NeonHades2Hades II guideSearch the guide
NeonHades2Hades II guideSearch the guide

Independent Hades II guideNot affiliated with Supergiant Games

Aspect build · Black Coat

Aspect of Melinoë

Your Attacks, Sprint, and move speed are faster.

Choose the goal for this run. Every mode is a complete, aspect-specific build.

SOverallEasy to learnSConsistencyAClear speedSSafetyAHigh Fear

Choose the run goal

Prepare the aspect, starting Keepsake, Arcana, Familiar, Hex, and ranks before choosing a run goal.

Pre-run preparation

Understand the aspect before funding a plan

Set your ranks and pre-run tools here. Then choose Strongest or Safest for the combat decisions you make during the run.

Leave the Crossroads with a complete setup

Prepare what both goals share first. Each goal then lists only what changes.

Same for both goals

Familiar and Hex

PickWhyLimitFit
GaleFamiliarThe passive defensive mobility remains active without requiring a particular attack pattern.Dodge is less predictable than a larger Life pool and adds no direct build resource.A
Wolf HowlHexThe 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.A

Strongest preparation

Start with

  1. 1Opening KeepsakeVivid Sealimited use

    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.

13 Grasp Arcana

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.

Safest preparation

Start with

  1. 1Opening KeepsakeHarmonic Photonlimited use

    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.

12 Grasp Arcana

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.

Aspect rank progression

Each rank lists its forge cost and the exact value it gives this Aspect.

StepEffectCost
Rank 1Common
Speed Bonus
0%
Included
Rank 2Rare
Speed Bonus
5%
Rank 3Epic
Speed Bonus
10%
Rank 4Heroic
Speed Bonus
15%
Rank 5Legendary
Speed Bonus
20%

Strongest run plan

Excels at
Fast attacks and movement
Watch for
Less room for specialized combinations
SOverall grade

Combat sequence

  1. 1

    Sprint into a safe angle

  2. 2

    Use a short Attack string

  3. 3

    Send Special while backing away and repeat

Also strong

  • Easy access to both melee and seeking ranged pressure

Avoid

  • Can split damage across Attack and Special without finishing either plan
SConsistency
AClear speed
SSafety
AHigh Fear
Essential loadout

Take these five Boons first

Sprint into a safe angle

  1. Priority 1AttackWave Strike
  2. Priority 2SpecialHeaven Flourish
  3. Priority 3DashBreaker Rush
  4. Priority 4CastEngagement Ring
  5. Priority 5GainCardio Gain
Commit check

When this build comes online

The first two stages make the plan functional. The last is a power spike, not a reason to delay the run.

  1. 01
    The main move is funded

    Secure Wave Strike.

    The carrying action now has its required Boon, so the basic sequence works without filling unrelated slots.
  2. 02
    The build is online

    Secure the main choices: Wave Strike + Heaven Flourish + Breaker Rush.

    Fast attacks and movement The named choices now reinforce the same sequence instead of competing for upgrades.
  3. 03
    The first major power spike

    Take Rapid Frame 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.
Alternatives and slot details

Adjust only after the five essentials

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 choiceFallbacks if the first choice does not appearWhy
Priority 1 · AttackBuild focus
Wave StrikeS

Your Attacks hit foes with a splash that knocks other foes away.

Heaven StrikeB

Your Attacks inflict Blitz.

Use this only when the preferred attack choice is unavailable. It preserves "Use a short Attack string" without changing the damage loop.
This is a breakpoint for "Use a short Attack string". It powers a move the damage plan already repeats instead of splitting upgrades across unrelated actions.
Priority 2 · SpecialBuild focus
Heaven FlourishS

Your Specials inflict Blitz.

Other proven fits
Sworn FlourishA

Your Specials deal more damage and inflict Hitch.

This can fill the same special role when its condition matches "Send Special while backing away and repeat". Keep the rest of the damage plan unchanged.
Vicious FlourishB

Your Specials deal more damage and inflict Wounds.

Use this only when the preferred special choice is unavailable. It preserves "Send Special while backing away and repeat" without changing the damage loop.
This is a breakpoint for "Send Special while backing away and repeat". It powers a move the damage plan already repeats instead of splitting upgrades across unrelated actions.
Priority 3 · DashBuild focus
Breaker RushS

Whenever you Sprint, hit the first foe you run into with a blast that knocks foes away.

Nexus RushB

Your Sprint inflicts Hitch on surrounding foes, and deals damage when it does.

Use this only when the preferred sprint choice is unavailable. It preserves "Sprint into a safe angle" without changing the damage loop.
This is a breakpoint for "Sprint into a safe angle". It powers a move the damage plan already repeats instead of splitting upgrades across unrelated actions.
Priority 4 · CastSupporting slot
Engagement RingS

Your Casts inflict Hitch and immediately deal damage based on foes in the binding circle.

Arctic RingB

Your Casts inflict Freeze and repeatedly deal damage to 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
Cardio GainS

Whenever your Attack or Special deals damage, restore Magick.

Born GainB

Whenever you run out of Magick, Prime until the next location to restore all 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.
Optional ceiling

Duo and Legendary targets

Finish the functional build first. Open Requirement to compare this plan with the other valid options.

Duo Boons

Pairings this plan can reach without replacing its main actions.

Arterial SprayA

Your splash effects from Poseidon may hit 2 times (and take the color of the River Styx).

This plan can open the target with Vicious Flourish + Wave 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.

Requirement
This plan uses
Choose one Boon from each of 2 prerequisite groups.Other options
  1. Group 1
  2. Group 2
Cherished HeirloomA

Your Keepsakes are stronger this night (if possible).

This plan can open the target with Arctic Ring + Sworn 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.

Requirement
This plan uses
Choose one Boon from each of 2 prerequisite groups.Other options
  1. Group 1
  2. Group 2
Incandescent AuraA

Whenever you restore Magick during encounters, damage all Hitch-afflicted foes.

This plan can open the target with Engagement Ring + 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.

Requirement
This plan uses
Choose one Boon from each of 2 prerequisite groups.Other options
  1. Group 1
  2. Group 2
Hail StormA

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.

Requirement
This plan uses
Choose one Boon from each of 2 prerequisite groups.Other options
  1. Group 1
  2. Group 2
King's RansomA

Give up all your boons of Hera. For each, raise level for all your boons of Zeus.

This plan can open the target with Engagement Ring + 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.

Requirement
This plan uses
Choose one Boon from each of 2 prerequisite groups.Other options
  1. Group 1
  2. Group 2
Beyond the five slots

Additional useful Boons

Add these only after the five main slots are secure. The tiers are specific to strongest mode.

BSituational fits26 Boons
Passion Rush

Rushing damages surrounding foes and inflicts Weak, and again once you stop.

This can support "Sprint into a safe angle", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.
Flutter Strike

Your Attacks deal more damage to nearby foes.

This can support "Use a short Attack string", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.
Nova Flourish

Your Specials deal more damage in a larger area.

This can support "Send Special while backing away and repeat", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.
Blinding Rush

Your Sprint is faster and inflicts Daze on surrounding foes.

This can support "Sprint into a safe angle", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.
Nova Strike

Your Attacks deal more damage in a larger area.

This can support "Use a short Attack string", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.
Stabbing Rush

Your Dash creates a row of falling blades along your path.

This can support "Sprint into a safe angle", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.
Vicious Strike

Your Attacks deal more damage and inflict Wounds.

This can support "Use a short Attack string", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.
Fire Away

Your Casts destroy many foes' ranged shots, and inflict Scorch on the attacking foes.

This can support "Sprint into a safe angle", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.
Ice Flourish

Your Specials deal more damage and inflict Freeze.

This can support "Send Special while backing away and repeat", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.
Frigid Rush

Your Sprint forms a Gust around you that lingers after you stop.

This can support "Sprint into a safe angle", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.
Ice Strike

Your Attacks deal more damage and inflict Freeze.

This can support "Use a short Attack string", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.
Controlled Burn

Your Omega Special also launches a fireball, but uses +10 Magick.

This can support "Send Special while backing away and repeat", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.
Volcanic Flourish

Your Specials can cause a blast that deals 500 damage in the area.

This can support "Send Special while backing away and repeat", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.
Smithy Rush

If a foe is near after you Dash, you can cause a blast that deals 200 damage in the area.

This can support "Sprint into a safe angle", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.
Volcanic Strike

Your Attacks can cause a blast that deals 400 damage in the area.

This can support "Use a short Attack string", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.
Sworn Strike

Your Attacks deal more damage and inflict Hitch.

This can support "Use a short Attack string", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.
Racing Thoughts

Your Omega moves are faster.

This can support "Send Special while backing away and repeat", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.
Nimble Limbs

Your Attack, Special, and Cast are faster.

This can support "Use a short Attack string", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.
Flame Flourish

Your Specials inflict Scorch.

This can support "Send Special while backing away and repeat", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.
Heat Rush

Your Sprint leaves a cinder trail, and any damage you take from burning is reduced to 1.

This can support "Sprint into a safe angle", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.
Flame Strike

Your Attacks inflict Scorch.

This can support "Use a short Attack string", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.
Wave Flourish

Your Specials hit foes with a splash that knocks other foes away.

This can support "Send Special while backing away and repeat", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.
Beach Ball

Your Sprint creates a watery globe behind you, which surges ahead once you stop.

This can support "Sprint into a safe angle", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.
Romantic Spark

Rushing into foes with Blitz immediately activates the effect and makes it stronger.

This can support "Sprint into a safe angle", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.
Nitro Boost

Your Sprint is 15% faster and gives you a barrier that ignores instances of damage.

This can support "Sprint into a safe angle", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.
Thunder Rush

Rushing causes surrounding foes to be struck by lightning bolts.

This can support "Sprint into a safe angle", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.
Run upgrades

Daedalus Hammers next

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.

HammerChangeFit
Rapid Frame

Your Attacks are 35% faster.

S
Launcher Frame

Whenever your Attack strikes a foe, your Special has a 25% chance to fire automatically.

A
Sudden Salvo

Your Omega Special locks on faster and uses 20% less Magick.

A

Reward order

  1. Core BoonFill the aspect's attack damage slot before spending rewards on optional scaling.
  2. Daedalus HammerTake a compatible top-ranked Hammer after the Boon for the build's main move. No Hammer is required to make the build function.
  3. Maximum LifeMove maximum Life ahead of damage rewards when the current route cannot survive the next guardian reliably.
  4. Pom of PowerUse Poms after the main Boon exists so levels land on an effect the build repeatedly uses.
  5. Magick recoveryTake recovery only after the normal-move plan and immediate survival needs are covered.
  6. Duo or LegendaryPursue a Duo or Legendary only after the build already contains a valid choice from every prerequisite set.

Useful interactions

  • 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.

Switch Keepsakes when their job is done

The starting Keepsake is listed in Setup. These are the in-run swaps.

  1. 2
    Later regionsLuckier Toothlimited use

    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.
  2. 3
    Final regionKnuckle Boneslimited use

    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.

Boss and route decisions

Use mobility to stay beside the boss and avoid holding Attack longer than the current opening.

Its movement speed is useful on both routes and reduces the cost of unfamiliar rooms.

Aspect rank progression

Each rank lists its forge cost and the exact value it gives this Aspect.

StepEffectCost
Rank 1Common
Speed Bonus
0%
Included
Rank 2Rare
Speed Bonus
5%
Rank 3Epic
Speed Bonus
10%
Rank 4Heroic
Speed Bonus
15%
Rank 5Legendary
Speed Bonus
20%

Safest run plan

Excels at
Faster Sprint and Blind create the Coat's attack angle
Watch for
Splitting upgrades across both moves still lowers the ceiling
SOverall grade

Combat sequence

  1. 1

    Sprint through an empty angle and Blind nearby threats

  2. 2

    Use a short rooted Attack string

  3. 3

    Back away behind seeking Special before repeating

Also strong

  • Attack and seeking Special preserve damage while Melinoe moves

Avoid

  • Sprint cannot rescue an attack string held through an enemy response
SConsistency
AClear speed
SSafety
AHigh Fear
Essential loadout

Take these five Boons first

Sprint through an empty angle and Blind nearby threats

  1. Priority 1DashBlinding Rush
  2. Priority 2AttackIce Strike
  3. Priority 3SpecialNova Flourish
  4. Priority 4CastArctic Ring
  5. Priority 5GainBorn Gain
Commit check

When this build comes online

The first two stages make the plan functional. The last is a power spike, not a reason to delay the run.

  1. 01
    The main move is funded

    Secure Blinding Rush.

    The carrying action now has its required Boon, so the basic sequence works without filling unrelated slots.
  2. 02
    The build is online

    Secure the main choices: Blinding Rush + Ice Strike + Nova Flourish.

    Faster Sprint and Blind create the Coat's attack angle The named choices now reinforce the same sequence instead of competing for upgrades.
  3. 03
    The first major power spike

    Take Rapid Frame 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.
Alternatives and slot details

Adjust only after the five essentials

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 choiceFallbacks if the first choice does not appearWhy
Priority 1 · DashBuild focus
Blinding RushS

Your Sprint is faster and inflicts Daze on surrounding foes.

Frigid RushB

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 through an empty angle and Blind nearby threats" without changing the reliability loop.
This is a breakpoint for "Sprint through an empty angle and Blind nearby threats". It powers a move the reliability plan already repeats instead of splitting upgrades across unrelated actions.
Priority 2 · AttackBuild focus
Ice StrikeS

Your Attacks deal more damage and inflict Freeze.

Nova StrikeB

Your Attacks deal more damage in a larger area.

Use this only when the preferred attack choice is unavailable. It preserves "Use a short rooted Attack string" without changing the reliability loop.
This is a breakpoint for "Use a short rooted Attack string". It powers a move the reliability plan already repeats instead of splitting upgrades across unrelated actions.
Priority 3 · SpecialBuild focus
Nova FlourishS

Your Specials deal more damage in a larger area.

Ice FlourishB

Your Specials deal more damage and inflict Freeze.

Use this only when the preferred special choice is unavailable. It preserves "Back away behind seeking Special before repeating" without changing the reliability loop.
This is a breakpoint for "Back away behind seeking Special before repeating". It powers a move the reliability plan already repeats instead of splitting upgrades across unrelated actions.
Priority 4 · CastSupporting slot
Arctic RingS

Your Casts inflict Freeze and repeatedly deal damage to foes in the binding circle.

Solar RingB

Your Casts inflict Daze, and deal a burst of damage before they expire.

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 GainS

Whenever you run out of Magick, Prime until the next location to restore all Magick.

Cardio GainB

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.
Optional ceiling

Duo and Legendary targets

Finish the functional build first. Open Requirement to compare this plan with the other valid options.

Duo Boons

Pairings this plan can reach without replacing its main actions.

Warm BreezeA

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.

Requirement
This plan uses
Choose one Boon from each of 2 prerequisite groups.Other options
  1. Group 1
  2. Group 2
Cherished HeirloomA

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.

Requirement
This plan uses
Choose one Boon from each of 2 prerequisite groups.Other options
  1. Group 1
  2. Group 2
Sun WorshiperA

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.

Requirement
This plan uses
Choose one Boon from each of 2 prerequisite groups.Other options
  1. Group 1
  2. Group 2
Tropical CycloneA

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.

Requirement
This plan uses
Choose one Boon from each of 2 prerequisite groups.Other options
  1. Group 1
  2. Group 2
Beyond the five slots

Additional useful Boons

Add these only after the five main slots are secure. The tiers are specific to safest mode.

BSituational fits27 Boons
Passion Rush

Rushing damages surrounding foes and inflicts Weak, and again once you stop.

This can support "Sprint through an empty angle and Blind nearby threats", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.
Flutter Strike

Your Attacks deal more damage to nearby foes.

This can support "Use a short rooted Attack string", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.
Vicious Flourish

Your Specials deal more damage and inflict Wounds.

This can support "Back away behind seeking Special before repeating", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.
Stabbing Rush

Your Dash creates a row of falling blades along your path.

This can support "Sprint through an empty angle and Blind nearby threats", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.
Vicious Strike

Your Attacks deal more damage and inflict Wounds.

This can support "Use a short rooted Attack string", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.
Fire Away

Your Casts destroy many foes' ranged shots, and inflict Scorch on the attacking foes.

This can support "Sprint through an empty angle and Blind nearby threats", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.
Controlled Burn

Your Omega Special also launches a fireball, but uses +10 Magick.

This can support "Back away behind seeking Special before repeating", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.
Volcanic Flourish

Your Specials can cause a blast that deals 500 damage in the area.

This can support "Back away behind seeking Special before repeating", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.
Smithy Rush

If a foe is near after you Dash, you can cause a blast that deals 200 damage in the area.

This can support "Sprint through an empty angle and Blind nearby threats", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.
Volcanic Strike

Your Attacks can cause a blast that deals 400 damage in the area.

This can support "Use a short rooted Attack string", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.
Sworn Flourish

Your Specials deal more damage and inflict Hitch.

This can support "Back away behind seeking Special before repeating", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.
Nexus Rush

Your Sprint inflicts Hitch on surrounding foes, and deals damage when it does.

This can support "Sprint through an empty angle and Blind nearby threats", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.
Sworn Strike

Your Attacks deal more damage and inflict Hitch.

This can support "Use a short rooted Attack string", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.
Racing Thoughts

Your Omega moves are faster.

This can support "Back away behind seeking Special before repeating", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.
Nimble Limbs

Your Attack, Special, and Cast are faster.

This can support "Use a short rooted Attack string", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.
Flame Flourish

Your Specials inflict Scorch.

This can support "Back away behind seeking Special before repeating", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.
Heat Rush

Your Sprint leaves a cinder trail, and any damage you take from burning is reduced to 1.

This can support "Sprint through an empty angle and Blind nearby threats", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.
Flame Strike

Your Attacks inflict Scorch.

This can support "Use a short rooted Attack string", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.
Wave Flourish

Your Specials hit foes with a splash that knocks other foes away.

This can support "Back away behind seeking Special before repeating", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.
Beach Ball

Your Sprint creates a watery globe behind you, which surges ahead once you stop.

This can support "Sprint through an empty angle and Blind nearby threats", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.
Breaker Rush

Whenever you Sprint, hit the first foe you run into with a blast that knocks foes away.

This can support "Sprint through an empty angle and Blind nearby threats", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.
Wave Strike

Your Attacks hit foes with a splash that knocks other foes away.

This can support "Use a short rooted Attack string", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.
Romantic Spark

Rushing into foes with Blitz immediately activates the effect and makes it stronger.

This can support "Sprint through an empty angle and Blind nearby threats", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.
Nitro Boost

Your Sprint is 15% faster and gives you a barrier that ignores instances of damage.

This can support "Sprint through an empty angle and Blind nearby threats", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.
Heaven Flourish

Your Specials inflict Blitz.

This can support "Back away behind seeking Special before repeating", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.
Thunder Rush

Rushing causes surrounding foes to be struck by lightning bolts.

This can support "Sprint through an empty angle and Blind nearby threats", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.
Heaven Strike

Your Attacks inflict Blitz.

This can support "Use a short rooted Attack string", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.
Run upgrades

Daedalus Hammers next

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.

HammerChangeFit
Rapid Frame

Your Attacks are 35% faster.

S
Launcher Frame

Whenever your Attack strikes a foe, your Special has a 25% chance to fire automatically.

A
Sudden Salvo

Your Omega Special locks on faster and uses 20% less Magick.

A

Reward order

  1. Core BoonFill the aspect's attack damage slot before spending rewards on optional scaling.
  2. Daedalus HammerTake a compatible top-ranked Hammer after the Boon for the build's main move. No Hammer is required to make the build function.
  3. Maximum LifeMove maximum Life ahead of damage rewards when the current route cannot survive the next guardian reliably.
  4. Pom of PowerUse Poms after the main Boon exists so levels land on an effect the build repeatedly uses.
  5. Magick recoveryTake recovery only after the normal-move plan and immediate survival needs are covered.
  6. Duo or LegendaryPursue a Duo or Legendary only after the build already contains a valid choice from every prerequisite set.

Useful interactions

  • 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.

Switch Keepsakes when their job is done

The starting Keepsake is listed in Setup. These are the in-run swaps.

  1. 2
    Later regionsLuckier Toothlimited use

    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.
  2. 3
    Final regionKnuckle Boneslimited use

    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.

Boss and route decisions

Use Sprint to choose the angle before attacking, not after the boss begins its response.

Blind and seeking Special keep the plan stable in both crowded and open rooms.

Aspect rank progression

Each rank lists its forge cost and the exact value it gives this Aspect.

StepEffectCost
Rank 1Common
Speed Bonus
0%
Included
Rank 2Rare
Speed Bonus
5%
Rank 3Epic
Speed Bonus
10%
Rank 4Heroic
Speed Bonus
15%
Rank 5Legendary
Speed Bonus
20%