Introduction
We’ve all been there: that tantalizing run in Hades, brimming with potential, where you feel like you’re finally going to break through the layers of the Underworld and reach the surface. You envision the perfect build, a symphony of synergistic boons that will decimate the forces of the dead. But then… the RNG strikes. A crucial god refuses to offer their boon, or the Daedalus Hammer provides an upgrade that clashes horribly with your strategy. The dream run turns into a bitter defeat.
Hades, developed by Supergiant Games, is a critically acclaimed roguelike that has captivated players with its compelling narrative, engaging combat, and stunning art style. A core element of the roguelike genre, and one that is particularly prominent in Hades, is Random Number Generation, or RNG. This system governs nearly every aspect of the game, from the boons offered by the Olympian gods to the rewards found within each chamber.
Now, let’s talk about “Sols”. ( [Insert clear and detailed explanation of what “Sols” builds are here. This is vital for the rest of the article to make sense. Examples: Are they specific weapon builds? A type of play style focused on a particular god or ability? Is it an acronym for something? Give specific examples of “Sols” builds to ground the definition.]). These particular approaches to navigating the Underworld, when executed effectively, offer powerful and rewarding gameplay experiences.
However, the inherent randomness of Hades can significantly impact the viability of pursuing any “Sols” strategy. A string of unlucky boon offerings or unfavorable hammer upgrades can cripple a run before it even truly begins. This article explores the impact of RNG on “Sols” builds in Hades, providing strategies for mitigating its negative effects and maximizing your chances of success. We’ll delve into the mechanics of RNG, analyze how it affects key builds, and offer practical tips for taming the randomness and conquering the Underworld.
Understanding How Randomness Rules the Underworld
RNG permeates nearly every facet of a Hades run. Understanding how it works is the first step to mitigating its impact. Here’s a breakdown of the key areas where RNG plays a role:
Chamber Rewards
Each chamber in the Underworld offers a different reward upon completion. These can range from boons bestowed by the gods to Charon’s Obol, used to purchase items, or Pom blossoms, which enhance existing boons. The type of reward offered in each chamber is determined randomly, introducing an element of unpredictability to your resource acquisition.
Boon Selection – Divine Favor
Perhaps the most impactful area of RNG lies in the selection of boons offered by the Olympian gods. Each god offers a unique set of boons, and the specific boons presented to you are chosen randomly from their pool. These boons come in different tiers of power: Common, Rare, Epic, and Heroic, each offering increased strength and unique effects. The availability of specific boons, particularly those crucial to your chosen “Sols” build, can make or break a run.
Daedalus Hammer – Weapon Upgrades
Found periodically throughout your escape attempts, the Daedalus Hammer offers a choice of two weapon upgrades that drastically alter your weapon’s attack patterns and capabilities. These upgrades are chosen randomly, and while some can be incredibly powerful, others may clash with your intended playstyle, potentially hindering your progress.
Well of Charon – Random Wares
Found within chambers guarded by Charon, the Well of Charon offers a selection of random items for purchase using Obol. These items can provide temporary buffs, restore health, or offer other advantages, but their availability is unpredictable, and their usefulness can vary depending on your current build and needs.
While perhaps not truly random, Hades also employs a system for enemy encounters. The creatures you face may depend on the biome you find yourself in.
The significance of RNG on build viability is undeniable. A “Sols” build carefully planned can fall apart if the necessary boons simply refuse to appear. This forces players to adapt and improvise, which is often the key to success in Hades.
“Sols” Builds and Facing Random Chance
To understand the RNG challenge, let’s examine a few “Sols” builds and how their success hinges on luck. ( [Remember to tailor these examples to the actual definition of “Sols” you provided earlier!])
Let’s imagine, hypothetically, that a “Sols” build focuses on the Aspect of Zagreus Sword.
A hypothetical “Sols” Build Based on Critical Hits
A player might decide to choose the passive boosts to critical hit chance provided by the mirror of night, and decide to focus on critical hits for their playthrough.
This hypothetical build revolves around specific boons that enhance critical hit chance and damage. For example, Artemis’s “Deadly Strike” and “Deadly Flourish” are crucial for increasing critical hit chance on your attack and special. “Support Fire,” which fires seeking arrows when you cast, also greatly improves damage.
This build is relatively high on the RNG dependency scale. If Artemis refuses to offer Deadly Strike or Deadly Flourish early on, the build’s effectiveness is severely hampered. It relies heavily on finding these specific boons to function optimally. If “Support Fire” doesn’t appear, the build will struggle against hordes of enemies.
If Artemis is elusive, you might consider Aphrodite’s boons for increasing damage against weakened foes, or Ares’ boons for applying Doom and dealing damage over time. While not ideal, these can provide a backup plan if the critical hit build doesn’t materialize.
The Aspect of Hecate (spear) offers attack damage which would be helpful for this build.
Another Hypothetical “Sols” Build Focusing On Cast Damage
A player might choose to focus on the cast ability, empowering it with gems and boons to deal damage.
Poseidon’s boon “Tidal Wave” can knock enemies back, giving a player breathing room. Then, Artemis’ boon “Fully Loaded” increases the number of casts available, empowering them.
Like any cast build, it is highly dependent on gem drops, and Poseidon and Artemis boon offerings.
If Poseidon and Artemis are elusive, perhaps consider Zeus’ boon “Lightning Strike” for consistent DPS.
The Hera bow gives the player an additional cast to fire, making it ideal for the playstyle.
Strategies for Taming the Underworld: How to Beat the Odds
While RNG is an unavoidable element of Hades, there are several strategies you can employ to mitigate its negative impact and increase your chances of success.
Embrace Flexibility – Adaptability
The most important strategy is to avoid being overly rigid in your build planning. Be prepared to adapt your strategy based on the boons and upgrades that are actually offered to you. If a key boon is unavailable, explore alternative options and build synergies around what is available.
Understanding Boon Interactions – Know Thy Gods
Become familiar with the boons offered by each god and how they interact with each other. Knowing which boons synergize well together, even if they weren’t your initial plan, can help you create a powerful build regardless of the initial RNG.
Prioritizing Key Boons – A Ruthless Focus
Learn to identify the boons that are absolutely essential for your chosen “Sols” build. Focus on acquiring these key boons early in your run, even if it means sacrificing other potential upgrades.
Keepsake Management – Divine Influence
Utilize keepsakes strategically to increase the likelihood of encountering specific god boons. Equip the keepsake of the god whose boon you desperately need at the beginning of your run, and switch to other keepsakes as needed once you’ve secured those key boons.
Chaos Boons – Risk and Reward
Consider the risk-reward of accepting boons from Chaos. While Chaos boons often come with a temporary debuff, they can provide significant power boosts that can compensate for a poor boon selection.
Mirror of Night – A Helping Hand
Don’t forget the Mirror of Night! Invest in upgrades that allow you to reroll boon choices or gain bonus starting stats, giving you a slight edge in mitigating RNG.
Resource Management – Strategic Spending
Spend your Obol wisely at the Well of Charon. Consider purchasing rerolls to improve your boon choices, or purchase items that provide immediate benefits to your run.
Embrace Skill – The Great Equalizer
While RNG can be frustrating, remember that skill in combat and decision-making can often compensate for less-than-ideal boon selection. Focus on improving your dodging, positioning, and enemy attack patterns to overcome challenging encounters, even with a suboptimal build.
The Psychological Game – Accepting the Underworld’s Whims
The psychological impact of RNG is often overlooked. It’s easy to become frustrated when a promising run is derailed by bad luck, but it’s important to remember that RNG is an inherent part of the roguelike experience. The occasional “god-tier” run, where everything aligns perfectly, is what keeps players engaged and coming back for more. It’s all about perspective. Learning to accept RNG, to view it as a challenge rather than a curse, can make the entire experience more enjoyable. Celebrate the small victories, learn from your defeats, and remember that even the most skilled players are subject to the whims of the RNG gods.
Conclusion
Mastering “Sols” builds in Hades is a journey of both skill and chance. While RNG plays a significant role in determining the success of any run, it is not an insurmountable obstacle. By understanding how RNG works, adopting flexible strategies, and prioritizing key boons, you can significantly increase your chances of conquering the Underworld. So, embrace the challenge, learn from your mistakes, and remember that even in the face of overwhelming odds, victory is always possible.
The pursuit of a powerful “Sols” build, even amidst the chaotic randomness of Hades, is a testament to the game’s depth and replayability. So go forth, brave warrior, and defy the RNG gods!
(Optional) Share your own RNG horror stories and triumphant strategies in the comments below!
