In the roguelike game Hades, acquiring crucial resources is essential for progressing through the Underworld. One particularly important resource is the Chthonic Key, which plays a vital role in unlocking upgrades and weapons. Here’s a detailed guide on how to obtain and use Chthonic Keys effectively in Hades.
How to Obtain Chthonic Keys in Hades
1. Clearing Rooms
As you clear rooms by defeating all enemies in a chamber, there is a chance you’ll be rewarded with a Chthonic Key. This is your primary method of obtaining keys, as it naturally aligns with your progression through the game.
2. Completing Prophecies
Completing tasks from the Fated List of Minor Prophecies, which you can access through the House Contractor, can reward you with Chthonic Keys. These prophecies often involve achieving specific milestones or completing certain objectives within the game.
3. Charon’s Shop
Chthonic Keys can be purchased from Charon’s Shop. This method allows you to directly buy keys if you have enough Obols (the in-game currency).
4. Fishing
After purchasing the Fishing Rod from the House Contractor, you can engage in fishing. Trading your catches with the Head Chef sometimes rewards you with a Chthonic Key.
5. Trading with Wretched Broker
The Wretched Broker offers trades for Chthonic Keys in exchange for other resources. However, this is generally an inefficient method and should be used sparingly.
Chthonic Key Uses in Hades
1. Unlocking Infernal Arms
One of the primary uses of Chthonic Keys is to unlock Infernal Arms, which are new weapons for Zagreus. Unlocking all the weapons requires a total of 24 keys. Prioritizing these unlocks will significantly enhance your combat capabilities.
2. Unlocking Upgrades via the Mirror of Night
The Mirror of Night provides powerful upgrades that require Chthonic Keys to unlock. A total of 65 keys is needed to unlock all the upgrades in the mirror. These upgrades are crucial for making Zagreus stronger and more resilient during runs.
3. Resetting the Mirror of Night
If you want to reset your upgrades and redistribute your Darkness points, you can do so by spending 1 Chthonic Key. This feature allows you to experiment with different upgrade combinations.
4. Trading with Wretched Broker
After unlocking all weapons and upgrades, excess Chthonic Keys can be traded with the Wretched Broker for other resources. This should be considered only when you have a surplus of keys.
5. Other Uses
- Resource Director: Chthonic Keys can be used to acquire ranks via the Resource Director.
- Chthonic Theme: The House Contractor offers a Chthonic Theme that can be purchased with Chthonic Keys.
Chthonic Keys are a valuable resource in Hades that can be obtained through various means such as clearing rooms, completing prophecies, purchasing from Charon’s Shop, fishing, and trading with the Wretched Broker. They are primarily used for unlocking weapons and upgrades via the Mirror of Night, which are essential for progressing further in the game. Efficiently acquiring and using Chthonic Keys will significantly aid your journey through the Underworld