Is Aphrodite good on the special? Seems like she'd be better on the attack since there's no real benefit to stacking Weak, no?
That makes sense. It's probably the sort of thing that you'd toggle depending on what kind of build you're aiming for.
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Hades is out now, holy heck
- Thread starter Mogri
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Is Aphrodite good on the special? Seems like she'd be better on the attack since there's no real benefit to stacking Weak, no?
Regulus
Sir Knightbot
Privileged Status is probably better. And IIRC every single god has a status effect (some by default, some added with additional boons -- rupture, expose, jolt, etc), so it's not too hard to get it going even if you have to wait a little longer with certain gods.
I usually use Family Favorite, though, just because I don't like the way Privileged Status encourages you to fight a particular way.
I usually use Family Favorite, though, just because I don't like the way Privileged Status encourages you to fight a particular way.
-Ares works on the bow attack for Chiron, definitely, since your normal rhythm is attack-special-special so it has plenty of time to go off (even with the longer-trigger boon). Aphrodite is another strong choice to keep weakness (and damage vulnerability, if you can get it) on.
-Dionysus would be wasted on the special (except maaaybe at the aspect's lowest level, which I realize now is what you'd be using). But it only stacks to 5, and even with the lowest number of arrows you'll probably want to land at least two volleys between each attack, so some of those arrows would trigger no boon bonus. This gets more pronounced the higher you level Chiron. Do not recommend. Zeus is another that I don't recommend; the bolts on lightning flourish are limited per target (no more than one per target every .2 seconds I believe), so you'll trigger a bolt on no more than one or two arrows per volley. Big waste of potential.
-Demeter and Artemis are my two favorites for the Chiron special. Demeter has high attack and frost stacks high; Artemis gets a lot of damage-boosted crits. Aphrodite is a close third; her special doesn't stack, but her modifier is as strong as Demeter's - slightly stronger? I forget - and weak is always good. Plus if you get the "extra damage to weakened enemies" boon, it basically increases all but one of those very many arrows by x% as well.
-(Another remote, less-key thing to think of is that Aphrodite is the best of those three to use on a non-homing special attack, since it applies the curse equally to all instead of Demeter's 1 stack, or Aphrodite's single hit. ALSO, Ares on attack + Aphrodite on special makes available the duo boon that weakened enemies continually tick Doom damage, which isn't just good single-target, but can be very good to spread to many enemies at once with a non-homing special shot. The duo boons for Ares and Artemis or Demeter both work off the blade rift cast instead of Doom. But none of that is as important as having a powerful boon on special to tear enemies up.)
Also, privileged status gives you more damage more immediately than family favorite, but it's harder to trigger and keep up reliably, and asks for certain boons and builds (and feels pretty limited to me). Sometimes it takes me until partway through Asphodel to get two curses. Family Favorite usually won't give you as much total damage, it's fairly rare to end up with all 8 Olympians (and often not optimal), but you start getting that ramp up right out of the starting gate and still end up with a decent chunk of damage you don't need to worry about. I typically use Family Favorite because it's just simpler and more widely applicable, but Privileged Status is definitely strong and I'll whip it out depending on the weapon and build I'm planning on.
Her boons give a decent damage boost, and even if you can't stack weak tagging an entire room with it from the other side is pretty good.
Artemis is also a great one I didn't list, but Artemis can go on anything that you want to deal damage with very easily so it goes without saying (and I'll often take her Call or Cast or the chance for every attack to crit instead when I see her).
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If you want to really high roll for some DPS, try out Aphrodite on attack and Artemis on special, and look for the Aphro-Art duo (Heart Rend), health bars melt very quickly. Even if you don't get the duo, those are two good damage-boosting boons you got AND a nice status.
Thanks to all of you (and particularly Paul for that long post), that was super helpful info. I had some truly awful runs starting out -- I'm talking runs where I was barely offered any boons in Tartarus, never saw a hammer, and was often in Asphodel without anything on special. I had one Aphrodite/Demeter run that got up to Hades, but I just couldn't dish out enough damage.
Finally I decided to try starting with Artemis, and led with her on special. The game then threw me Ares for attack, and the +4 arrows hammer. I was only able to pick up a couple of Aphrodite boons, notably the cast, so I couldn't quite make that combo work, but I did notably get Support Fire and Clean Kill. Most enemies just melted at that point, and I think I had the quickest Elysium miniboss fight I've ever seen. I'm happy to say this finally got me a bow escape, and I've won with every weapon now.
What are some ways to ease into adding heat to runs? The one that increases trap damage seems like a relatively painless way to start.
Finally I decided to try starting with Artemis, and led with her on special. The game then threw me Ares for attack, and the +4 arrows hammer. I was only able to pick up a couple of Aphrodite boons, notably the cast, so I couldn't quite make that combo work, but I did notably get Support Fire and Clean Kill. Most enemies just melted at that point, and I think I had the quickest Elysium miniboss fight I've ever seen. I'm happy to say this finally got me a bow escape, and I've won with every weapon now.
What are some ways to ease into adding heat to runs? The one that increases trap damage seems like a relatively painless way to start.
Egarwaen
(He/Him)
Extreme Measures 1 is more or less a free bounty level.
-Extreme Measures 1 is pretty simple since you've likely already got the first boss fight down pat.
-1 level in the 1-hit-before-they-take-damage (I forget the name) is like nothing at all for any weapon that hits remotely fast; it's really only a problem if you have big-opening-damage builds.
-15% more health is a relatively minor upgrade.
-The time limit is surprisingly not too punishing, since the clock pauses when you're picking boons or shopping, when fishing, after boss fights until the first encounter of the next level, in NPC encounter chambers (including Thanatos), and more. You have to pick up your pace but the only real downside is missing a few money urns now and then.
-Extreme Measures 2 really isn't too bad either.
-Traps isn't too bad if you're very careful about not getting hit by traps or lava. I...am not, but it's still a relatively easy one.
Mixing and matching just those get you to, what, up to 7 heat, which will get you to 7 runs with each weapon (and at least one easy blood per new heat attempt, 2 per full clear, to start pumping up those aspects nice and fast.) With each weapon, that's like 42 runs right there.
-1 level in the 1-hit-before-they-take-damage (I forget the name) is like nothing at all for any weapon that hits remotely fast; it's really only a problem if you have big-opening-damage builds.
-15% more health is a relatively minor upgrade.
-The time limit is surprisingly not too punishing, since the clock pauses when you're picking boons or shopping, when fishing, after boss fights until the first encounter of the next level, in NPC encounter chambers (including Thanatos), and more. You have to pick up your pace but the only real downside is missing a few money urns now and then.
-Extreme Measures 2 really isn't too bad either.
-Traps isn't too bad if you're very careful about not getting hit by traps or lava. I...am not, but it's still a relatively easy one.
Mixing and matching just those get you to, what, up to 7 heat, which will get you to 7 runs with each weapon (and at least one easy blood per new heat attempt, 2 per full clear, to start pumping up those aspects nice and fast.) With each weapon, that's like 42 runs right there.
This is VERY dependent on your comfort level with the final boss, since the urns count as traps, and Heightened Security turns them into -150 HP death bombs.
If you have Dark Foresight in the mirror maxed out (and you have Fated Persuasion), Underworld Customs (have to sell a boon before each region) isn't too bad since boon rooms become more common and you can load up on extra boons, and you can save a reroll just in case the purging station only offers up your important boons to sell.
I...hadn't considered that, and I will probably die to this. Guess I'll start with a different option!
I've been using Olympian Favor since it seems like a lot of folks here highly value boon rarity, should I be using Dark Foresight instead? It's so hard to know sometimes which of the two Mirror options is better.
The second tier of Extreme measures is usually a non issue, second boss tends to just die faster with that.
Tiers after that can be pretty rough.
I’d start working benefits package 1 ASAP as there is a minor prophecy for killing something with each of the bonuses.
Tiers after that can be pretty rough.
I’d start working benefits package 1 ASAP as there is a minor prophecy for killing something with each of the bonuses.
Egarwaen
(He/Him)
My understanding is that Gods' Pride/Legacy is more impactful so you wind up with a net gain of rarer boons by increasing your number of boon picks.
I'm all about that Dark Foresight. Keep that sub-chamber garbage outta my face!
I'm also all about God's Legacy to get those legendaries and duos. In my experience, with that talent maxed, you overall have pretty good chances to get them as long as you can get the requirements.
I'm also all about God's Legacy to get those legendaries and duos. In my experience, with that talent maxed, you overall have pretty good chances to get them as long as you can get the requirements.
Yeah, ever since I maxed out Gods' Legacy I've been getting Duo boons pretty consistently in every run, sometimes two or three! I've also found two Legendaries total, so far. For my next run I'll try swapping Olympian Favor for Dark Foresight and see how it feels.
In the meantime, I just had three successful escapes in a row, bringing my streak up to four! Gun, bow, and fists. The gun run was the best run I've had to date. Started with an Epic Zeus boon on attack, and got the Dionysus "nectar boosts your max health" boon very early, so I had nearly 200 HP before I even left Tartarus. I also got the Cluster Bomb upgrade and Demeter on special very early, so I felt pretty unstoppable for most of the game. Somewhere along the way I picked up Epic-level Static Discharge and Double Strike for more lightning action, and the Demeter/Dionysus Duo boon that buffs Festive Fog also did a lot of work.
The last run was with the fists, and it was pretty much smooth sailing up until the Temple. Demeter on attack and Athena on special. Ended up going into the final boss with only two Defiances left, but with the last of my gold I was able to pick up the Athena/Demeter Duo boon that gives you health regen when you're out of Defiances and that's what made the win possible. I used my last Defiance either right before or right after going into the second phase, and I think over the rest of the fight I think I regained at least 100 HP.
I'm gonna get the rest of my 1-heat clears done, and then probably start experimenting with some other weapon aspects. So far I've really only stuck with one main aspect for each of them, but I'd like to branch out into other playstyles some more.
In the meantime, I just had three successful escapes in a row, bringing my streak up to four! Gun, bow, and fists. The gun run was the best run I've had to date. Started with an Epic Zeus boon on attack, and got the Dionysus "nectar boosts your max health" boon very early, so I had nearly 200 HP before I even left Tartarus. I also got the Cluster Bomb upgrade and Demeter on special very early, so I felt pretty unstoppable for most of the game. Somewhere along the way I picked up Epic-level Static Discharge and Double Strike for more lightning action, and the Demeter/Dionysus Duo boon that buffs Festive Fog also did a lot of work.
The last run was with the fists, and it was pretty much smooth sailing up until the Temple. Demeter on attack and Athena on special. Ended up going into the final boss with only two Defiances left, but with the last of my gold I was able to pick up the Athena/Demeter Duo boon that gives you health regen when you're out of Defiances and that's what made the win possible. I used my last Defiance either right before or right after going into the second phase, and I think over the rest of the fight I think I regained at least 100 HP.
I'm gonna get the rest of my 1-heat clears done, and then probably start experimenting with some other weapon aspects. So far I've really only stuck with one main aspect for each of them, but I'd like to branch out into other playstyles some more.
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Yeah, the boon rarity mirror talents are extremely strong, if you ever run Routine Inspection you'll really feel it; and the mirror talent that says it increases non meta resource rooms kinda sucks, you're not gonna see a third hammer or anything worth a shit enough to make it worth using. Use the legendary/duo boon talent hands down, the way the odds work out makes it way stronger as a rule.
It (relatively) fucks me up when I'm aiming for a specific duo and it doesn't pop because I'm so used to being able to muscle them in.
I honestly can't remember if this has been mentioned before but you can still score reroll dice from keys with the keys to dice contractor upgrade even if you're running Routine Inspection, you just start with zero dice.
It (relatively) fucks me up when I'm aiming for a specific duo and it doesn't pop because I'm so used to being able to muscle them in.
I honestly can't remember if this has been mentioned before but you can still score reroll dice from keys with the keys to dice contractor upgrade even if you're running Routine Inspection, you just start with zero dice.
+1 to this. More hearts is nice as well.
Also, more boons is really nice for both Underworld Customs (more likely to have a boon you're willing to part with if you have more boons in general) and Approval Process (-1 choice per rank, so you will likely need to roll for boons more times to get the ones you really want) if you're looking at cranking up the heat.
I think I'm getting a little burnt out already with the heat climb. I wish the endgame progression could happen a little faster if I'm ready for it. The best thing I could do right now is probably turn up to heat 10 or 15 so I can start learning Erebus rooms and EM3 or 4. But isn't there a problem with that where I won't advance through "partial" heat clears of lower heat levels if I die during a run? Like I need to get all the bountie rewards for a given heat level in order to advance the rewards to the next heat level?
Actually trying EM4 was enough for me to be like, "okay, I have played through this game for far longer than I enjoyed, the remaining conversations are weirdly paced, and also I dislike the writing anyway; time to delete." What are you trying to progress to? Leveling up all the weapons? Heat 32? I only wanted to "finish the plot" and didn't mind only taking it one heat at a time. A lot of "finishing the plot" involves leveling up god relationships which takes many runs regardless of heat level. Finished that before getting to 16, I think. Played a bit more. But I ultimately regretted spending so much time with the game overall. That's on me, I guess.
If you've leveled up whatever weapon in a group type you like (especially if it's the last one in a group; I think all those also have prophecies attached to getting to Hades with them) and have all the mirror perks you can use at a time leveled you might not mind only getting... purple money or whatever. Already forget what it's called!
If you've leveled up whatever weapon in a group type you like (especially if it's the last one in a group; I think all those also have prophecies attached to getting to Hades with them) and have all the mirror perks you can use at a time leveled you might not mind only getting... purple money or whatever. Already forget what it's called!
This was a good question. First I want to finish unlocking the hidden aspects of my remaining weapons. But mostly I want the game to continue to be challenging while I see more of the story and continue to accrue Titan's Blood. I guess my problem is that I could keep turning up the heat and seeing what "feels good" to me for challenge, but since you can't progress through the heat rewards for partial credit (still need confirmation of this but I'm assuming no?), I don't want to be at like heat 16 or something for a "comfortable" difficulty, but still be locked out from accruing the bounty rewards for lower heats because I start dying a bunch without clearing "easier" heats first.
And if you do, you're more likely to be able to/want to come back for a run or two later on, put it down again, play again here and there as you want to.
Rolled credits today! Plus one more celebratory escape after that.
There's a lot about this game I wish I'd figured out sooner, but I'm having plenty of fun now that I have a decent grasp on how to win. Now I just have to wait until characters stop talking to me about plot stuff and start asking me about favors!
There's a lot about this game I wish I'd figured out sooner, but I'm having plenty of fun now that I have a decent grasp on how to win. Now I just have to wait until characters stop talking to me about plot stuff and start asking me about favors!
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Sprite
(He/Him/His)
Bought this today with Christmas money. It is indeed quite good and feels really fun to control. I played about six runs so far and most recently died at the Elysium boss. The boss design is stellar.
Unfortunately, though, the bits I thought would annoy me annoy me a lot. Unlocking new weapons, drops, and passives is cool and good, since those change up how I play and approach the game. But leveling up those passives just feels like I’m grinding to remove handicaps, which frustrates the crap out of me.
And I’m really annoyed that the part of the game that pisses me off is the part that everyone else loves about it, because the success of this game means it’s going to be influencing a lot of roguelikes going forward, and they’re all going to feel compromised to me.
Unfortunately, though, the bits I thought would annoy me annoy me a lot. Unlocking new weapons, drops, and passives is cool and good, since those change up how I play and approach the game. But leveling up those passives just feels like I’m grinding to remove handicaps, which frustrates the crap out of me.
And I’m really annoyed that the part of the game that pisses me off is the part that everyone else loves about it, because the success of this game means it’s going to be influencing a lot of roguelikes going forward, and they’re all going to feel compromised to me.
So does the game stop offering you as many boons once you start adding heat? Since I've been working on heat escapes (currently up to 2-3 depending on the weapon), I'm hardly seeing any boons in Tartarus, and sometimes I get all the way to Elysium without having the main four boons (attack, special, cast, dash) filled out. Hell, yesterday I had a run where I didn't even get my first hammer until Elysium. Is this on purpose, or have I just hit a patch of bad RNG?