In Hades, the popular roguelike action game by Supergiant Games, players eventually face a tough duo boss fight at the end of Elysium: Theseus and the Minotaur, also known as Asterius. This battle is a turning point in each run, often determining whether you make it to the final stage. Many players wonder which boss to prioritize: kill Theseus or the Minotaur first? The answer depends on your build, playstyle, and strategy. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each enemy is key to surviving this intense fight and progressing further into the game’s Underworld.
Understanding the Elysium Duo Boss Fight
Overview of Theseus and Asterius
Theseus and Asterius appear together in a tag-team format. Asterius, the Minotaur, charges headfirst into battle with powerful melee strikes, while Theseus uses ranged spear throws and, once alone, calls upon the Olympian gods for divine attacks. You must defeat both to proceed, but who you defeat first can greatly influence the difficulty of the battle’s second half.
The fight takes place in a large circular arena with pillars and traps, providing limited cover but enough space to maneuver. Mastering the environment and positioning yourself well is as important as understanding your opponents.
Fighting Asterius the Minotaur
Strengths and Behavior
The Minotaur is a close-range powerhouse. His attacks are quick and deal substantial damage, including:
- Dash attacks that close distance fast
- Wide axe swings with strong impact
- A shockwave stomp in certain builds
Asterius frequently tries to corner players and punishes slow reaction times. He also has high poise, meaning he doesn’t stagger easily unless you’re using strong knockback effects or high DPS combos. However, when alone, Asterius doesn’t change much his moveset remains consistent, and he does not gain additional powers.
When to Kill Asterius First
Targeting the Minotaur first can be beneficial when:
- Your build is melee-focused and excels at burst damage
- You have high mobility and can dodge Theseus’s ranged attacks while focusing on Asterius
- You want to avoid Theseus entering his second phase prematurely
Killing Asterius first allows you to take your time with Theseus in his god-powered phase, without the constant threat of melee pressure. Since Theseus becomes more dangerous only once Asterius falls, this strategy delays the tougher part of the fight until you’re better positioned to deal with it.
Fighting Theseus
Strengths and Behavior
Theseus starts the battle throwing his spear from a distance and circling the arena. He taunts you frequently and will often reposition behind pillars. Once Asterius is dead, Theseus calls upon a random Olympian god to aid him, adding divine area-of-effect spells to his repertoire.
These can include:
- Zeus chain lightning effects
- Ares spinning blades of doom
- Aphrodite charm waves
- Dionysus poison clouds
This phase makes the fight dramatically more dangerous, turning the arena into a bullet-hell scenario. Theseus becomes more aggressive and his attacks gain elemental effects, requiring constant movement and awareness.
When to Kill Theseus First
Targeting Theseus first may be optimal if:
- You have a ranged build that can easily hit him from across the arena
- You want to avoid dealing with Olympian aid powers while Asterius is still alive
- You are comfortable managing the Minotaur’s attacks without focusing on him
Killing Theseus first ensures you don’t have to deal with both god-powered Theseus and the charging Minotaur at the same time. Asterius is consistent and more predictable once he’s alone, making it easier to clean up the fight.
Comparing the Two Strategies
Kill Asterius First
- Delays Theseus’s divine phase
- Focuses on removing the melee threat early
- Best for melee or tanky builds
- Risk: dealing with powerful divine magic while alone against Theseus
Kill Theseus First
- Prevents combined divine attacks and melee pressure
- Reduces arena clutter (fewer ranged hazards)
- Best for ranged, spell, or cast-focused builds
- Risk: Minotaur may overwhelm you if left unchecked
Environmental Tips
Using the Arena to Your Advantage
The Elysium arena has pillars that can block Theseus’s spear throws and some divine attacks. Use them to shield yourself while you chip away at his health or avoid dangerous attacks. Be careful though both bosses can destroy pillars during their moves, and environmental traps can damage you if you’re careless.
Mobility is Essential
No matter who you target first, always stay mobile. Dash frequently and avoid getting pinned in corners. If you’re not attacking, you should be moving. Speed is your biggest advantage in this fight.
Build-Specific Advice
Melee Builds
Melee users should generally focus on Asterius first. Since you’ll be closer to the action, eliminating the heavier threat will make the second half easier. Use dash strikes, call boons, and invulnerability frames from Death Defiance or Athena’s boons for survivability.
Ranged or Magic Builds
For ranged builds, Theseus should be the priority. Keep your distance, stay behind pillars, and avoid standing still too long. Chain Lightning or Beam-based boons work well for keeping pressure on Theseus while avoiding Asterius’s lunges.
Cast Builds
If you’re playing a build centered on casting (like using Artemis or Poseidon’s boons), target whichever enemy allows more efficient use of your casts. Theseus is often easier to hit from range, so casting-focused players may benefit from prioritizing him.
Tips for Winning the Fight
- Don’t rush pace your attacks and watch for openings
- Use your Call ability wisely, especially once one of the two enters a rage phase
- Consider using Companion Keepsakes for extra help
- Bring boons with deflection or damage mitigation to survive the second phase
- Practice the fight often to learn patterns and reduce panic
There’s no single correct answer when deciding whether to kill Theseus or the Minotaur first in Hades. Each approach has strengths and weaknesses, and the optimal strategy depends on your weapon, boons, and comfort level. Melee players often find it easier to remove Asterius first, while ranged players benefit from eliminating Theseus to avoid his divine powers. With enough practice and the right strategy, this boss duo becomes a manageable challenge. Victory lies not just in strength, but in understanding your enemies and using every tool available to overcome them.