You just launched Hell is Us and you’re already lost? Not sure where to begin in the desolate plains of Hadéa? That’s normal. This action-adventure game published by Nacon is unlike anything you’ve played before. Here, there’s no map, no markers, and no glowing arrows to point you toward your next objective or how to reach it.
Available on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series, this title developed by Rogue Factor under the direction of Jonathan Jacques-Belletête (a veteran known for his work on the Deus Ex franchise) drops you into a war-torn zone—with no instruction manual.
Looking for tips to get started? Need advice to progress without frustration? Good news: the developers share here their best recommendations to help you tame this demanding game. These beginner tips will help you master the basics, understand key mechanics, and avoid common early mistakes.
Tip #1 to start in Hell is Us: master the healing pulse
Healing kits are rare in Hell is Us. Even on easy mode, you won’t last long if you rely on them alone.
The key to your survival? The healing pulse. When you strike an enemy, white particles will sometimes appear around Rémi. As soon as they form a compact white ring, press the pulse button (R1/RB on consoles) to instantly recover health.
The timing takes some practice, but once mastered, this move becomes your best ally in critical moments. So, save your precious healing kits for real emergencies.
Tip #2 to begin your journey in Hell is Us: read everything, listen to everyone
In Hell is Us, you’ll need to pay attention and observe carefully. Without objective markers, it’s up to you to uncover puzzle solutions from the documents you collect, environmental details, and conversations with NPCs.
Take time to exhaust every dialogue option with each character you meet. Read every document and inscription closely. If something seems cryptic at first, mark it as a favorite in your inventory—some information will only make sense several hours later.
Don’t hesitate to take “old-school” notes in a notebook or screenshot symbols and key details. A door code might be hidden in a piece of scenery. Observation and curiosity are your best assets!
Tip #3 to explore Hell is Us: use your compass to navigate
With no map or GPS, you’ll need to learn to navigate on your own. Thankfully, the game provides an essential tool: the compass.
Characters often guide you using cardinal directions: “Go north of the swamp,” “The forge is to the west.” Get into the habit of checking your compass whenever you’re given a direction.
In dungeons with multiple branches, several methods can help. You can draw a map as you go, or use the “right-hand rule”: by always following one wall, you’ll eventually explore the entire labyrinth without getting lost.
Tip #4 for combat in Hell is Us: master blocking and parrying
The creatures of Hadéa are formidable but predictable. Each monster type attacks according to a pattern that you’ll need to learn.
Blocking (LB/LT on consoles) reduces damage while draining the enemy’s balance bar. Once that gauge is empty, the enemy staggers and becomes vulnerable to your strongest strikes.
Parrying, on the other hand, requires finesse. Watch your opponent closely: a red glow signals that a specific attack is about to land. Block precisely at that moment to cancel all damage and stun your enemy.
Tip #5 to survive in Hell is Us: use your drone in combat
Your drone isn’t just for lighting your way. As the game progresses, you’ll unlock modules that turn it into a true tactical weapon.
You can use it to distract an enemy while you flank or attack others. Its spinning attack wreaks havoc on groups, while the charged attack can interrupt enemy assaults. These are just a few of your drone’s many abilities—you’ll discover more as you advance through the game.
Equip these attacks, monitor their cooldowns, and trigger them as soon as they’re ready—they often make the difference between victory and defeat.
Tip #6 to fully explore Hell is Us: return often to your APC
Your APC is much more than a vehicle—it’s your mobile headquarters. Return to it regularly to revisit previously explored zones: many quests will require you to go back to earlier locations with new tools or abilities.
At the end of Act 1, journalist Tania joins your team and sets up in the APC. Speak with her often and hand over all the research items you collect. Each analyzed object fills a special progress bar.
Once the bar is full, Tania reveals two key pieces of information: the exact location of a Forbidden Knowledge Chamber and the symbol code needed to open its door. These secret rooms contain the game’s most powerful gear—rare weapons, exceptional glyphs, and unique relics.
Tip #7 to progress in Hell is Us: complete side quests
Don’t skip the side quests—they offer particularly useful rewards for your progression. The game features two main types:
- Good Deeds: an NPC asks for your help to find an object or complete a task. As with all missions in the game, rely on your observation and listening skills to succeed.
- Time Loops: these glowing spheres make enemies appear (or reappear) in an area. Your goal? Close them permanently to end the invasion. The process has three steps:
- First, eliminate the Loop Guardians—special enemies hidden among regular foes. They actively protect the loop, and you’ll find several per zone. When you meet Gildas, he’ll provide a crucial Detector to help you locate them.
- Once all Guardians are defeated, the Loop becomes accessible. Head there and enter it.
- Inside the Loop, use an Amine Prism on your drone to close it. The Prism’s required power depends on the Loop’s strength. You’ll find these Prisms throughout your exploration—so keep an eye out.
After completing your side quests, head to the Watcher’s Nest to claim your rewards. Gildas Brom, the leader of the Vigils, handles all of them (after the “Family Legacy” quest). He’ll grant you all your rewards at once, both for Good Deeds and closed Loops.
Powerful weapons, rare glyphs, quality gear—these side quests are well worth your time and effort.
Tip #8 to get the most out of Hell is Us: upgrade your weapons with Victor
After completing the “Family Reunion” quest, Victor the blacksmith sets up his workshop in Jova. From then on, he becomes your go-to partner for upgrading your weapons and equipment, as well as crafting items from valuable Limbic Shards.
Upgrading a weapon for the first time marks a key moment: you must choose a Limbic Sphere from four options (Rage, Terror, Ecstasy, or Sorrow). This choice determines the glyphs you’ll be able to equip on that weapon later.
These glyphs completely change your combat approach. Life drain, ranged attacks, enemy attraction—each effect opens up new tactical possibilities. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different spheres to find the playstyle that suits you best. Even better, vary your weapon styles for a versatile arsenal that adapts to any situation.
Finally, always collect every Forging Book you find during your journey. Each one you bring to Victor unlocks new upgrade tiers, making your weapons even more formidable.
With these tips, you’re ready to uncover the mysteries of Hadéa!
Hell is Us isn’t a game that holds your hand. But by following these developer-approved tips, you’ll have all the tools you need to start your adventure on the right foot! Observation, patience, and practice are the keys to surviving your journey through Hadéa.
Hell is Us awaits you on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series. Want to keep exploring great games? Discover all Nacon titles or check out other thrilling action-adventure games.
