The Altar of Ashes is used to open the Arcana menu and unlock Tarot Card upgrades in Hades 2. Read on to learn more about how to use the Altar of Ashes, how to collect Ashes and increase Grasp, and what is the Altar of Ashes in Hades 2.

How to Use the Altar to Grow Stronger

Unlock Arcana to Grow Stronger

The Altar of Ashes allows you to unlock the Arcana, which appears as Tarot Cards and acts as upgrades that you can activate or deactivate based on your preference.

Once you've unlocked a Tarot Card, you will be able to use its designated ability. The cost of each Tarot Card may depend on the ability it offers in your progression.

Deactivating a Tarot Card

Purchasing an Arcana does not mean you equip the ability permanently, as you have the choice to deactivate it should you run low on Grasp or prefer another Arcana.

Purchasing a Tarot Card Will Unlock Cards Adjacent to It

Once you've purchased a Tarot Card, you will notice that the cards adjacent to it will be unlocked for purchase. This method of unlocking upgrades is reminiscent of a skill tree usually found in games.

How to Collect Ashes For Unlocking Arcana

Level Progression in the Game

The Tarot Cards in the Arcana can be unlocked by collecting Ashes throughout your progression of the game.

Ashes can be found at specific levels in the game, although it is sometimes offered as a choice with another resource you might need.

How to Farm Ashes

Trade Bones for Ashes With Wretched Broker

You can also trade Bones for Ashes by interacting with the Wretched Broker in the game. The Wretched Broker will trade you 1x Ashes in exchange for 15x Bones.

Broker Exchanges

Unlock Wretched Broker Through Incantations

The Wretched Broker can be unlocked in the game by interacting with the large cauldron located at The Crossroads and concocting the Summoning of Mercantile Fortune Incantation.

The cost of the Incantation will be worth 10x Bones, which seems to be a fair deal given that Bones are a common resource that can be found throughout the game.

Best Incantations to Get First

How to Increase Grasp For Equipping More Arcana

Collect Psyche to Increase Grasp

Each Tarot Card requires a specific number of Grasp so it can be equipped. You can increase your Grasp by upgrading the Grasp of the Arcana in exchange for Psyche.

How to Increase Grasp

What is the Altar of Ashes?

Equippable Upgrades for Melinoe

The Altar of Ashes is a meditation altar that can be interacted with and used to open up the Arcana you can equip in the game.

The Altar of Ashes can be encountered during your first visit to The Crossroads, which occurs right after your first death in the game.

Compared to Boons, the cards in the Arcana are permanent upgrades which can be deactivated upon your choosing.

Hades 2 Related Guides

Beginner's Guide to Hades 2

Hades 2 Tips and Tricks