Hades throws a lot of currencies at you, split between the ones you spend in a run and the ones you bank for permanent upgrades. Knowing what each does — and where it's best spent — keeps your progression moving.
In-run currencies
🪙 Obols (Gold)
Spent at Charon's shops during a run for boons, health, hammers and items; doesn't carry between runs, so spend it all.
🛒 Charon's shop & Well
Shops sell power; the Well of Charon rents a temporary item now for a payout later in the run.
🌀 Chaos boons
Chaos gates trade a short curse for a lasting blessing — take them when your HP is safe.
Meta currencies
🌑 Darkness
The main meta currency — spent at the Mirror of Night for permanent upgrades like Death Defiance.
🗝️ Chthonic Keys
Unlock new weapons and open locked Mirror talents.
💎 Gemstones & Diamonds
Fund House Contractor projects — fountains, resource nodes and Fated List slots.
🔨 Titan Blood
Upgrades weapons and levels their Aspects at the Arsenal.
🍶 Nectar & Ambrosia
Gifts that build relationships — Nectar for Keepsakes, Ambrosia to deepen bonds and unlock companions.
Spending priorities
- Darkness → Death Defiance and Shadow Presence first; they transform early survivability.
- Titan Blood → one or two Aspects you love rather than spreading it thin.
- Diamonds → Fountains and Fated List slots at the Contractor for run-wide value.
- Use the Wretched Broker to convert a surplus currency into whatever you're short on.
Where each resource drops
- Darkness: from clearing rooms, boss kills and the flame-icon weapon Darkness bonus.
- Chthonic Keys: room rewards and first-clear bonuses; spend at the courtyard and Mirror.
- Titan Blood: biome-boss first clears, higher Heat clears and Fated List rewards.
- Diamonds & Ambrosia: deeper biomes, the Wretched Broker, and completing prophecies.
💬 Community Strategies & Discussion
Did you find a hidden chest? Struggling with a boss? Share your tips and questions with other mercenaries below!