In the realm of Greek mythology, Hypnos represents the embodiment of sleep and is one of the offspring of Nyx. Known for his affinity for leisure and napping, this character often took short rests even while fulfilling his duties as the greeter of the House of Hades. However, in the sequel Hades 2, Hypnos appears to have indulged in his slumber a bit too much.
Upon entering Hades 2, players will encounter Hypnos in the Crossroads. Unlike his previous role, he does not greet players upon their return; instead, he lies in the corner, snoozing deeply as if decades have passed.
Melinoe, his sibling, is intent on awakening him from this prolonged rest, but achieving this requires embarking on one of the game’s extensive meta-progression side quests, emphasizing just how determined Hypnos is to remain in his dream world.
Spoilers for Hades 2 follow!
The Short Version
Waking Hypnos isn’t an overly complicated task, but it is quite time-consuming. Players will have to complete the questline only after beating the game. The steps are straightforward, involving conversations with various NPCs, gathering specific ingredients, and performing certain incantations. Here’s a quick overview of the essential steps:
- Provide Hypnos with at least 2 Nectars and obtain one Poppy.
- Interact with Hypnos until the incantation End of Deepest Slumber is unlocked.
- Execute End of Deepest Slumber (1 Molly, 2 Shaderot, 3 Poppy) to create Dream Vapors.
- Apply Dream Vapors to Hypnos.
- Converse with Medea in Ephyra until the incantation End of Dearest Slumber is unlocked.
- Perform End of Dearest Slumber (1 Molly, 3 Mandrake, 3 Poppy) to yield Dream Vapors.
- Use Dream Vapors on Hypnos again.
- Speak to Medea once more until the incantation End of Dumbest Slumber is unlocked.
- Carry out End of Dumbest Slumber (1 Shaderot, 2 Poppy, 1 Soot) to obtain Dream Vapors.
- Finally, apply Dream Vapors to Hypnos.
Unlocking and Performing End to Deepest Slumber
Before diving into the incantation process, it’s essential to build some rapport with Hypnos. Start by offering him a minimum of 2 bottles of Nectar, which are obtainable through completed encounters or purchased from the Wretched Broker for 30 bones. Additionally, you’ll need at least one Poppy plant, which can be discovered in dig spots throughout Tartarus and cultivated in the Crossroads.
After fulfilling these requirements, continue interacting with Hypnos in between runs until Melinoe recalls the incantation that may rouse him. Unlock End of Deepest Slumber using 1 Molly from Erebus, 2 Shaderot from Tartarus, and 3 Poppy grown from Poppy Seeds.
Executing this incantation grants you the item Dream Vapors which you can gift to Hypnos. Melinoe will then attempt to penetrate his mind, though it may not yield immediate results.
Unlocking and Performing End to Dearest Slumber
If the initial Dream Vapors don’t succeed in awakening Hypnos, a more potent concoction is required. This is where Medea, the Witch of Shadows, comes into play. Venture to the City of Ephyra and seek out a conversation room to find her. It may take a few interactions to trigger the necessary dialogue that will grant you an enhanced recipe for Dream Vapor, along with the incantation needed to create it.
For the incantation End of Dearest Slumber, you will require 1 Molly, 3 Mandrake Root, and 3 Poppy. While you already know where to obtain the first two, Mandrake Root needs to be dug up from Mandrake Seeds located in the Rift of Thessaly before being grown in the Crossroads.
With the upgraded Dream Vapors ready, offer them to Hypnos once again for another attempt to delve into his mind, inching ever closer to unearthing the reasons for his extended slumber, though it still might not suffice.
Unlocking and Performing End to Dumbest Slumber
To finally awaken Hypnos, you will need to initiate a deeper exploration, akin to the concept of Inception. The culmination of this journey is the creation of the most potent Dream Vapors. Return to Medea to discover the final incantation, dubbed End of Dumbest Slumber.
This incantation necessitates 1 Shaderot, 2 Poppy, and 1 Soot. While Shaderot and Poppy Seeds can be easily gathered in Tartarus, obtaining Soot presents a challenge. The only source for Soot is Hades, who won’t be inclined to provide resources until you’ve completed the game and seen the credits. Thus, you will need to engage Hades in Tartarus and request Soot when the opportunity arises.
Once you’ve collected all the required ingredients, perform End of Dumbest Slumber to create the final batch of Dream Vapors. Present this last offering to Hypnos, and after some introspection and mental excavation, you will successfully awaken him from his endless sleep.
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