Mastering Hades 2's Fields of Mourning: Tips for Triumph Over the Infernal Beast

Welcome to the Fields of Mourning, the third dungeon region in the underworldly epic that is Hades 2. As you’ve battled your way through Erebus and Oceanus, you’ve honed your skills, gathered your boons, and now you stand before the Fields, ready to face new challenges and the formidable Infernal Beast. But fear not, for I come bearing the wisdom of the gods and the strategies of the victorious to aid you in your quest. Let’s dive into the best tips to not only survive but thrive in the Fields of Mourning.

Weapons, Incantations, and Strategy in the Fields of Mourning

Let’s talk weaponry. By now, you’ve likely unlocked a veritable arsenal, but it’s time to reassess your choices. While the Witch’s Staff has served you well, the Fields of Mourning may call for a change in your armament. Consider the Moonstone Axe, a behemoth of a weapon that trades speed for devastating area-of-effect (AoE) damage. It’s a game-changer for those who can master its rhythm.

As you traverse the Fields, keep your eyes peeled for opportunities to use the environment to your advantage. The Fields are rife with hazards that can be turned against your foes. One such example is the large flora that, when struck, can unleash additional harm upon your enemies. It’s these Terrain Kills that can often turn the tide of a skirmish, so stay alert and use the underworld to your benefit.

About Incantations. These powerful spells can be the difference between victory and defeat, and leaving them locked is a mistake you can’t afford to make. Here are a few that I’ve found indispensable: ‘Rise of Stygian Wells’ can provide you with a Well of Charon, offering extra buffs for purchase. ‘Briny Lifespring’ reveals a hidden chamber in Oceanus, allowing you to heal before facing the Fields. And ‘Kindred Keepsakes’ gives you the flexibility to change your Keepsake between regions, which is more helpful than you might initially think.

With your arsenal upgraded and your Incantations at the ready, it’s time to focus on strategy. The Fields of Mourning are generous, offering more than one Boon or buff per room. This is a significant adjustment from previous regions, and it’s crucial to make the most of it. Prioritize Boons that enhance your Attack, Special, and Cast, as these will be your bread and butter in combat. And don’t forget to use any Poms of Power you collect to upgrade these Boons further.

Speaking of Boons, Hephaestus is a god you’ll want to curry favor with. His Boons can add blast damage to your attacks, creating explosions that deal significant damage and can affect multiple targets. These are particularly effective against bosses and armored enemies, allowing you to chip away at their health with large bursts of damage. Keep an eye out for his ‘Volcanic Strike’ and ‘Volcanic Flourish’ Boons for your Attack and Special, respectively.

Another aspect to consider is the Surrounding Auras that affect the environment. At the start of a run, check the Boons menu for any active auras, as these can influence the resources that appear, which are necessary for certain Incantations or trades. For instance, the Rainfall aura in Erebus increases the chance of finding Deathcap mushrooms, so always be on the lookout for these environmental cues.

Melinoe’s Magick meter is another tool at your disposal. Use it to empower your Attack, Special, and Cast into Omega Moves. These potent abilities can change the course of an encounter, especially when combined with the right Boons. Since the Magick bar refills upon entering a new arena, don’t hesitate to use these moves liberally.

Don’t underestimate the power of Melinoe’s Cast ability. It can slow or immobilize enemies, which is invaluable against the swift adversaries you’ll face in the Fields. Enhance it with Omega Cast or Boons for additional effects, such as knockback or size increase.

As you can see, the Fields of Mourning are a complex tapestry of strategy and skill. But with the right weapon in hand, the environment at your back, and the gods’ blessings, you’ll navigate this treacherous region with the confidence of a true champion of the underworld. Stay tuned for the next section, where we’ll delve into the tactics for taking down the Infernal Beast itself.

Tactics for Defeating the Infernal Beast

You’ve mastered the Fields of Mourning with the right weapons, Incantations, and Boons, it’s time to face the ultimate challenge: the Infernal Beast. This formidable guardian stands between you and further glory in Hades 2, but with the right tactics and Boon synergy, you can emerge victorious. Let’s break down the boss battle strategies that will help you conquer the Infernal Beast.

The Infernal Beast is a daunting opponent, with a variety of attacks that can quickly deplete your health if you’re not careful. The key to this fight is positioning and timing. You’ll want to stay behind the beast as much as possible, as this is where you’re safest from its attacks. When it raises both hands, it’s a signal to get out of the way quickly to avoid the AoE damage. If it raises one hand, you know to get behind it to avoid the larger damage radius.

As the battle progresses, the Infernal Beast will swipe its arm, sending out an arc of fiery damage. This attack can be dodged through, but it requires precise timing. Halfway through the fight, the beast will summon minions. While they can be a distraction, they also provide an opportunity to deal extra damage to the Infernal Beast if you’ve equipped Boons like ‘Volcanic Strike’ or ‘Volcanic Flourish’ from Hephaestus, which cause your attacks to create blasts that deal area damage.

The second half of the fight introduces new challenges. You’ll need to watch for orange circles that signal an incoming attack. Finding a small safe spot can be tricky, but it’s crucial for avoiding significant damage. Another attack to watch out for is the boss’s bursts of fire, which can be avoided by staying behind it.

To prepare for this battle, you should consider equipping Boons that enhance your offensive capabilities. ‘Volcanic Strike’ and ‘Volcanic Flourish’ from Hephaestus are excellent choices, as they add blast damage to your attacks and specials, respectively. ‘Cross Cataclysm’ from Daedalus increases your magick-imbued attack damage and adds a sideways strike, which can be particularly useful for hitting multiple targets or dealing with minions.

Another Boon to consider is ‘Arctic Ring’ from Demeter, which causes your casts to deal damage repeatedly in an area and inflict Freeze. This can help control the battlefield and slow down the Infernal Beast and its minions. ‘Soot Spring’ from Hestia is also valuable, as it allows your sprint to destroy most ranged shots near you and inflict Scorch on foes.

Throughout the fight, remember to use Melinoe’s Magick meter to your advantage. Empower your attacks, specials, and casts with Omega Moves whenever possible, as these can significantly turn the tide of the battle. Since the Magick bar refills upon entering a new arena, don’t hold back on using these powerful moves.

Your Cast ability is another critical tool in this fight. It can slow or immobilize enemies, which is incredibly useful against the Infernal Beast’s swift attacks. Enhancing your Cast with Omega Cast or Boons for additional effects can make a significant difference in your ability to control the pace of the battle.

Sprinting is essential in this fight, as it allows you to quickly reposition and avoid the Infernal Beast’s tracking attacks. Some Boons can enhance your sprint, making you even faster and allowing you to apply status effects to enemies. This can be a lifesaver when trying to dodge the Infernal Beast’s more aggressive moves.

Don’t forget to upgrade your build with the right Keepsake. Keepsakes provide various buffs and can be the edge you need to defeat the Infernal Beast. Choose one that complements your playstyle and the Boons you’ve equipped to maximize your chances of success.

By combining these tactics and carefully selecting your Boons and Keepsakes, you’ll be well-equipped to take on the Infernal Beast. Remember to stay calm, focus on your positioning, and use your abilities strategically. With perseverance and skill, you’ll defeat the guardian of the Fields of Mourning and continue your journey through the underworld of Hades 2.

The Infernal Beast may be a fearsome foe, but it’s not invincible. With the right preparation and strategy, you can overcome this obstacle and prove your worth as a champion of the underworld. Embrace the challenge, and may the gods be with you as you battle for glory and honor in Hades 2.