Independent Hades II guideNot affiliated with Supergiant Games
Aspect build · Moonstone Axe
Gain bonus Attack Power and maximum Life.
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. | |
| Phase ShiftHex | Slowing the encounter creates room to attack, reposition, or recover without replacing the build's normal actions. | It adds less immediate burst than a direct-damage Hex. |
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 approaching foes
Use one or two attacks
Dash out before committing to the final swing unless the target is controlled
Cast approaching foes
The first two stages make the plan functional. The last is a power spike, not a reason to delay the run.
Secure Flutter Strike.
The carrying action now has its required Boon, so the basic sequence works without filling unrelated slots.Use the funded move in its intended sequence: Cast approaching foes
Immediate value with no setup The funded action now carries the complete damage plan.Take Rapid Hack 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 | ||
| Flutter Strike Your Attacks deal more damage to nearby foes. Other proven fitsSworn Strike Your Attacks deal more damage and inflict Hitch. This can fill the same attack role when its condition matches "Cast approaching foes". Keep the rest of the damage plan unchanged.Nova Strike Your Attacks deal more damage in a larger area. This can fill the same attack role when its condition matches "Cast approaching foes". Keep the rest of the damage plan unchanged. | Ice Strike Your Attacks deal more damage and inflict Freeze. Use this only when the preferred attack choice is unavailable. It preserves "Cast approaching foes" without changing the damage loop. | This is a breakpoint for "Cast approaching foes". It powers a move the damage plan already repeats instead of splitting upgrades across unrelated actions. |
| Priority 2 · CastSupporting slot | ||
| Arctic Ring Your Casts inflict Freeze and repeatedly deal damage to foes in the binding circle. | Engagement Ring Your Casts inflict Hitch and immediately deal damage based 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 3 · SpecialSupporting slot | ||
| Heaven Flourish Your Specials inflict Blitz. | Flame Flourish Your Specials inflict Scorch. 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 4 · DashSupporting slot | ||
| 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 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 5 · GainSupporting slot | ||
| Glamour Gain You automatically inflict Weak on nearby foes and gradually restore Magick near them. | Born Gain 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. |
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 inflict Freeze on a foe with Scorch, deal damage and remove Scorch.
This plan can open the target with Arctic Ring + Flame 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.
While foes are Weak, any Scorch they have does not diminish as it deals damage.
This plan can open the target with Flame Flourish + Glamour 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.
As long as multiple foes are in an encounter, automatically inflict Charm on 1 of them.
This plan can open the target with Sworn Strike + Glamour 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.
Whenever you Dodge or a foe misses because of Daze, restore some Life.
This plan can open the target with Blinding Rush + Flame 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.
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 + Flame 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.
You deal more damage with your Weapon the more maximum Life you have.
This plan can open the target with Ice Strike + Glamour 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.
In each encounter, the first foe you slay returns to fight for you.
This plan can open the target with Engagement Ring + 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.
Rushing into foes with Blitz immediately activates the effect and makes it stronger.
This plan can open the target with Heaven Flourish + 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.
While standing in a Gust, you randomly fire gales every 0.3 seconds.
This plan can open the target with Nova Strike + 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.
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.
Add these only after the five main slots are secure. The tiers are specific to strongest mode.
Your Attacks deal more damage and inflict Wounds.
This can support "Cast approaching foes", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.Your Attacks can cause a blast that deals 400 damage in the area.
This can support "Cast approaching foes", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.Your Attack, Special, and Cast are faster.
This can support "Cast approaching foes", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.Your Attacks inflict Scorch.
This can support "Cast approaching foes", 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 "Cast approaching foes", but it ranks behind the named strongest choices for that slot.Your Attacks inflict Blitz.
This can support "Cast approaching foes", 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Rapid Hack | Your Attack is 30% faster. | |
| Hell Splitter | Your Attack has 300 Power, but the 3-strike sequence becomes only the final chop. | |
| Colossus Slash | Your Attacks deal 10 additional base damage, and you take 20% less damage while using them. |
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.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 short strings and reserve the slow final swing for clear recovery windows.
Its uncomplicated plan is equally reliable on either route.
Each rank lists its forge cost and the exact value it gives this Aspect.
Root approaching enemies
Use one or two direct Attacks
Sprint out and reserve the finisher for a confirmed stagger or recovery window
Root approaching enemies
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 and the aspect's Life bonus cover the Axe's long recovery The named choices now reinforce the same sequence instead of competing for upgrades.Take Rapid Hack 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 "Root approaching enemies" without changing the reliability loop. | This is a breakpoint for "Root approaching enemies". 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 approaching enemies" without changing the reliability loop. | This is a breakpoint for "Root approaching enemies". 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 and reserve the finisher for a confirmed stagger or recovery window" without changing the reliability loop. | This is a breakpoint for "Sprint out and reserve the finisher for a confirmed stagger or recovery window". 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 approaching enemies", 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 and reserve the finisher for a confirmed stagger or recovery window", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Your Casts expand in size until they expire.
This can support "Root approaching enemies", 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 approaching enemies", 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 approaching enemies", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Your Attacks deal more damage in a larger area.
This can support "Root approaching enemies", 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 approaching enemies", 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 approaching enemies", 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 and reserve the finisher for a confirmed stagger or recovery window", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Your Attacks deal more damage and inflict Wounds.
This can support "Root approaching enemies", 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 and reserve the finisher for a confirmed stagger or recovery window", 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 approaching enemies", 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 approaching enemies", 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 approaching enemies", 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 approaching enemies", 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 approaching enemies", 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 and reserve the finisher for a confirmed stagger or recovery window", 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 "Root approaching enemies", 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 approaching enemies", 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 and reserve the finisher for a confirmed stagger or recovery window", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Your Attacks deal more damage and inflict Hitch.
This can support "Root approaching enemies", 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 approaching enemies", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Your Attack, Special, and Cast are faster.
This can support "Root approaching enemies", 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 approaching enemies", 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 and reserve the finisher for a confirmed stagger or recovery window", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Your Attacks inflict Scorch.
This can support "Root approaching enemies", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Any boon effects that recharge over time recharge faster.
This can support "Root approaching enemies", 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 approaching enemies", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Your Omega Cast gains Power and knocks foes away.
This can support "Root approaching enemies", 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 and reserve the finisher for a confirmed stagger or recovery window", 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 and reserve the finisher for a confirmed stagger or recovery window", 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 "Root approaching enemies", 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 approaching enemies", 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 approaching enemies", 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 and reserve the finisher for a confirmed stagger or recovery window", 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 and reserve the finisher for a confirmed stagger or recovery window", 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 approaching enemies", 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 and reserve the finisher for a confirmed stagger or recovery window", but it ranks behind the named safest choices for that slot.Your Attacks inflict Blitz.
This can support "Root approaching enemies", 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Rapid Hack | Your Attack is 30% faster. | |
| Hell Splitter | Your Attack has 300 Power, but the 3-strike sequence becomes only the final chop. | |
| Colossus Slash | Your Attacks deal 10 additional base damage, and you take 20% less damage while using them. |
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.Treat the final swing as optional unless the boss is committed to a long recovery.
The same short-string rule works in cramped Underworld rooms and open Surface arenas.
Each rank lists its forge cost and the exact value it gives this Aspect.
