Across various mythologies, a common thread weaves through the actions of gods, deities, and beings of worship: their affinity for offerings. This intrinsic desire for gifts is not just a facet of humanity; even the divine enjoy being presented with tokens of appreciation. Among them, the Greek gods are known for their capricious nature, reveling in offerings. It’s clear that this dynamic is a significant part of the gameplay in Hades 2, mirroring elements from its predecessor.
In Hades 2, collectible items referred to as “Indulgences” play a crucial role, colloquially known as gifts. These items can be presented to various NPCs throughout the game, aiding in unlocking essential items, serving the broader meta-progression, and enriching your understanding of the intriguing characters you meet along the way.
While some gifts are readily accessible, others necessitate a bit of crafting and exploration. As the saying goes, the significance of a gift often speaks louder than its material value.
Warning: Spoilers for Hades 2 follow!
Unlocking and Utilizing Nectar
| Unlocking Method | Unlocked by default |
|---|---|
| Acquisition Methods | Defeating encounters, purchasing from Broker (30 bones), crafting (1 Golden Apple, 1 Star Dust) |
Nectar, truly the essence of divine favor! Its allure is universal, and NPCs will gratefully accept it—especially when bestowed by Melinoe—barring specific game-related conditions. In Hades 2, offering Nectar to characters is essential in cultivating relationships, leading to further interactions, meta-progressions, and enabling more sophisticated gifts to be given.
This precious item can appear randomly during runs as a reward, and can be acquired by fulfilling tasks listed on the Fated List of Minor Prophecies. Moreover, after paying 60 bones for the incantation Kinship Fortune, the Wretched Broker will offer Nectar for sale at 30 bones per bottle. However, as it’s classified as an exotic item, only one bottle is available for purchase each night, so make sure to stock up!
Additionally, players can brew Nectar using the Alchemy method in the cauldron. This process requires 1 Golden Apple (obtained from Eris) and 1 Star Dust (acquired from Chaos Trials) and takes eight Whiles to produce six bottles. After defeating Eris, you must speak with Aphrodite to unlock the recipe.
Finding and Using Bath Salts
| Unlocking Method | Incantation Rite of Vapor-Cleansing (2 Nightshade, 2 Lotus, 2 Molly) |
|---|---|
| Acquisition Methods | Purchasing from Broker (50 bones), finding in dig spots with Silver Spade Level 2 |
Who doesn’t cherish a soothing soak in a hot spring? It’s invigorating and beneficial for overall wellness. In Hades 2, the Crossroads allows for communal soaking experiences, provided you construct the Hot Spring and gather Bath Salts.
Your journey begins by performing the incantation Rite of Vapor-Cleansing, requiring 2 Nightshade, 2 Lotus, and 2 Molly. Nightshade seeds are obtainable from Erebus, while Lotus and Molly are collected from Oceanus and Erebus, respectively.
Once the Hot Spring is active, your first bottle of Bath Salts is complimentary, and the Wretched Broker will offer them nightly for 50 bones. An upgraded Silver Spade also increases your chances of discovering Bath Salts during your digs.
These Bath Salts can be gifted to various NPCs in the Crossroads to invite them for a relaxing soak. However, only those with sufficient affinity, built through Nectars and other gifts, will join you. If their affinity is low, they will return the Bath Salts. If they accept, enjoy a charming cutscene, and you will gain 12 Whiles.
Discovering and Utilizing Twin Lures
| Unlocking Method | Incantation Rite of River-Fording (2 Cattail, 4 Driftwood) |
|---|---|
| Acquisition Methods | Purchased from Broker (100 bones) |
If you’ve ever wished to fish with friends, Twin Lures in Hades 2 let you do just that—provided you’ve set up the Crossroads Fishing Pier! Perform the incantation Rite of River-Fording, which requires 2 Cattail and 4 Driftwood.
Cattails can be cultivated from seeds found in Oceanus, while Driftwood can be collected within the Rift of Thessaly. After opening the Fishing Pier, you receive your first Twin Lures for free, with further purchases available at the Broker for 100 bones each night.
Similar to Bath Salts, NPCs will only accept Twin Lures when their affinity is sufficiently high through previous gifts. Fishing together earns you an additional 16 Whiles.
Locating and Utilizing Ambrosia
| Unlocking Method | Incantation Rite of Social Solidarity (2 Nectar, 2 Garlic) |
|---|---|
| Acquisition Methods | Purchase from Broker (500 bones), Alchemy (1 Myrtle, 1 Golden Apple, 1 Iris, 1 Star Dust) |
If Nectar is likened to a craft beer, then Ambrosia represents the ultimate fine wine. In Hades 2, the mechanics surrounding Ambrosia differ from the prior installment. To initiate this process, you must perform the incantation Rite of Social Solidarity, which costs 2 Nectar and 2 Garlic (which can be cultivated using Garlic Cloves found in Ephyra) to reopen the Crossroads Taverna.
Your inaugural bottle of Ambrosia is complimentary, with further bottles available from the Broker nightly for 500 bones. You can also concoct Ambrosia through Alchemy for 1 Myrtle, 1 Golden Apple, 1 Iris, and 1 Star Dust, following a discussion with Demeter after achieving the game’s true conclusion.
When a Crossroads NPC has a high enough affinity, they will accept Ambrosia, allowing you to enjoy a drink together at the Taverna. Otherwise, consider offering more Nectar, Bath Salts, or Twin Lures. Drinking together further grants you 20 Whiles.
Finding and Using Witch’s Delights
| Unlocking Method | Incantation Faith of Familiar Spirits (1 Lotus, 2 Nectar) |
|---|---|
| Acquisition Methods | Incantation Bravery of Familiar Spirits (1 Wool, 3 Wheat), Alchemy (1 Nectar, 1 Star Dust) |
Some gifts, intended for Animal Familiars, serve a humble purpose. Witch’s Delights are crucial for recruiting these companions and enhancing their powers. First, you’ll perform the incantation Faith of Familiar Spirits, requiring 1 Lotus and 2 bottles of Nectar to begin this quest.
This initial incantation rewards you with three Witch’s Delights. You can obtain more through the incantation Bravery of Familiar Spirits, which costs 1 Wool and 3 Wheat. Wheat seeds can be found in the Fields of Mourning and cultivated for your needs.
Although you cannot purchase Witch’s Delights, you can create them using the Alchemy procedure called Beast-Loved Morsel, requiring 1 Nectar and 1 Star Dust.
Acquiring and Utilizing Obol Points
| Unlocking Method | Spend 1, 000 total Gold Crowns in Charon’s Shops |
|---|---|
| Acquisition Methods | Automatically rewarded for every 1, 000 Gold Crowns spent, or purchase in Tartarus for 600 Gold Crowns |
Charon, the Stygian Boatman, showcases his entrepreneurial spirit by establishing a loyalty program, the Obol Points. These black cards are a reward for your consistent spending during your journey. Your first will be given after a cumulative total of 1, 000 coins spent, with additional cards awarded for every subsequent 1, 000 coins.
On occasion, Obol Points may also be available for purchase at the last shop in Tartarus before confronting Chronos, costing 600 coins.
These points can be deposited in the drop box next to the Wretched Broker, providing you the opportunity to special-order valuable items such as Ashes, Psyche, Fate Fabric, and Nightmares. Simply submit the appropriate points and wait for the designated Whiles for Charon’s delivery on your next return. Bear in mind that one Obol Point is needed to unlock the Aspect of Charon on the Moonstone Axe, so plan your spending wisely.
Finding and Utilizing Kudos
| Unlocking Method | Give Dora 1 Nectar, achieve 40 cumulative meta upgrades, and perform the incantation Earthly Fortune (100 bones) |
|---|---|
| Acquisition Methods | Trade ingredients, gifts, or plants to the Broker |
Sometimes, the simplest gestures hold the most profound significance. An acknowledgment of hard work, especially when convertible into a rewarding currency for cosmetics, is invaluable. Enter Kudos—an intriguing currency for gifts in the afterlife.
Kudos allow players to unlock cosmetics for the Crossroads in the later game stages. To access Kudos, you’ll need to complete a sidequest with your friend, Dora, involving giving her at least one Nectar and achieving a total of 40 meta upgrades.
Upon reaching this milestone, Dora will unlock the Earthly Fortune incantation for 100 bones. Using this, you can trade various items to the Broker for Kudos.
After this trading system is active, you can exchange Kudos with Dora for exciting new cosmetics. Additionally, if you’ve unlocked the Music Maker NPC, you can use Kudos to access new background music tracks.
Character-Specific Indulgences
| Tears, Vaporized | Invocation Essence of Sorrow (1 Tear) |
|---|---|
| Ectoplasmic Draught | Invocation Night Life for the Dead (2 Shaderot, 1 Shadow) |
| Dream Vapors | Invocation End to Deepest Slumber (1 Molly, 2 Mandrake Root, 3 Poppy) |
While it’s typically impolite to request specific gifts, sometimes only a particular offering will suffice. In Hades 2, certain gifts, tied to specific character sidequests, can only be presented to those individuals to continue the narrative.
The first unique gift, Tears, Vaporized, is intended for Medea. Following her request, the Essence of Sorrow invocation, requiring 1 Tear, must be performed to procure it. After gifting this, building her affinity can proceed normally.
The second distinct offering is Ectoplasmic Draught for Icarus. To unlock his ultimate affinity rank, you must perform the Night Life for the Dead incantation, which costs 2 Shaderot and 1 Shadow. Shaderot can be gathered in Tartarus, while Shadow is created through Alchemy using 30 Ashes, 30 Psyche, and 3 Fate Fabric, requiring 12 Whiles to brew.
Finally, Dream Vapors are intended for Hypnos. After providing him with at least 2 Nectar and acquiring 1 Poppy from Poppy Seeds in Tartarus, perform the required incantation End to Deepest Slumber, which necessitates 1 Molly from Erebus, 2 Mandrake Root from the Rift of Thessaly, and 3 Poppy.
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