Hades dungeon guide: Elysium and Patroclus (unique character)

The Fields of Elysium is where your journey in Hades will take you. In this region, you’ll fight Theseus and the Minotaur Asterius, and you might just encounter the shade of Patroclus along the way. Here’s our mini-guide to help you out.

Note: This guide is intended for Hades’ early access stage and certain mechanics may change in due course. For more information, check out our Hades guides and features hub.

Hades guide: Region III – Elysium

The spirits of noble heroes and guardians are out to hinder Zagreus’ progress (believing him to be a dark spawn). Likewise, many areas are laden with traps such as reanimated armor — they even stab you with spears or shoot you with spectral arrows.

There are also little eggs that detonate:

The infantry-type enemies here (Brightswords, Greatshields, Longspears, and Strongbows) also have an additional quirk. When you kill them, they’ll turn into “souls” (floating eyeballs that just roam around). If you leave them alive for too long, they’ll revert back to their regular form.

In some cases, you could easily fill your Call Aid god gauge to full since you might end up damaging the same targets over and over if they keep reviving. Likewise, if you’re in a contest with Thanatos, make sure that you’re killing the units in their soul form as defeating their infantry forms don’t add to your tally.

The biggest threats, however, are the smallest mobs in Hades: Flame Wheels. These tiny chariots will beeline straight for Zagreus and explode, dealing massive damage. Try to hit them from afar or they’ll make quick work of you.

Minibosses

Soul Catcher – This giant orb is surrounded by spectral butterflies that do a bit of damage to Zagreus.

Asterius – The Minotaur can be fought one-on-one in Elysium. He’s got multiple close-range attacks with his great axe as well as a rushing charge. If you can keep him at bay, or stun him when he tries to bulldoze you, you can deal a ton of damage.

Asterius will run away from the “sparring session” once he’s down to 25% health. You’ll meet him again later on.

Special encounter: Patroclus

At first, Patroclus won’t remember who he is. This lost soul is trapped in the Elysium region of Hades.

He does offer you some “premium” versions of power-ups that are stronger than their normal counterparts. The duration of these power-ups isn’t affected by the Bone Hourglass Keepsake from Charon.

• Kiss of Styx Premium – Replenish all charges of Death Defiance.
• Hydralite Gold – +30% HP when you enter a chamber; lasts 5 chambers.
• Cyclops Jerky Select – +60% attack damage; lasts 10 chambers.

As you interact more with Achilles in the House of Hades, you’ll eventually learn of Patroclus’ identity. Once you do, you can gift him nectar to receive his Keepsake, the Broken Spearpoint.

Elysium boss fight: Theseus and the Minotaur

The boss fight in the Elysium region is against two rivals turned partners: Theseus and the Minotaur. Take a look at our Theseus and Minotaur boss fight guide if you need help with the encounter.

Once you’ve defeated your foes, it’s time to head to the Temple of Styx.

Hades is available via Steam’s early access program. For more information, check out our guides and features hub.