This guide explains how to defeat the boss known as River Acheron in the video game Hades (Supergiant Games, 2020). River Acheron is the second boss encountered in the game’s third area, the Temple of Styx, and is a formidable opponent who guards the path to the surface. Beating him is required to progress to the final boss, Hades himself. This guide covers the strategies, boon recommendations, and common pitfalls to help you emerge victorious.
What You’ll Need
- A fully upgraded or at least partially upgraded Mirror of Night (especially the Death Defiance and Greater Reflex talents).
- At least one or two Death Defiance charges remaining (or a well-stocked supply of Centaur Hearts and other health items).
- A build that deals decent damage; you don’t need a perfect build, but having at least one or two boons that boost your main attack or special is recommended.
- Patience and a willingness to learn his attack patterns.
Step-by-Step
- Enter the arena and immediately assess the situation. River Acheron is a large, armored warrior who wields a massive spear. He is accompanied by two smaller enemies: a witch and a shield-bearer. Your first priority is to clear these adds, as they can deal significant damage and distract you from the main boss.
- Focus on the adds first. Use your ranged attacks or dashes to quickly eliminate the witch, as she can cast projectiles that home in on you. The shield-bearer is less dangerous but can block your attacks, so take him out next. Once the adds are dead, you can focus entirely on Acheron.
- Learn his basic attack patterns. Acheron has three main melee attacks: a three-hit combo (thrust, slash, thrust), a lunging thrust that covers a long distance, and a spinning slash that hits all around him. All of these are telegraphed with a brief wind-up animation. Your goal is to dash through or away from these attacks, never staying in front of him for long.
- Exploit his vulnerable windows. After he finishes a combo or a lunging thrust, he is briefly stunned. This is your chance to deal damage. Use your strongest attack or special, then dash away before he recovers. Do not get greedy; one or two hits is usually enough.
- Watch for his special attack: the spear throw. Acheron will occasionally throw his spear, which travels in a straight line across the arena. This attack can be dodged by dashing perpendicular to its path. After the spear lands, it remains in the ground for a few seconds, and Acheron will teleport to it. Use this time to reposition or heal.
- Manage the poison pools. Acheron can also summon pools of green poison on the ground. These pools deal damage over time and can cover a large area. Avoid standing in them, and try to lure Acheron away from them so you have a clear space to fight. The poison pools do not disappear until the fight ends, so keep moving.
- Use your Cast and Call effectively. Your Cast (the bloodstone) can be used to deal burst damage or to apply status effects. Save your Call (the god gauge) for when you need to heal or deal heavy damage during a vulnerable window. A well-timed Call can turn the tide.
- When his health is low (below 25%), he becomes more aggressive. He will use his spear throw more often and may summon additional adds. Stay calm, keep dodging, and don’t panic. If you have a Death Defiance charge, it’s okay to take a hit if it means finishing him off.
- Defeat him and collect your reward. Once his health reaches zero, he will be defeated. You will receive a bounty (like a Diamond or Ambrosia) and can proceed to the next room.
Common Mistakes
- Ignoring the adds. Leaving the witch or shield-bearer alive can lead to you being overwhelmed. Always clear them first.
- Dashing into his attacks. Acheron’s spear has a long reach, and dashing forward into his combo will get you hit. Dash sideways or backwards.
- Getting greedy with damage. Trying to land too many hits during his vulnerable window often results in you being caught by his next attack. One or two hits is enough.
- Standing in poison pools. The poison damage adds up quickly. Always move away from them, even if it means missing a damage opportunity.
- Forgetting to use your Death Defiance. If you have a charge, don’t be afraid to take a hit if it means you can finish him off. But don’t waste it early in the fight.
Tips
- Use the environment to your advantage. The arena has pillars that can block his spear throw. Use them to break line of sight.
- Consider taking boons that increase your dodge or movement speed. Boons from Hermes (like Swift Strike or Greater Haste) make it easier to avoid his attacks.
- If you’re struggling with melee, try a ranged build. The Bow or the Rail can keep you at a safe distance, but be aware that his spear throw can still hit you.
- Don’t forget your companion. If you have a companion (like Battie or Mort), you can call them to deal massive damage or heal you. Use them when you’re in a pinch.
- Practice makes perfect. The more you fight him, the more you’ll learn his patterns. Don’t get discouraged if you die; every attempt teaches you something.
Troubleshooting
- If you’re taking too much damage: Focus on dodging rather than attacking. Watch his tells and practice dashing through his attacks. Consider equipping the Broken Spearpoint keepsake, which reduces damage after a hit.
- If you’re not dealing enough damage: Make sure you have a good boon setup. Prioritize boons that boost your main damage source (e.g., attack or special). Also, consider upgrading your weapon with Titan Blood before the run.
- If you’re running out of health: Use your Death Defiance wisely. If you have the Lucky Tooth keepsake, it can give you an extra life. Also, look for Centaur Hearts and Pom Blossoms in the previous rooms.
- If you’re getting hit by his spear throw: The spear throw is telegraphed by a red line on the ground. Dash perpendicular to that line, not away from it.
- If you’re overwhelmed by adds: Use your Cast to freeze or slow them, and focus them down one at a time. Don’t try to fight them all at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best weapon to use against River Acheron? There is no single best weapon; it depends on your playstyle. The Shield of Chaos is good for blocking his attacks, while the Spear or Sword offer good reach and damage. The Rail with the Hazard Bomb upgrade can also be effective.
- Can I skip the adds? No, you must defeat all enemies in the room to progress. However, you can ignore the adds for a few seconds to get a few hits on Acheron, but it’s not recommended.
- How many Death Defiance charges do I need? Ideally, you want at least one or two. If you’re confident in your dodging, you might not need any, but it’s safer to have at least one.
- Is there a way to heal during the fight? Yes, you can use the Well of Charon items (like the Field Dressing) before the fight, or you can use a Call from Aphrodite or Poseidon that heals you. Also, some boons like Dionysus’s Festive Fog can heal you if you have the right duo boon.
- What happens if I die? You will be sent back to the House of Hades, and you’ll have to start the run over from the beginning. You keep any Darkness, Gems, and Keys you collected, but you lose all boons and items.
- Can I fight River Acheron again? Yes, he is a regular boss in the Temple of Styx. You will face him on every run that reaches that area, unless you have a pact condition that changes the boss.
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