why | Limit | Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| FrinosFamiliar | The Life bonus improves every encounter and asks for no build-specific setup. | Frinos adds less clear speed than Familiars with offensive passive bonuses. | |
| Wolf HowlHex | The effect resolves quickly and works without a slain enemy, long channel, or delayed target. | Its close target area can be unsafe when the landing window is poorly timed. |
Use the opening region to secure the first preferred god and main Boon.
At the next keepsake cabinet, replace it after its god offer is consumed and its Rarify charge is spent. Switch earlier only when you intentionally abandon the unused Rarify benefit.Use the opening region to secure the first preferred god and main Boon.
At the next keepsake cabinet, replace it after its god offer is consumed and its Rarify charge is spent. Switch earlier only when you intentionally abandon the unused Rarify benefit.Each rank lists its forge cost and the exact value it gives this Aspect.
Cast the target
Place the close Attack
Drive through with Special and exit the blast area
Cast the target
The first two stages make the plan functional. The last is a power spike, not a reason to delay the run.
Secure Sworn Strike.
The carrying action now has its required Boon, so the basic sequence works without filling unrelated slots.Secure the main choices: Sworn Strike + Heaven Flourish.
Large close-range burst The named choices now reinforce the same sequence instead of competing for upgrades.Take Mega Driver if it appears.
This upgrades the action already carrying the plan. It improves the existing loop but is not required for the build to function.Attack, Special, Cast, Dash, and Gain stay in the shown order when offers compete. Open a slot to see its other proven fits and fallbacks.
| First choice | Fallbacks if the first choice does not appear | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Priority 1 · AttackBuild focus | ||
| Sworn Strike Your Attacks deal more damage and inflict Hitch. Other proven fitsVicious Strike Your Attacks deal more damage and inflict Wounds. This can fill the same attack role when its condition matches "Place the close Attack". Keep the rest of the damage plan unchanged. | Volcanic Strike Your Attacks can cause a blast that deals 400 damage in the area. Use this only when the preferred attack choice is unavailable. It preserves "Place the close Attack" without changing the damage loop. | This is a breakpoint for "Place the close Attack". It powers a move the damage plan already repeats instead of splitting upgrades across unrelated actions. |
| Priority 2 · SpecialBuild focus | ||
| Heaven Flourish Your Specials inflict Blitz. | Vicious Flourish Your Specials deal more damage and inflict Wounds. Use this only when the preferred special choice is unavailable. It preserves "Drive through with Special and exit the blast area" without changing the damage loop. | This is a breakpoint for "Drive through with Special and exit the blast area". It powers a move the damage plan already repeats instead of splitting upgrades across unrelated actions. |
| Priority 3 · DashSupporting slot | ||
| Blinding Rush Your Sprint is faster and inflicts Daze on surrounding foes. | Heat Rush Your Sprint leaves a cinder trail, and any damage you take from burning is reduced to 1. Use this if the preferred Dash choice does not appear. It keeps the complete five-slot package coherent without changing the plan's higher priorities. | This is the recommended Dash choice for the complete five-slot package. Take it after the higher-priority choices only when offers compete. |
| Priority 4 · CastSupporting slot | ||
| Arctic Ring Your Casts inflict Freeze and repeatedly deal damage to foes in the binding circle. | Smolder Ring Your Casts repeatedly inflict Scorch on foes in the binding circle. Use this if the preferred Cast choice does not appear. It keeps the complete five-slot package coherent without changing the plan's higher priorities. | This is the recommended Cast choice for the complete five-slot package. Take it after the higher-priority choices only when offers compete. |
| Priority 5 · GainSupporting slot | ||
| Born Gain Whenever you run out of Magick, Prime until the next location to restore all Magick. | Cardio Gain Whenever your Attack or Special deals damage, restore Magick. Use this if the preferred Gain choice does not appear. It keeps the complete five-slot package coherent without changing the plan's higher priorities. | This is the recommended Gain choice for the complete five-slot package. Take it after the higher-priority choices only when offers compete. |
Finish the functional build first. Open Requirement to compare this plan with the other valid options.
Pairings this plan can reach without replacing its main actions.
Your blast effects from Hephaestus clear Daze and deal more damage if they do.
This plan can open the target with Volcanic Strike + Blinding Rush after its main actions are funded.
Do not chase this target before the main plan works, because an unseeded run may not offer every required god or Boon.
Your blast effects from Hephaestus deal more damage to Freeze-afflicted foes.
This plan can open the target with Volcanic Strike + Arctic Ring after its main actions are funded.
Do not chase this target before the main plan works, because an unseeded run may not offer every required god or Boon.
Whenever you Dodge or a foe misses because of Daze, restore some Life.
This plan can open the target with Blinding Rush + Smolder Ring after its main actions are funded.
Do not chase this target before the main plan works, because an unseeded run may not offer every required god or Boon.
If you use your blast effects from Hephaestus just after they recharge, they fire 2 times.
This plan can open the target with Volcanic Strike + Smolder Ring after its main actions are funded.
Do not chase this target before the main plan works, because an unseeded run may not offer every required god or Boon.
Your Blitz effects also inflict Scorch whenever they deal damage.
This plan can open the target with Heaven Flourish + Smolder Ring after its main actions are funded.
Do not chase this target before the main plan works, because an unseeded run may not offer every required god or Boon.
Your Keepsakes are stronger this night (if possible).
This plan can open the target with Arctic Ring + Sworn Strike after its main actions are funded.
Do not chase this target before the main plan works, because an unseeded run may not offer every required god or Boon.
Whenever you restore Magick during encounters, damage all Hitch-afflicted foes.
This plan can open the target with Sworn Strike + Smolder Ring after its main actions are funded.
Do not chase this target before the main plan works, because an unseeded run may not offer every required god or Boon.
In each encounter, the first foe you slay returns to fight for you.
This plan can open the target with Born Gain + Blinding Rush after its main actions are funded.
Do not chase this target before the main plan works, because an unseeded run may not offer every required god or Boon.
Your Freeze effects also cause lightning bolts to repeatedly strike afflicted foes.
This plan can open the target with Heaven Flourish + Arctic Ring after its main actions are funded.
Do not chase this target before the main plan works, because an unseeded run may not offer every required god or Boon.
Give up all your boons of Hera. For each, raise level for all your boons of Zeus.
This plan can open the target with Born Gain + Heaven Flourish after its main actions are funded.
Do not chase this target before the main plan works, because an unseeded run may not offer every required god or Boon.
Add these only after the five main slots are secure. The tiers are specific to strongest mode.
Your Specials deal more damage to nearby foes.
This can support "Drive through with Special and exit the blast area", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.Your Attacks deal more damage to nearby foes.
This can support "Place the close Attack", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.Your Specials deal more damage in a larger area.
This can support "Drive through with Special and exit the blast area", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.Your Attacks deal more damage in a larger area.
This can support "Place the close Attack", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.Your Specials deal more damage and inflict Freeze.
This can support "Drive through with Special and exit the blast area", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.Your Attacks deal more damage and inflict Freeze.
This can support "Place the close Attack", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.Your Omega Special also launches a fireball, but uses +10 Magick.
This can support "Drive through with Special and exit the blast area", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.Your Specials can cause a blast that deals 500 damage in the area.
This can support "Drive through with Special and exit the blast area", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.Your Specials deal more damage and inflict Hitch.
This can support "Drive through with Special and exit the blast area", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.Your Omega moves are faster.
This can support "Drive through with Special and exit the blast area", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.Your Attack, Special, and Cast are faster.
This can support "Place the close Attack", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.Your Specials inflict Scorch.
This can support "Drive through with Special and exit the blast area", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.Your Attacks inflict Scorch.
This can support "Place the close Attack", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.Your Specials hit foes with a splash that knocks other foes away.
This can support "Drive through with Special and exit the blast area", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.Your Attacks hit foes with a splash that knocks other foes away.
This can support "Place the close Attack", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.Your Attacks inflict Blitz.
This can support "Place the close Attack", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.These improve the move already carrying the plan. They do not replace a missing main Boon.
Choose the main Boon and required Magick recovery before changing the weapon around a Hammer.
| Hammer | Change | Fit |
|---|---|---|
| Mega Driver | Your Specials launch you ahead faster and deal 50% more damage. | |
| Colossus Driver | Your Specials deal 30 additional base damage, and you take 30% less damage while using them. | |
| Melting Break | Your Special deals +600 damage to Armor. |
Your Specials also launch a projectile ahead that can Deflect, rearming after 2 seconds.
Requires you to have met Athena once before the current night.Grow in size, increase maximum Life by 15%, and deal 15% more damage with your Nocturnal Arm.
Circe can offer this choice.Your Attack boon gains 3 levels, but you Prime 35 Magick.
Requires Attack.Your Specials may deal Critical damage, but you Prime 40 Magick.
Artemis can offer this choice.Your Special boon gains 3 levels, but you Prime 35 Magick.
Requires Special.Foes in your Casts may take Critical damage from your Attacks.
Artemis can offer this choice.Each Attack hit randomly deals exactly 5, 55, or 555 damage.
Requires you to speak with Dionysus after the true ending.After you hit with your Attacks or Specials, fire a seeking arrow.
Artemis can offer this choice.The starting Keepsake is listed in Setup. These are the in-run swaps.
Use the extra Death Defiance after the main Boon is secured when ordinary rooms still threaten the run.
At the next keepsake cabinet, replace it after its Last Stand has triggered because the spent keepsake adds no second recovery. Equip it after the opening god is secured if room damage is consuming Death Defiance or maximum Life.Use the guardian-focused effect when the final encounter is the remaining route constraint.
At the next keepsake cabinet, replace it after its limited guardian effect has been consumed and another guardian remains. Equip it before the final region only when the run already survives normal rooms reliably.Use the combo only after a boss commits to an animation that cannot intercept the Special exit.
Crowded rooms demand Cast control before entering the blast sequence.
Each rank lists its forge cost and the exact value it gives this Aspect.
Root the priority target
Place the close Attack and trigger it with Special
Sprint out before the explosion window ends
Root the priority target
The first two stages make the plan functional. The last is a power spike, not a reason to delay the run.
Secure Ice Strike.
The carrying action now has its required Boon, so the basic sequence works without filling unrelated slots.Secure the main choices: Ice Strike + Arctic Ring + Blinding Rush.
Freeze creates the close detonation window before the Skull commits The named choices now reinforce the same sequence instead of competing for upgrades.Take Mega Driver if it appears.
This upgrades the action already carrying the plan. It improves the existing loop but is not required for the build to function.Attack, Special, Cast, Dash, and Gain stay in the shown order when offers compete. Open a slot to see its other proven fits and fallbacks.
| First choice | Fallbacks if the first choice does not appear | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Priority 1 · AttackBuild focus | ||
| Ice Strike Your Attacks deal more damage and inflict Freeze. | Flutter Strike Your Attacks deal more damage to nearby foes. Use this only when the preferred attack choice is unavailable. It preserves "Place the close Attack and trigger it with Special" without changing the reliability loop. | This is a breakpoint for "Place the close Attack and trigger it with Special". It powers a move the reliability plan already repeats instead of splitting upgrades across unrelated actions. |
| Priority 2 · CastBuild focus | ||
| Arctic Ring Your Casts inflict Freeze and repeatedly deal damage to foes in the binding circle. | Solar Ring Your Casts inflict Daze, and deal a burst of damage before they expire. Use this only when the preferred cast choice is unavailable. It preserves "Root the priority target" without changing the reliability loop. | This is a breakpoint for "Root the priority target". It powers a move the reliability plan already repeats instead of splitting upgrades across unrelated actions. |
| Priority 3 · DashBuild focus | ||
| Blinding Rush Your Sprint is faster and inflicts Daze on surrounding foes. | Frigid Rush Your Sprint forms a Gust around you that lingers after you stop. Use this only when the preferred sprint choice is unavailable. It preserves "Sprint out before the explosion window ends" without changing the reliability loop. | This is a breakpoint for "Sprint out before the explosion window ends". It powers a move the reliability plan already repeats instead of splitting upgrades across unrelated actions. |
| Priority 4 · SpecialSupporting slot | ||
| Nova Flourish Your Specials deal more damage in a larger area. | Ice Flourish Your Specials deal more damage and inflict Freeze. Use this if the preferred Special choice does not appear. It keeps the complete five-slot package coherent without changing the plan's higher priorities. | This is the recommended Special choice for the complete five-slot package. Take it after the higher-priority choices only when offers compete. |
| Priority 5 · GainSupporting slot | ||
| Born Gain Whenever you run out of Magick, Prime until the next location to restore all Magick. | Cardio Gain Whenever your Attack or Special deals damage, restore Magick. Use this if the preferred Gain choice does not appear. It keeps the complete five-slot package coherent without changing the plan's higher priorities. | This is the recommended Gain choice for the complete five-slot package. Take it after the higher-priority choices only when offers compete. |
Finish the functional build first. Open Requirement to compare this plan with the other valid options.
Pairings this plan can reach without replacing its main actions.
Whenever you Dodge or a foe misses because of Daze, restore some Life.
This plan can open the target with Blinding Rush + Cardio Gain after its main actions are funded.
Do not chase this target before the main plan works, because an unseeded run may not offer every required god or Boon.
Your Keepsakes are stronger this night (if possible).
This plan can open the target with Ice Strike + Born Gain after its main actions are funded.
Do not chase this target before the main plan works, because an unseeded run may not offer every required god or Boon.
You deal more damage with your Weapon the more maximum Life you have.
This plan can open the target with Frigid Rush + Flutter Strike after its main actions are funded.
Do not chase this target before the main plan works, because an unseeded run may not offer every required god or Boon.
In each encounter, the first foe you slay returns to fight for you.
This plan can open the target with Born Gain + Blinding Rush after its main actions are funded.
Do not chase this target before the main plan works, because an unseeded run may not offer every required god or Boon.
While standing in a Gust, you randomly fire gales every 0.3 seconds.
This plan can open the target with Nova Flourish + Frigid Rush after its main actions are funded.
Do not chase this target before the main plan works, because an unseeded run may not offer every required god or Boon.
Add these only after the five main slots are secure. The tiers are specific to safest mode.
Your Casts inflict Weak, and damage foes while dragging them toward the center.
This can support "Root the priority target", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Rushing damages surrounding foes and inflicts Weak, and again once you stop.
This can support "Sprint out before the explosion window ends", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Your Casts expand in size until they expire.
This can support "Root the priority target", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.After your Omega Cast expires, rapidly deal damage in the area for 2 seconds.
This can support "Root the priority target", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.You can channel 30 additional Magick into your Omega Cast to repeatedly strike foes with lightning bolts.
This can support "Root the priority target", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Your Attacks deal more damage in a larger area.
This can support "Place the close Attack and trigger it with Special", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Your Casts create a falling blade over each foe in the binding circle.
This can support "Root the priority target", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Your Omega Cast also creates a Blade Rift in the binding circle.
This can support "Root the priority target", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Your Dash creates a row of falling blades along your path.
This can support "Sprint out before the explosion window ends", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Your Attacks deal more damage and inflict Wounds.
This can support "Place the close Attack and trigger it with Special", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Your Casts destroy many foes' ranged shots, and inflict Scorch on the attacking foes.
This can support "Sprint out before the explosion window ends", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Hold Cast to aim where the binding circle appears. Foes within are struck by lightning.
This can support "Root the priority target", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Your Omega Cast deals more damage. If you are in the binding circle, the bonus is doubled.
This can support "Root the priority target", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Your Casts also create a Gust around the binding circle.
This can support "Root the priority target", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Hold Cast to aim a fireball that explodes on impact. The binding circle forms there.
This can support "Root the priority target", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Your Casts deal damage 3 times in succession to foes in the binding circle.
This can support "Root the priority target", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.If a foe is near after you Dash, you can cause a blast that deals 200 damage in the area.
This can support "Sprint out before the explosion window ends", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Your Attacks can cause a blast that deals 400 damage in the area.
This can support "Place the close Attack and trigger it with Special", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Your Casts inflict Hitch and immediately deal damage based on foes in the binding circle.
This can support "Root the priority target", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Your Sprint inflicts Hitch on surrounding foes, and deals damage when it does.
This can support "Sprint out before the explosion window ends", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Your Attacks deal more damage and inflict Hitch.
This can support "Place the close Attack and trigger it with Special", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.You channel your Omega Cast faster, and your Casts deal damage and expire faster.
This can support "Root the priority target", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Your Attack, Special, and Cast are faster.
This can support "Place the close Attack and trigger it with Special", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Your Casts repeatedly inflict Scorch on foes in the binding circle.
This can support "Root the priority target", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Your Sprint leaves a cinder trail, and any damage you take from burning is reduced to 1.
This can support "Sprint out before the explosion window ends", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Your Attacks inflict Scorch.
This can support "Place the close Attack and trigger it with Special", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Any boon effects that recharge over time recharge faster.
This can support "Root the priority target", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Your Casts also immediately hit foes with a powerful splash that inflicts Froth.
This can support "Root the priority target", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Your Omega Cast gains Power and knocks foes away.
This can support "Root the priority target", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Your Sprint creates a watery globe behind you, which surges ahead once you stop.
This can support "Sprint out before the explosion window ends", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Whenever you Sprint, hit the first foe you run into with a blast that knocks foes away.
This can support "Sprint out before the explosion window ends", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Your Attacks hit foes with a splash that knocks other foes away.
This can support "Place the close Attack and trigger it with Special", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Your Omega Cast is stronger and follows you, even as you start to channel it.
This can support "Root the priority target", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Your Casts damage any foes as they join the encounter, wherever they appear.
This can support "Root the priority target", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Rushing into foes with Blitz immediately activates the effect and makes it stronger.
This can support "Sprint out before the explosion window ends", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Your Sprint is 15% faster and gives you a barrier that ignores instances of damage.
This can support "Sprint out before the explosion window ends", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Your Casts cause lightning bolts to repeatedly strike 1 foe at a time in the binding circle.
This can support "Root the priority target", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Rushing causes surrounding foes to be struck by lightning bolts.
This can support "Sprint out before the explosion window ends", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Your Attacks inflict Blitz.
This can support "Place the close Attack and trigger it with Special", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.These improve the move already carrying the plan. They do not replace a missing main Boon.
Choose the main Boon and required Magick recovery before changing the weapon around a Hammer.
| Hammer | Change | Fit |
|---|---|---|
| Mega Driver | Your Specials launch you ahead faster and deal 50% more damage. | |
| Colossus Driver | Your Specials deal 30 additional base damage, and you take 30% less damage while using them. | |
| Melting Break | Your Special deals +600 damage to Armor. |
Don an Outfit with 20 Armor that makes your Cast deal 100% more damage.
Requires you to meet Arachne once.Your Casts also blast the area after 4 seconds, dealing 500 damage to foes, but 20 to you.
Icarus can offer this choice.Hold Cast to lob a large explosive. The binding circle forms there.
Requires none of these boons in the current setup: Glowing Coal, Lightning Lance, Howling Soul, Hostile Environment.Grow in size, increase maximum Life by 15%, and deal 15% more damage with your Nocturnal Arm.
Circe can offer this choice.Your Attack boon gains 3 levels, but you Prime 35 Magick.
Requires Attack.Your Casts launch a projectile that seeks foes. The binding circle forms where it hits.
Requires none of these boons in the current setup: Glowing Coal, Lightning Lance, Tipsy Shot, Hostile Environment.Foes in your Casts may take Critical damage from your Attacks.
Artemis can offer this choice.Your Casts also deal a burst of damage in the area and momentarily make you Deflect.
Athena can offer this choice.A piercing arrow fires toward any foe damaged by your Omega Cast.
Artemis can offer this choice.Each Attack hit randomly deals exactly 5, 55, or 555 damage.
Requires you to speak with Dionysus after the true ending.After you hit with your Attacks or Specials, fire a seeking arrow.
Artemis can offer this choice.The starting Keepsake is listed in Setup. These are the in-run swaps.
Use the extra Death Defiance after the main Boon is secured when ordinary rooms still threaten the run.
At the next keepsake cabinet, replace it after its Last Stand has triggered because the spent keepsake adds no second recovery. Equip it after the opening god is secured if room damage is consuming Death Defiance or maximum Life.Use the guardian-focused effect when the final encounter is the remaining route constraint.
At the next keepsake cabinet, replace it after its limited guardian effect has been consumed and another guardian remains. Equip it before the final region only when the run already survives normal rooms reliably.Enter only after Root or a committed boss animation guarantees the Special trigger.
Use Cast to separate one detonation target from crowded room attacks.
Each rank lists its forge cost and the exact value it gives this Aspect.
