In our Hell is Us tips guide, you’ll learn how to navigate without a map, survive combat, and upgrade your weapons efficiently. We explain the core mechanics and give you hands-on advice for the opening hours.
Hell is Us deliberately does away with many of the quality-of-life features you’re used to from other games. No map, no quest markers, no clear signposts—instead, the game emphasizes exploration, observation, and self-reliance. This makes for an intense experience, but it can also feel overwhelming at first.
That’s why in this guide, we’ll show you how to orient yourself in the open world, handle fights more efficiently, and upgrade your gear wisely. With these tips, your first steps into Hell is Us will feel much smoother and without the frustration.
Hell is Us: 5 Tips for Exploring
Soak it all in
Hell is Us skips real-time maps, minimaps, quest markers, interactive signposts, or a traditional quest log. To find your way, you’ll need to pay attention to your surroundings. The world of Hell is Us is filled with subtle clues that guide sharp-eyed players far better than glowing markers ever could. As a rule of thumb: if you see something on the horizon, it’s worth checking out. Also, listen closely. In quiet moments, unusual sounds can act as guides just as much as visuals.
Read everything and use the sort function
Almost every note in Hell is Us contains a useful detail. Rogue Factor has tucked away clues for main quests, side quests, and lore in documents, item descriptions, and notes. Read them carefully. Also use the inventory management system, which lets you mark important items as favorites so they show up at the top of the list. Archived items get pushed to the bottom.
Taking notes pays off
Technically you don’t have to write things down yourself, since the game provides a mind map with key points — but it doesn’t hurt. Especially in large dungeons or during side quests like “Good Deeds” and “Mysteries,” small details can be crucial, and you’ll likely forget them after a few hours.
So jot down notes or take screenshots of important details and keep them organized. Codes, directions, or location hints can all come in handy later when solving puzzles or completing quests.
Side quests are worth it
Good Deeds, Mysteries, closed time loops, and collected research items reward you with valuable loot such as relics, weapons, or skills. Always keep an eye on side content instead of rushing through the main story. You’ll unlock time loops and Good Deeds rewards once you solve the Watcher’s Nest puzzle.
Stick to the right wall
Without a map, it’s easy to get lost. One simple trick helps: always follow the right wall. Like navigating a maze, this keeps your exploration structured and ensures you don’t miss any paths. Take your time in each new area. The game rewards curiosity with hidden items, optional fights, and fresh insights.
Hell is Us: 5 Combat Tips
Keep your cool
Every enemy in Hell is Us follows a set attack and defense pattern. Watch them closely and learn their moves. Once you understand their rhythm, you can dodge more effectively and counter with precision. Patience matters more here than button-mashing. Rushing in carelessly only makes you vulnerable and puts you at risk of heavy damage.
Don’t get surrounded
Standard Hollow Walkers (“Primeval”) aren’t too dangerous on their own, but in groups they can quickly overwhelm you. If you face a larger pack, keep your distance and thin them out. Use your drone to distract tougher enemies while you pick them off one by one. The drone is also crucial when Hollow Walkers summon the limbic creatures known as “Hazes.” As long as Hazes live, the linked Hollow Walkers can’t be killed — though they’ll still attack you. Use the drone to pull them away, then take out the Hazes. The lock-on system helps you stay on top of the action. Only turn it off if you’re completely confident in your combat skills.
Upgrading weapons: What really matters
In Hell is Us, you can infuse your weapons with emotions. But don’t stress too much over which emotion goes where — the damage boost is minimal. The real game-changers are glyphs. They determine your weapon’s special abilities and can turn the tide of battle.
Focus on one weapon
Hell is Us doesn’t give you traditional XP for your character. Instead, your weapons level up through use. That means it’s smart to pick a favorite weapon early on and stick with it. Once you’ve unlocked the blacksmith’s house door in Jova and Victor Gaz has returned to his forge, visit him often to upgrade your weapons with limbic shards dropped by enemies.
The most important combat tip in Hell is Us: Master the Healing Pulse
In Hell is Us, your stamina is directly tied to your health. As your health drops, every action consumes more stamina, and your max stamina shrinks, leaving you more vulnerable.
Since medkits are scarce in Hadea, you’ll want to master the “Healing Pulse” as quickly as possible. By damaging enemies, you automatically heal yourself — but only if you time it right. Press the right shoulder button (R1 / RB) when the white effects around Rémi close into a glowing white ring. Only then do you lock in the recovered health.
If you have a lighter weapon available, switch to it when your health is low. This way, you’ll consume less stamina. Also, keep an eye on your inventory. Certain consumables and relics boost your stamina and resilience, giving you an extra edge in tough fights.
