Difference between revisions of "Game stages"

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(→‎Ascension run threats: Mention Vorpal Blade, one of the biggest astral plane threats)
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** {{monsymlink|giant beetle}}: These are an exception; they are very slow and have only one attack. Characters can easily use [[hit and run]] tactics to defeat them.
 
** {{monsymlink|giant beetle}}: These are an exception; they are very slow and have only one attack. Characters can easily use [[hit and run]] tactics to defeat them.
 
* {{monsymlink|leocrotta}}: They are fast enough to get 3 [[turn]]s for every 2 of a character who isn't [[fast]] or [[very fast]], and have three highly damaging attacks. They thankfully lack any [[resistance]]s and have low [[Magic resistance (monster)|MR]], meaning that [[attack wand]]s are quite useful. They respect [[Elbereth]].
 
* {{monsymlink|leocrotta}}: They are fast enough to get 3 [[turn]]s for every 2 of a character who isn't [[fast]] or [[very fast]], and have three highly damaging attacks. They thankfully lack any [[resistance]]s and have low [[Magic resistance (monster)|MR]], meaning that [[attack wand]]s are quite useful. They respect [[Elbereth]].
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* [[Unicorn]]s: the {{monsymlink|white unicorn}}, {{monsymlink|gray unicorn}}, and the {{monsymlink|black unicorn}}: Unicorns have potent attacks, but will try to remain a knight's move away from you (a Chess knight that is). A hapless [[fast]] or [[very fast]] player can end up adjacent to one however, and it will continue attacking until one of them dies. Use [[Elbereth]] or pacify it by throwing a [[Gem]] at it, which may also alter your [[luck]]; see [[unicorn|the main article]] for details.
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* [[Unicorn]]s: the {{monsymlink|white unicorn}}, {{monsymlink|gray unicorn}}, and the {{monsymlink|black unicorn}}: Unicorns have potent attacks, but will try to remain a knight's move away from you instead of engaging. A hapless [[fast]], [[very fast]], or [[invisible]] player can end up adjacent to one however, and it will continue attacking until you or it dies. Use [[Elbereth]] or pacify it by throwing a [[gem]] at it, which may also alter your [[Luck]]; see [[unicorn|the main article]] for details.
 
* [[Lycanthrope]]s: the {{monsymlink|wererat}}, {{monsymlink|werejackal}}, and {{monsymlink|werewolf}}: [[Werecreature]]s are likely to be the first [[shapeshifter]]s encountered, and are thankfully limited to just two forms. They are still a threat however, due to their [[lycanthropy|infectious bite]] and ability to summon up to five normal animals of their kind (e.g. normal [[jackal]]s or normal [[rat]]s) to tear you to shreds. [[Elbereth]] will only work on [[werecreature]]s while they are in animal form. Should you be infected with [[lycanthropy]], you should soon eat a [[sprig of wolfsbane]] or quaff a [[potion of holy water]] to cure it; if you have neither, you should [[pray]] as soon as it is safe to. Note that for one [[turn]] after a [[werecreature]]'s transformation to animal form, it will ignore [[Elbereth]], giving it an opportunity to infect you.
 
* [[Lycanthrope]]s: the {{monsymlink|wererat}}, {{monsymlink|werejackal}}, and {{monsymlink|werewolf}}: [[Werecreature]]s are likely to be the first [[shapeshifter]]s encountered, and are thankfully limited to just two forms. They are still a threat however, due to their [[lycanthropy|infectious bite]] and ability to summon up to five normal animals of their kind (e.g. normal [[jackal]]s or normal [[rat]]s) to tear you to shreds. [[Elbereth]] will only work on [[werecreature]]s while they are in animal form. Should you be infected with [[lycanthropy]], you should soon eat a [[sprig of wolfsbane]] or quaff a [[potion of holy water]] to cure it; if you have neither, you should [[pray]] as soon as it is safe to. Note that for one [[turn]] after a [[werecreature]]'s transformation to animal form, it will ignore [[Elbereth]], giving it an opportunity to infect you.
  
 
These [[monster]]s require special precautions but are not especially dangerous if handled correctly.
 
These [[monster]]s require special precautions but are not especially dangerous if handled correctly.
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* The three starting [[pet]] types and their stronger forms: {{brown|u}} [[horse]]s, {{white|d}} [[dog]]s, and {{white|f}} [[cat]]s: All of these species are much faster than characters, and have strong attacks. They can be tamed by throwing [[food]] they like at them (they will eat it) or pacified by throwing any other type of [[food]]. You might consider saving some [[tripe ration|tripe]] (for cats and dogs) and produce (for horses), but even a [[food ration]] or [[tin]] will make them stop killing you. [[Egg]]s, [[melon]]s, and [[cream pie]]s will usually be destroyed by throwing them, preventing them from taming or pacifying your target. See [[diet]] for details. As usual, they respect [[Elbereth]].
+
* The three starting [[pet]] types and their stronger forms: {{brown|u}} [[horse]]s, {{white|d}} [[dog]]s, and {{white|f}} [[cat]]s: All of these species are much faster than you and have strong attacks. They can be tamed by throwing [[food]] they like at them (they will eat it) or pacified by throwing any other type of [[food]]. You might consider saving some [[tripe ration|tripe]] (for cats and dogs) and produce (for horses), but even a [[food ration]] or [[tin]] will make them stop killing you. [[Egg]]s, [[melon]]s, and [[cream pie]]s will usually be destroyed by throwing them, preventing them from taming or pacifying your target. See [[diet]] for details. As usual, they respect [[Elbereth]].
−
* {{monsymlink|floating eye}}: Floating eyes are very slow and cannot directly damage you. They are still very dangerous, due to their [[passive attack]] - should you fight them in melee, you will often be [[paralysis|paralyzed]] for several hundred [[turn]]s, during which you are a sitting duck. Attack them with ranged weapons or apply a [[polearm]], or simply ignore them. If they leave a [[corpse]], be sure to eat it, as [[intrinsic telepathy]] is valuable.
+
* {{monsymlink|floating eye}}: Floating eyes are very slow and cannot directly damage you. They are still very dangerous due to their [[passive attack]]—should you fight them in melee, you will often be [[paralysis|paralyzed]] for several hundred [[turn]]s, during which you are a sitting duck. Attack them with ranged weapons or apply a [[polearm]], or simply ignore them. If they leave a [[corpse]], be sure to eat it, as [[intrinsic telepathy]] is valuable.
 
* {{monclasssym|m}} [[Mimic]]s: the {{monsymlink|small mimic}}, {{monsymlink|large mimic}}, and {{monsymlink|giant mimic}}: Pose as items in [[shop]]s and kill unsuspecting players. They hit very hard and can [[grabbing attack#sticky_attack|grab onto you]] but move very slowly. [[Elbereth]] is very useful against one that grabs you. See the [[mimic#strategy|mimic page]] for more advice.
 
* {{monclasssym|m}} [[Mimic]]s: the {{monsymlink|small mimic}}, {{monsymlink|large mimic}}, and {{monsymlink|giant mimic}}: Pose as items in [[shop]]s and kill unsuspecting players. They hit very hard and can [[grabbing attack#sticky_attack|grab onto you]] but move very slowly. [[Elbereth]] is very useful against one that grabs you. See the [[mimic#strategy|mimic page]] for more advice.
  
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===Mid game threats===
 
===Mid game threats===
 
* {{monsymlink|lich}} and {{monsymlink|demilich}}: These [[undead]] monstrosities are likely to be the first truly threatening [[monster spells#mage_spells|spellcasting monsters]] the player encounters. Normal liches are relatively slow, but have a toolbox of spells allowing them to [[drain strength|lower your strength]], [[curse items|curse your items]], [[destroy armor|destroy your precious armor]], even [[summon nasties]], and high level demiliches can even cast [[touch of death]]. Demiliches are also faster. [[Elbereth]] can prevent them from touching you or using their worst spells on you, and it is therefore highly recommended. Blessed [[scroll of genocide|scrolls of genocide]] are often used on liches, and has the benefit of also annihilating their stronger cousins, [[master lich|master]] and [[arch-lich]]es which cast the same set of spells but are more likely to be high enough level to use the monster dangerous ones, [[summon nasties]] and [[touch of death]].
 
* {{monsymlink|lich}} and {{monsymlink|demilich}}: These [[undead]] monstrosities are likely to be the first truly threatening [[monster spells#mage_spells|spellcasting monsters]] the player encounters. Normal liches are relatively slow, but have a toolbox of spells allowing them to [[drain strength|lower your strength]], [[curse items|curse your items]], [[destroy armor|destroy your precious armor]], even [[summon nasties]], and high level demiliches can even cast [[touch of death]]. Demiliches are also faster. [[Elbereth]] can prevent them from touching you or using their worst spells on you, and it is therefore highly recommended. Blessed [[scroll of genocide|scrolls of genocide]] are often used on liches, and has the benefit of also annihilating their stronger cousins, [[master lich|master]] and [[arch-lich]]es which cast the same set of spells but are more likely to be high enough level to use the monster dangerous ones, [[summon nasties]] and [[touch of death]].
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* {{monsymlink|mind flayer}} and {{monsymlink|master mind flayer}}: These flying abominations are not spellcasters, but instead have the ability to suck your brain. This attack drains your [[attribute|intelligence]], and can also cause you to [[amnesia|forget object identities and level layouts]]. If they reduce you to below 3 [[intelligence]], you will die instantly and cannot be saved even with an [[amulet of life saving]]. Attack them from range whenever possible; if you must fight them in melee, wear a (preferably [[greased]]) helmet and use [[Elbereth]] religiously. If they are within one [[turn]]'s movement of you you should engrave [[Elbereth]] with a guaranteed one turn source, e.g. a [[wand of fire]] or a [[magic marker]]. After they are dead, you can use a [[unicorn horn]] to restore your [[intelligence]], but you will not recover lost object identities or level maps. [[Genocide]] is also popular here, but beware: if you are a [[dwarf]], blessed-genociding 'h' will [[instadeath|instantly kill you]].
+
* {{monsymlink|mind flayer}} and {{monsymlink|master mind flayer}}: These flying abominations are not spellcasters, but instead have the ability to suck your brain. This attack drains your [[attribute|intelligence]], and can also cause you to [[amnesia|forget object identities and level layouts]]. If they reduce you to below 3 [[intelligence]], you will die instantly and cannot be saved even with an [[amulet of life saving]]. Attack them from range whenever possible; if you must fight them in melee, wear a (preferably [[greased]]) helmet and use [[Elbereth]] religiously. If they are within one [[turn]]'s movement of you you should engrave [[Elbereth]] with a guaranteed one turn source, e.g. a [[wand of fire]] or an [[athame]]. After they are dead, you can use a [[unicorn horn]] to restore your [[intelligence]], but you will not recover lost object identities or level maps. [[Genocide]] is also popular here, but beware: if you are a [[dwarf]], blessed-genociding 'h' will [[instadeath|instantly kill you]].
−
* {{monsymlink|titan}}: While normally quite rare, one of the two [[Medusa's island]] levels contains a guaranteed titan near the up [[staircase]]. They are almost always [[peaceful]] to [[lawful]] characters, but [[neutral]] and [[chaotic]] characters are out of luck. They are probably the first monster you will encounter capable of casting [[Summon nasties]], and worse, they are immune to [[genocide]]. They respect [[Elbereth]], but be wary as several of their summoned minions ignore it.
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* {{monsymlink|titan}}: While normally quite rare, one variant of [[Medusa's Island]] contains a guaranteed titan near the up [[staircase]]. They are almost always [[peaceful]] to [[lawful]] characters, but [[neutral]] and [[chaotic]] characters are out of luck. They are probably the first monster you will encounter capable of casting [[summon nasties]], and worse, they are immune to [[genocide]]. They respect [[Elbereth]], but be wary as several of their summoned minions ignore it.
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* {{monclasssym|;}} [[Sea monster]]s: Two sea monsters in particular, the {{cyan|;}} [[giant eel]] and the {{blue|;}} [[electric eel]], possess a two-move [[instadeath|instant death]] attack in [[drowning]]. The move will fail if you wear a [[greased]] or [[oilskin cloak]], however. If you lack either, be adjacent to [[moat|water]] as little as possible. Electric eels can also destroy your [[ring]]s with their electrical attacks - including a worn [[ring of levitation]]. They are sometimes [[genocide]]d, but less commonly than the previous two monster types. Eels and [[shark]]s are guaranteed around [[Medusa's island]] and in the [[Castle]] moat. They will appear in [[special room#swamp|swamps]] as well, but those are rather rare. {{monsymlink|Kraken}}s, {{monsymlink|couatl}}s, and {{monsymlink|python}}s are also capable of drowning you, but krakens are slow and couatls and pythons rarely near water.
+
* {{monclasssym|;}} [[Sea monster]]s: Two sea monsters in particular, the {{cyan|;}} [[giant eel]] and the {{blue|;}} [[electric eel]], possess a two-move [[drowning attack]] that [[instadeath|kills you instantly]]. The move will fail if you wear a [[greased]] or [[oilskin cloak]], however. If you lack either, be adjacent to [[moat|water]] as little as possible. Electric eels can also destroy your [[ring]]s with their electrical attacks—including a worn [[ring of levitation]]. They are sometimes [[genocide]]d, but less commonly than the previous two monster types. Eels and [[shark]]s are guaranteed around [[Medusa's island]] and in the [[Castle]] moat. They will appear in [[special room#swamp|swamps]] as well, but those are rather rare. {{monsymlink|Kraken}}s, {{monsymlink|couatl}}s, and {{monsymlink|python}}s are also capable of drowning you, but krakens are slow and couatls and pythons rarely near water.
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* {{monsymlink|chickatrice}} and {{monsymlink|cockatrice}}: These monsters are possibly the most detailed monsters in the game; it is important to understand what will and what will not [[stoning|petrify]] characters. The main article goes into detail, but the gist is that touching a cockatrice, living or dead, in any way, will kill a character instantly. If [[gloves]] are worn, they can be touched with your [[hands]], but beware of wielding their [[cockatrice#use_as_a_weapon|corpse]] - should you fall in a [[pit]] or down [[staircase|stairs]], you will touch them no matter what you wear. Should you begin to stiffen from their hiss, eat a [[lizard]] or [[acid|acidic corpse]] or cast {{spell of|stone to flesh}}, or quaff a [[potion of acid]] on yourself posthaste; if no other option is available, [[pray]]. With correct precautions, they become less dangerous and more of a powerful weapon. Just beware of leaving them on the floor, in case you walk over it while [[blind]]ed or have it used against you by an [[intelligent monster|intelligent]] foe.
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* {{monsymlink|chickatrice}} and {{monsymlink|cockatrice}}: These monsters are possibly the most complex monsters in the game; it is important to understand what will and what will not [[stoning|petrify]] you. The main article goes into detail, but the gist is that touching a cockatrice, living or dead, in any way, will kill you instantly. If [[gloves]] are worn, they can be touched with your [[hands]], but beware of [[Cockatrice#Use as a weapon|wielding their corpse]]—should you fall in a [[pit]] or down a [[staircase]], you will touch it no matter what you wear. Should you begin to stiffen from their hiss, eat a [[lizard]] or [[acid|acidic corpse]], cast {{spell of|stone to flesh}} at yourself, or quaff a [[potion of acid]] posthaste; if no other option is available, [[pray]]. With correct precautions, they become less dangerous and more of a powerful weapon. Just beware of leaving them on the floor, in case you walk over it while [[blind]]ed or have it used against you by an [[intelligent monster|intelligent]] foe.
 
* {{monsymlink|rust monster}}: These monsters can be unbelievably irritating. Both their main attacks and their [[passive attack]] will cause [[metal]] items to [[erosion|rust]], reducing their effectiveness. They will also eat any [[metal]] items they find, including good items you may have wanted to obtain. If they are alone, you can simply punch them to death while wearing no [[metal]] [[armor]] uncovered by a cloak; they can do no physical damage. If not alone, use the almighty [[Elbereth|E-Word]] or zap them with [[wand]]s and spells. A [[unicorn horn]] is a good weapon here too.
 
* {{monsymlink|rust monster}}: These monsters can be unbelievably irritating. Both their main attacks and their [[passive attack]] will cause [[metal]] items to [[erosion|rust]], reducing their effectiveness. They will also eat any [[metal]] items they find, including good items you may have wanted to obtain. If they are alone, you can simply punch them to death while wearing no [[metal]] [[armor]] uncovered by a cloak; they can do no physical damage. If not alone, use the almighty [[Elbereth|E-Word]] or zap them with [[wand]]s and spells. A [[unicorn horn]] is a good weapon here too.
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* {{monsymlink|minotaur}}: The last new midgame threat. These monsters ignore [[Elbereth]] and have very high damage, but they also have very low [[magic_resistance_(monster)|magic resistance]]. They are generated by the [[summon nasties]] spell and can be created inside any [[maze]]. They will not normally appear before late game, but the [[Castle]] contains a small piece of [[maze]] and there can be up to 3 complete [[maze]] levels between [[Medusa's island]] and the [[Castle]] giving you plenty of chances to meet them early. A minotaur at the [[Castle]] is particularly dangerous because the [[maze]] is so small; if it appears there you are usually forced to fight it.
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* {{monsymlink|minotaur}}: These monsters ignore [[Elbereth]] and have very high damage, but they also have very low [[Magic resistance (monster)|magic resistance]]. They are generated by the [[summon nasties]] spell and can be created inside any [[maze]]. They will not normally appear before late game, but the [[Castle]] contains a small piece of [[maze]] and there can be up to 3 complete [[maze]] levels between [[Medusa's Island]] and the [[Castle]], giving you plenty of chances to meet them early. A minotaur at the [[Castle]] is particularly dangerous because the [[maze]] is so small; if it appears there you are usually forced to fight it.
  
 
==The late game==
 
==The late game==
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* [[YASD]]: There is really no reason to be dying at this point except high [[conduct]]s.
 
* [[YASD]]: There is really no reason to be dying at this point except high [[conduct]]s.
 
** {{monsymlink|minotaur}}: If something is going to kill you in melee, this is it.
 
** {{monsymlink|minotaur}}: If something is going to kill you in melee, this is it.
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** {{monsymlink|mind flayer}} and {{monsymlink|master mind flayer}}: Amnesia is still a substantial set back and a brainless death is still possible. And remember that unlike most of the post-[[Castle]] blunders you could make, all the [[amulet of life saving|amulets of life saving]] in the world won't save you from brainlessness.
+
** {{monsymlink|mind flayer}} and {{monsymlink|master mind flayer}}: Amnesia is still a substantial setback, and a brainless death is still possible. And remember that unlike most of the post-[[Castle]] blunders you could make, all the [[amulet of life saving|amulets of life saving]] in the world won't save you from brainlessness.
 
** {{monsymlink|green slime}}: Not especially dangerous, but (rarely) being touched by them or (definitely) eating them can start a long [[delayed_instadeath|delayed instadeath]] ([[sliming]]) curable by [[fire]]. Be aware that they exist.
 
** {{monsymlink|green slime}}: Not especially dangerous, but (rarely) being touched by them or (definitely) eating them can start a long [[delayed_instadeath|delayed instadeath]] ([[sliming]]) curable by [[fire]]. Be aware that they exist.
 
** {{monsymlink|Juiblex}}: A [[major demon]] who inhabits [[Juiblex's swamp|his own swamp]], guaranteed to appear in [[Gehennom]]. He is easy to kill but will almost surely infect you with a deadly [[sickness]] at least once, which you must remember to cure with your [[unicorn horn]].
 
** {{monsymlink|Juiblex}}: A [[major demon]] who inhabits [[Juiblex's swamp|his own swamp]], guaranteed to appear in [[Gehennom]]. He is easy to kill but will almost surely infect you with a deadly [[sickness]] at least once, which you must remember to cure with your [[unicorn horn]].
 
** {{monsymlink|Demogorgon}}: Not guaranteed to appear (in [[vanilla]]), but can ruin an ascension run if you're not prepared; he's quite [[nasty]]. Read his article for tips.
 
** {{monsymlink|Demogorgon}}: Not guaranteed to appear (in [[vanilla]]), but can ruin an ascension run if you're not prepared; he's quite [[nasty]]. Read his article for tips.
 
* {{monsymlink|chickatrice}} and {{monsymlink|cockatrice}}: A monster wielding a cockatrice corpse is one of the few truly frightening things at this point, and the cockatrice itself presents many possible [[YASD]]s
 
* {{monsymlink|chickatrice}} and {{monsymlink|cockatrice}}: A monster wielding a cockatrice corpse is one of the few truly frightening things at this point, and the cockatrice itself presents many possible [[YASD]]s
−
* {{monsymlink|master lich}} and {{monsymlink|arch-lich}}: These purple Ls will begin appearing frequently in [[Gehennom]]. They are stronger than the [[Lich#lich|liches]] and [[Lich#demilich|demiliches]] and they are [[covetous]] giving them the ability to teleport back and forth between you and the [[staircase|upstairs]] where they will heal. They also have much higher [[magic resistance (monster)|magic resistance]] and base level, practically guaranteeing that they can cast their full repertoire of spells. They will begin appearing frequently in [[Gehennom]].
+
* {{monsymlink|master lich}} and {{monsymlink|arch-lich}}: These purple Ls will begin appearing frequently in [[Gehennom]]. They are stronger than the [[Lich#lich|liches]] and [[Lich#demilich|demiliches]]. They are also [[covetous]], giving them the ability to teleport back and forth between you and the [[staircase|upstairs]] where they will heal. They have much higher [[magic resistance (monster)|magic resistance]] and base level, practically guaranteeing that they can cast their full repertoire of spells. They will begin appearing frequently in [[Gehennom]].
  
 
==The [[ascension run]]==
 
==The [[ascension run]]==

Revision as of 21:05, 9 August 2019

This page may need to be updated for the current version of NetHack.

It may contain text specific to NetHack 3.4.3. Information on this page may be out of date.

Editors: After reviewing this page and making necessary edits, please change the {{nethack-343}} tag to the current version's tag or {{noversion}} as appropriate.


Like most games, a character's progress through NetHack can be broken down into several phases.

The early game

The first stage is the early game where survival and sometimes securing food is of supreme importance. For many roles, the starting pet is likely more powerful than the character itself. Securing basic armor and weaponry is a top priority; use your pet to test the BUC of items before you use or wear them. Many new players have trouble finding enough food: when they are weak with hunger they should probably pray for nutrition and save their permafood for when they cannot pray. More experienced players will find they have enough food almost all the time and will want to eat the permafood and conserve their ability to pray. Safe corpses are preferable to both of course. Above all else, take it slow and be careful! The early game is almost definitely the most difficult stage of NetHack.

Early game threats

Ranked roughly in order of danger from most to least.

These monsters require special precautions but are not especially dangerous if handled correctly.

  • The three starting pet types and their stronger forms: u horses, d dogs, and f cats: All of these species are much faster than you and have strong attacks. They can be tamed by throwing food they like at them (they will eat it) or pacified by throwing any other type of food. You might consider saving some tripe (for cats and dogs) and produce (for horses), but even a food ration or tin will make them stop killing you. Eggs, melons, and cream pies will usually be destroyed by throwing them, preventing them from taming or pacifying your target. See diet for details. As usual, they respect Elbereth.
  • e floating eye: Floating eyes are very slow and cannot directly damage you. They are still very dangerous due to their passive attack—should you fight them in melee, you will often be paralyzed for several hundred turns, during which you are a sitting duck. Attack them with ranged weapons or apply a polearm, or simply ignore them. If they leave a corpse, be sure to eat it, as intrinsic telepathy is valuable.
  • ​m Mimics: the m small mimic, m large mimic, and m giant mimic: Pose as items in shops and kill unsuspecting players. They hit very hard and can grab onto you but move very slowly. Elbereth is very useful against one that grabs you. See the mimic page for more advice.

The mid game

In the middle game survival is less of a pressure and the game is about completing an ascension kit. The distinction between early and mid game isn't clear, with definitions ranging from reaching Sokoban and Minetown, to collecting the Sokoban prize, to the point at which you no longer fear team a. The floors between the Quest portal and Castle are almost certainly midgame territory.

Mid game threats

The late game

In the late game, survival is almost guaranteed (bar those YASDs that an amulet of life saving could have saved you from), and the goal is to get the Amulet of Yendor and resurface. The late game is generally said to start either when you get the wand of wishing from Castle, or when you beginning exploring Gehennom; the difference being that some players in some roles (e.g. Samurai) do the Quest after the Castle.

Late game threats

  • YASD: There is really no reason to be dying at this point except high conducts.
  • c chickatrice and c cockatrice: A monster wielding a cockatrice corpse is one of the few truly frightening things at this point, and the cockatrice itself presents many possible YASDs
  • L master lich and L arch-lich: These purple Ls will begin appearing frequently in Gehennom. They are stronger than the liches and demiliches. They are also covetous, giving them the ability to teleport back and forth between you and the upstairs where they will heal. They have much higher magic resistance and base level, practically guaranteeing that they can cast their full repertoire of spells. They will begin appearing frequently in Gehennom.

The ascension run

Finally, on the run your final death is a (slim) possibility again while racing to ascend. Your character is likely fully equipped and very strong, but there are a few things to worry. This stage of the game begins by recovering the Book of the Dead.

It's worth noting that most players treat "end game" as a synonym for "ascension run", but NetHack itself reserves the title "End Game" for the Elemental Planes and the Astral Plane (though it uses "Elemental Planes" internally for the Astral Plane as well as the other four planes). Most players refer to those as just "the Planes". The terminology is a tad hazy.

Ascension run threats

  • The same warnings about YASDs from the late game apply here, but with a few additional notes.
  • The Riders: & Famine, & Pestilence, & Death: Unique monsters you will meet on the Astral plane. Read up on them.
  • @ Wizard of Yendor: The Wizard will return from the dead an infinite number of times, and will not stop appearing until you reach the Astral plane. Even while dead he will strike out at you.
  • E air elemental: On the Plane of Air, Air Elementals are substantially stronger than in the rest of the game, and can rapidly kill characters with a subpar Armor Class. It can help to have some quick method of defeating or neutralizing them.
  • h mind flayer and h master mind flayer: If you get amnesiaed now you will have to remap the levels you lost with The Wizard of Yendor on your tail.
  • % Cockatrice corpses: These are a common choice on the ascension run, especially on the Astral Plane; as always, be careful with them.
  • The Astral Plane, the last level in the game, is by far the place where most ascension run deaths take place. Move slow and play carefully. Request the help of the players in #nethack if you need it. Player monsters in particular may spawn with Vorpal Blade if it hasn't been generated yet, and can use that to kill you instantly with a 5% chance.
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