So just as we’ve seen Hunter Acclaim make for a progressive system of unlocks; maybe helltides could have one too. A permanent (seasonal included like renown) perk system upgraded by turning in cinders rather than using them to unlock chests. This would give our overpowered mains a reason to helltide while unlocking account benefits for alt characters and fresh seasons. These wouldn’t be game breaking perks, simple things like extra gold on helltide kills, bonus cinders from events; leading up to the more fun perks such as all interact able objects always drop cinders - not just when glowing red, a 0 cinder penalty to dying and maybe even a perk that auto loots cinders to inventory. Perk levels of course would require more cinders turned in per level, which could also be padded out with perk levels rewarding a helltide inspired cosmetic instead of a perk. Ontop of that just to add more challenge the final few perk levels could require some sort of uber boss item drop only summoned during a helltide and only with a great number of cinders.
There needs to be enough balance so new season racers or new players don’t feel hard done by for not yet having their helltide perks unlocked, so the big theme would be on small bonuses, quality of life additions and maybe even some shiny new cosmetics to show off.