Hades 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed roguelike, continues to expand its rich mythological universe. With each update, new regions, tools, and reagents are introduced, offering players more ways to strategize, craft, and upgrade their abilities. One of the rarest and most intriguing new items in the game is S-Scales, also known as Serpent Scales, introduced with the Warsong Update.
If you’re wondering how to farm S-Scales, what they are used for, and how to maximize your collection, this guide is for you. We’ll cover everything from unlocking the Crescent Pick to gathering techniques, and practical uses of the scales, along with tips to make your farming runs efficient.
What Are S-Scales in Hades 2?
S-Scales, short for Serpent Scales, are a rare reagent introduced in the Warsong Update of Hades 2. They appear as blue-green, scaly outcroppings scattered throughout the Summit region. These scales are tied to late-game content and are primarily used for incantations that involve shedding mechanics or surface interactions.
A known use of S-Scales is in the Rage of the Elements incantation, which activates certain Olympus statues during combat. While their utility is limited for now, Hades 2 is an evolving game, and these reagents are likely to gain more importance in future updates for crafting, upgrades, and specialized combat powers.
S-Scales are harvested with the Crescent Pick, making this tool essential for any player aiming to collect them. Without it, these scales remain inaccessible.
Step 1: Unlock the Crescent Pick
Before you can harvest S-Scales, you must unlock and equip the Crescent Pick. Many reagents in Hades 2, including S-Scales, require a specialized gathering tool to mine from ore deposits or scaly outcroppings.
How to Unlock the Crescent Pick
- Progress Through the Story: Many tools in Hades 2 are unlocked via progression. Completing certain quests or defeating bosses may unlock access to the Crescent Pick.
- Craft or Upgrade: Using the cauldron or specific incantations, you can forge and enhance the Crescent Pick, increasing its efficiency.
- Equip Before Runs: Make sure to equip the pick before entering your runs. If you forget, you won’t be able to mine S-Scales or other advanced resources.
Pro Tip: Upgrading the Crescent Pick increases your chance of obtaining multiple scales per outcropping, which is particularly useful given the rarity of S-Scales.
Step 2: Reach the Summit Region
S-Scales are exclusive to the Summit, a region introduced in the Warsong Update. You won’t find these scales in earlier zones like Erebus, Oceanus, or Tartarus.
How to Access the Summit
- Progress through the main path and complete side quests to unlock this high-level area.
- Prepare for tougher enemies and wider, more challenging terrain — better gear and stronger incantations are recommended.
- Only once the Summit is accessible can you hope to find S-Scales.
Tip: The Summit is a late-game area, so ensure your character is leveled sufficiently and your gear optimized for survival while farming.
Step 3: Locate Outcroppings and Mine
Once you’re in the Summit and have your Crescent Pick equipped, you need to search for scaly stone outcroppings, which are the source of S-Scales.
Tips for Efficient Mining
- Bring Raki the Familiar:
- Raki, a raven familiar, increases the chance that resource outcroppings will spawn.
- You can recruit Raki in Fountain Rooms in Erebus using the Witch’s Delight treat.
- Use Reagent Sensing Incantations:
- If unlocked, Reagent Sensing highlights resource nodes, making it easier to locate S-Scales.
- Explore Thoroughly:
- Don’t rush. S-Scales are rare, and outcroppings may be tucked away on ledges, hidden corners, or behind obstacles.
- Prepare for Combat:
- Some outcroppings are guarded by tough enemies. Ensure you have strong incantations, weapons, and healing items ready.
- Multiple Runs Required:
- Due to their rarity, you may need several runs in the Summit to gather a sufficient quantity of S-Scales.
Pro Tip: Mining efficiency can be increased by upgrading your Crescent Pick or bringing familiars that enhance gathering.
Step 4: Uses of S-Scales
Currently, the uses of S-Scales in Hades 2 are limited but strategic:
- Incantations:
S-Scales are used in incantations that involve shedding mechanics or surface-themed effects. - Rage of the Elements:
This incantation lets you activate Olympus statues that assist you in combat, adding a tactical advantage in difficult encounters. - Future Potential:
Developers may expand the utility of S-Scales in upcoming updates, such as:- Crafting high-level gear.
- Unlocking new abilities or spells.
- Enhancing existing incantations or creating synergistic effects.
Advice: Collect extra S-Scales whenever possible to prepare for future expansions and updates.
Tips & Tricks to Maximize S-Scale Collection
To make your farming efforts more productive, consider these strategies:
1. Recruit Raki the Familiar
- Raki boosts the frequency of outcropping spawns, increasing the number of S-Scales you can find per run.
- Recruitment requires finding Raki in Erebus Fountain Rooms and using a Witch’s Delight treat.
2. Use Reagent Sensing
- This incantation highlights resource deposits on your map, helping you locate S-Scales more efficiently.
- Combining this with familiar bonuses ensures you rarely miss an outcropping.
3. Explore Thoroughly
- Check every ledge, cliffside, and hidden corner. S-Scales often appear in hard-to-reach areas, rewarding players who explore carefully.
4. Upgrade Tools and Familiars
- Enhancing Crescent Pick efficiency and familiar gathering bonuses can yield more S-Scales per outcropping.
5. Save Extra Scales
- Since the game is evolving, having a stockpile of S-Scales ensures you’re ready for new incantations, crafting recipes, or upgrades.
Farming Workflow for Maximum Efficiency
Here’s a sample workflow to optimize your S-Scale collection:
- Equip Crescent Pick before entering the Summit.
- Bring Raki the Familiar to boost outcropping spawns.
- Activate Reagent Sensing to highlight nearby resources.
- Explore the Summit systematically, checking all ledges and hidden corners.
- Mine each S-Scale outcropping you encounter.
- Return to safe zones to deposit or use S-Scales in incantations.
- Repeat runs as needed to reach your desired quantity.
Conclusion
S-Scales in Hades 2 are a rare, late-game reagent that adds depth to the crafting and incantation systems. By understanding where to find them, how to harvest them with the Crescent Pick, and their current uses, players can maximize their efficiency and prepare for future content.
Key takeaways:
- S-Scales are exclusive to the Summit region.
- Harvesting requires the Crescent Pick and benefits from familiar bonuses like Raki.
- Reagent Sensing and thorough exploration significantly improve collection rates.
- Current uses include incantations such as Rage of the Elements, with potential for future crafting or upgrades.
By following this guide, you’ll be ready to farm S-Scales efficiently, enhance your character, and stay ahead in the evolving world of Hades 2. Whether you’re a casual player or a completionist, collecting S-Scales ensures you’re prepared for whatever updates the developers have planned.
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