For Ravenbound players, this is a simple and very basic overview on the Hatred mechanic featured in Ravenbound. What is it, and how does it affect gameplay?
Lore
Hatred in Ravenbound represents the effect the Betrayer has on the world of Ávalt. She spreads it like a curse to creatures – and even objects like treasures.
As a Vessel of the Raven, you can loot treasure by absorbing Hatred into yourself as a Fragment of Hatred. Empowering Fragments is the primary way to get equipment, but it comes with a cost: revealing Hatred cards that make Elites and Bosses stronger, as the Hatred exposes your weaknesses to these creatures.
Hatred Management
Be careful with collecting too much Hatred and instead focus on going to the Tear of Hatred first. The main mission marker guides you to the open Tear at the start of each run. Clearing the enemies inside the Tear removes Hatred from nearby camps, allowing you to loot those camps without absorbing Fragments of Hatred. The completed Tear also gives you a mana boost which will help with your early progression.
In some situations, you might find yourself accumulating a lot of Hatred, which can be tricky to handle as it empowers bosses and elites. The key is to learn how different engagements affect your builds and optimize your approach accordingly. If you still need more power, consider exploring the world for an unguarded chest or practicing against a boss to improve your skills.
Removing Hatred
To remove Hatred, you can seek help from the imprisoned Gods. When one of your Fragment Slots becomes locked to Hatred, it’s usually a good idea to face the region’s challenge by defeating a Warden. If you’re successful, the Ellri will cleanse one Fragment bar, unlocking one Fragment slot previously locked to Hatred.
The Hatred System is designed to add depth to the gameplay and encourage strategic decision-making in the world of Ravenbound. So, embrace the challenge and enjoy the journey!