The Altar of Ashes is unlocked at the start of the game and allows players to equip Arcana Cards to Melinoë in Hades 2. Through gameplay, you will gain an Incantation that will upgrade the Altar, granting enhanced effects from each Card. The bosses of the Underworld are challenging, and players will need to prepare to defeat Chronos. Melinoë has five Nocturnal Arms that she can wield and gather ingredients to perform powerful Incantations at the Crossroads. However, unlocking and equipping the proper Arcana Cards can make all the difference in a successful run.
Many of the Incantations in Hades 2 are granted by Heistress Hecate. However, the one needed to upgrade the Altar of Ashes appears after a specific requirement is met. Even when empowering Arcana Cards, a player's success results from their skill. Only through studying each boss's attack patterns can you truly ensure victory. Every Arcana Card has a cost, typically determined by how strong the listed effect is. Melinoë can only equip up to a certain cost, so choose wisely before leaving the Crossroads.
Hades 2: How To Get More Deathcaps (& What They're For)
Hades 2 has countless reagents which Melinoe can find to craft upgrades, incantations, and more. Deathcaps are rare reagent to find in Erebus.
How To Upgrade The Altar Of Ashes & Arcana Cards In Hades 2
As the name suggests, unlocking Arcana Cards requires Ash in Hades 2. This plentiful resource can be earned during combat encounters, ordered from Charon's Gold Rewards, or purchased from the Wretched Broker for Bones. There are currently 25 Arcana Cards in the Early Access version of the game. Players will need to gather plenty of Ash to unlock each one. After enough resources are spent, the Incantation Consecration of Ashes will appear on the menu. Once completed, the Altar of Ashes will be upgraded.
Materials |
Amount |
|---|---|
Ash |
x6 |
Cinder |
x1 |
Fate Fabric |
x6 |
By this point, players should have a sufficient amount of Ash. The easiest way to obtain Fate Fabric is from the Wretched Broker. However, Cinder can only be obtained by defeating Heistress Hecate in Hades 2. Once the Altar of Ashes is enhanced, you can upgrade Arcana Cards to enhance their effects. This is easier said than done, though. Each upgrade requires Moon Dust.
This material can be obtained through three methods: purchasing from the Wretched Broker, ordering through Charon's Gold Rewards, or by Alchemy in the Incantation cauldron. Many Arcana Cards will also require additional materials that can be earned from defeating bosses or gathered in combat encounters.
Upgrading the Eternity Arcana Card as soon as possible will help tremendously. This can be enhanced twice to grant 3 Death Defiance each night.
Arcana Cards are a fun mechanic that has a dramatic impact on gameplay. Taking the time to unlock each one is worthwhile and should be accomplished as early as possible. Gather Moon Dust and upgrade every Arcana to make combat easier in Hades 2.
