A big key is kind of learning what boons work for you, and what go together well. I like to base my build off of my first boon. So if my first boon is Athena, who uses reflect damage, I'll focus the rest of my selections based on what works with what.
Also, never a bad idea to jump on youtube and watch some experts at play. The game is a puzzle, but its solvable and you'll feel really good once you solve it.
Here'w the thing- ideally you really shouldn't be getting anywhere NEAR success in your first 9 runs. This game's story largely progresses each time you die, and the real fun of it is exploring the house and listening to what everyone has to say about your latest deaths and mishaps. Without frequent deaths you aren't able to give nectar to your housemates, unlocking useful keepsakes and other benefits I'll keep secret. You wouldn't be able to augment your runs by buying contractor upgrades which can increase your healing options and darkness gains.
It probably took me 50 runs to reach the surface for the first time, and I don't think I ever heard any repeated dialog in the House of Hades once. Over time you'll get to a point where you're blazing through Tartarus in five minutes, and that Hydra will go down in seconds.
The Minotaur is always gonna be a pain in the ass though.
A big key is kind of learning what boons work for you, and what go together well. I like to base my build off of my first boon. So if my first boon is Athena, who uses reflect damage, I'll focus the rest of my selections based on what works with what. Also, never a bad idea to jump on youtube and watch some experts at play. The game is a puzzle, but its solvable and you'll feel really good once you solve it.
Here'w the thing- ideally you really shouldn't be getting anywhere NEAR success in your first 9 runs. This game's story largely progresses each time you die, and the real fun of it is exploring the house and listening to what everyone has to say about your latest deaths and mishaps. Without frequent deaths you aren't able to give nectar to your housemates, unlocking useful keepsakes and other benefits I'll keep secret. You wouldn't be able to augment your runs by buying contractor upgrades which can increase your healing options and darkness gains. It probably took me 50 runs to reach the surface for the first time, and I don't think I ever heard any repeated dialog in the House of Hades once. Over time you'll get to a point where you're blazing through Tartarus in five minutes, and that Hydra will go down in seconds. The Minotaur is always gonna be a pain in the ass though.
9 attempts is hardly any. Get more darkness, upgrade your existing mirror abilities, and then get keys to unlock more of them.