Hell is Us players often start with the sense that the game won’t spell out what to do or where to go. This guide distills key tips and tricks to boost your odds as you navigate Hadea and uncover its mysteries.
Not Everything is Tracked
The game thrives on ambiguity: some interactions light up clearly, while others are more subtle. Every item and document has a purpose, even if its connection to a Good Deed, Mystery, or other quest objective isn’t immediately obvious. Keep an eye out for NPCs and locations that could connect seemingly disparate clues. Environmental hints and careful examination of each puzzle area will usually reveal the next step, even if you can’t complete it right away.
Backtrack with the APC
Progress isn’t strictly linear. Returning to previous locations via the APC’s fast travel system often unlocks new interactions or lets you use newly acquired items in earlier areas. You’ll also encounter Tania in the APC after she joins your journey in Act 1, and revisiting places with her aboard can unlock additional lore and access to Vaults of Forbidden Knowledge through Research Items.
Keep the Compass Handy
The Compass is more than a UI element—it’s a practical navigation tool. NPCs frequently refer to directions like north, east, south, and west when guiding you to objectives. Keep the Compass equipped and use it to orient yourself as you explore.
Master the Healing Pulse
Healing isn’t as simple as spamming health items. Health and Stamina are linked in Hell is Us, so you’ll want to master the Healing Pulse. Attacking generates white particles around Remi; timing a Pulse to absorb those particles heals a portion of damage. Consumables exist, but they’re limited, so use them sparingly and rely on the Pulse in tougher encounters. If you want more detail on the mechanic, there are in-depth guides available from our coverage.
Block and Parry
Defense is crucial in crowded combat scenarios. Blocking (LB/LT) reduces incoming damage and also drains enemies’ stagger meters, creating windows for counterattacks. Parrying—timing your block as an enemy attack glows red—negates damage and delivers a heavy stagger hit, opening up opportunities for follow-up strikes. Practice timing to keep control of the fight.
Drone Skills and Glyphs
As you delve deeper, you’ll unlock Drone Modules that empower your drone with special moves or area effects. Each module has its own cooldown and use case, from distracting foes to clearing groups or charging forward. Glyphs attach to your weapons and modify abilities—some drain enemy vitality when you land attacks that induce fear, others reduce stamina loss or unleash projectiles. Glyphs and weapon upgrades are available from Victor the Blacksmith in Jova, so make a habit of returning there to strengthen your loadout.
Look Out for Timeloop Guardians
Timeloops are giant pulsating domes that spawn enemies and respawn nearby when you return. Your goal is to shut them down by collecting the right Prisms. You’ll want an Amine Prism for each Timeloop, and certain Timeloops require specific Prism types. Early in Act 1, you’ll meet Gildas Brom in the Watcher’s Nest at Vyssa Hills. He provides the Guardian Detector, a device that guides you toward the nearest Guardian and speeds up the process of disabling Timeloops.
Report to Tania
Near the end of Act 1, Tania the Journalist joins you aboard the APC. She isn’t just company—she’s an additional source of lore. Bring her any Research Items you’ve gathered to unlock deeper insights into the regions and characters you encounter.
Practical approach for a strong start
– Treat every item and document as potentially connected to a larger puzzle.
– Use backtracking to unlock new interactions and lore.
– Keep the Compass ready for directional cues in dialogue and objectives.
– Prioritize mastering the Healing Pulse to manage health and stamina during encounters.
– Build a defensive routine with consistent blocking and well-timed parries.
– Invest in Drone Modules and Glyphs that fit your playstyle, and upgrade with Victor in Jova.
– Seek out Timeloop guardians early and don’t neglect the Guardian Detector provided by Gildas Brom.
– Leverage Tania’s presence for additional lore and item discoveries.
Summary
Hell is Us rewards exploration and thoughtful play. By paying attention to environmental clues, backtracking for new interactions, effectively managing healing, and leveraging drones, glyphs, and guardians, you can navigate Hadea more confidently and uncover its deeper stories.
Editor’s note
This guide emphasizes practical steps you can take to improve your progression and enjoyment. The game’s design rewards curiosity and careful observation, so take your time to explore, test different loadouts, and revisit earlier areas with new tools in hand. A positive, patient approach tends to yield the most satisfying progress through Hell is Us.