Best Early Arcana Upgrades in Hades 2 (Tarot Cards)

To make it far in your Hades 2 runs, you'll need to have a good set of Tarot Cards. In this article, I'll show you the best set of Arcana Upgrades for the beginning of your early access Hades 2 playthrough.

Best Early Tarot Card Upgrades in Hades 2

These Tarot cards are perfect for players at the beginning of the game because they help conserve magic and health. They provide an extra bubble of protection while you learn how to use magick and fight with each available weapon.

1 - The Sorceress

Ability: While channeling Omega moves, everything will move slower for 2 seconds.

Price: 1 Ash

Grasp Needed: 1

The Sorceress Tarot card is the card that players must purchase first in Hades 2. This doesn't mean it gained its spot because it is convenient—it's genuinely a great card. The way it slows enemies' abilities helps players get used to the many different attacks while learning to use magick and avoid them. I find this particularly helpful against Wailers, and situations where you're fighting large groups of smaller enemies.

While the enemies are slowed, you can either land a few good hits and then slip away to a safe spot. Repeat this process until you've vanquished all of the enemies to beat any basic level with ease.

Related: All Voice Actors in Hades 2

2 - The Wayward Son

Ability: After exiting an area, restore 2 hearts if above 30% health or 4 hearts if 30% health or below.

Price: 3 Ash

Grasp Needed: 1

The Wayward Son is the second card to pick because it gives you a few extra hearts that could mean the difference between failing and completing a run. It also lowers the need to choose Boons that increase your total health or give you health as you leave rooms since the Tarot Card does it for you. Instead, you can choose a Boon that gives you more rewards, a little extra firepower, or a unique skill that you want to try out.

3 - The Titan

Ability: Gain 20 health and 20 magic while this card is equipped.

Price: 7 Ash

Grasp Needed: 2

The Titan is a card that I see myself using even in the deepest Hades 2 runs. It gives you both 20 extra magick power and 20 health, increasing your offensive skills and survivability. The extra magic allows you to use another one or two spells, while the health lets you to tank a few more hits. You'll want to bring the Titan card along if you plan to beat Chronos for good!

Related: All Gods in Hades 2

4 - The Unseen

Ability: Restores 2 magick every second.

Price: 20 Ash

Grasp Needed: 5

The Unseen is undoubtedly my favorite card on the list, but it rests at number 4 because you need to get at least three cards to unlock it. It allows you to naturally generate mana every second. You won't have to worry about fighting enemies without magic because you used all of your mana at the beginning of the encounter. Instead, use The Sorceress card and your Omega spells to avoid enemy attacks while your mana recharges. You can then send your enemies flying with a spell powered by The Unseen and finish them with your weapon.

5 - The Huntress

Ability: While you have less than 100% magick, your attacks and specials do an extra 30% damage.

Price: 10 Ash

Grasp Needed: 3

The Huntress Card ties your magical use and physical attacks together to help you get the most out of Hades 2. In essence, it rewards you for using magic by powering up your physical attacks after you do! This is extremely helpful for instances where you've used up your magic but are still surrounded by enemies.

While this may seem counterproductive in combination with The Unseen, keep in mind that the Huntress Card only says "less than 100% magick". You can essentially keep this physical buff for the entire level as long as you are firing off spells consistently.

Looking to revisit the original Hades before the Hades 2 comes out? Check out Who is Thanatos in Hades? Lore, Encounters, and More here on Pro Game Guides.