In Hades 2, beyond the thrilling combat and the quest for vengeance against Chronos, lies a system for fostering meaningful relationships with the diverse cast of characters. As Melinoe, the Princess of the Underworld, players have the opportunity to deepen their bonds with gods and other notable figures by offering them gifts. These aren’t just tokens of appreciation; they are keys to unlocking unique rewards and furthering your journey. This guide delves into the world of Hades 2 Gifts, explaining how to give them, the different types available, and how to acquire these valuable items.
Understanding Gifts in Hades 2
Gifts in Hades 2 are your primary means of interacting with NPCs beyond accepting Boons or engaging in brief conversations. Offering gifts can significantly enhance your relationships, leading to unique dialogues, rewards, and even romantic subplots. To initiate gift-giving, simply approach an NPC, whether they are present at the Crossroads, encountered during your delves, or represented by their sigil (in the case of Olympian Gods).
How to Give Gifts
When you interact with an NPC, you’ll notice a “Gift” prompt alongside options to talk or accept a Boon. Pressing the designated button (“G” on keyboard, “LT” on controller) will open your Indulgences inventory. Here, you can choose the gift you wish to present. Keep in mind that NPCs may have preferences, and some gifts might be more effective than others in strengthening your bond. An Incantation called Empath’s Intuition, once unlocked, provides a clearer picture of each NPC’s preferences through relationship meters in your Book of Shadows, guiding you towards the most suitable gift.
Different Gift Types and Their Benefits
Currently, Hades 2 features four distinct types of gifts, each contributing to your relationship meter and offering unique interactions:
- Nectar: This is often the first gift players encounter. Presenting Nectar to an NPC for the first time will reward you with a Keepsake. With approximately 27 Keepsakes to collect, each providing a distinct gameplay bonus, Nectar is crucial for gaining advantages in your runs.
- Bath Salts: Offering Bath Salts is an invitation for an intimate encounter at the Hot Springs. This gift type often leads to deeper, more personal conversations and can be instrumental in progressing romantic storylines within the game.
- Ambrosia: Ambrosia serves as an invitation to the Taverna. Gifting Ambrosia leads to more extended and personal conversations in a relaxed setting, similar to Bath Salts, Ambrosia can also advance romantic relationships.
- Twin Lures: Twin Lures are unique as they invite an NPC on a fishing trip. This gift provides a more casual and relaxed interaction at the Fishing Pier, allowing for lighthearted conversations and relationship building outside of more intense settings.
Hades 2 Wretched Broker offering gifts
How to Obtain Gifts in Hades 2
Giving gifts is a straightforward process, and fortunately, acquiring them is also reasonably accessible. Gifts are primarily obtained through purchases, although some can be discovered during your Underworld explorations or rewarded upon completing specific Incantations.
- Nectar: Your initial Nectar is granted upon completing the Kinship Fortune Incantation.
- Subsequently, Nectar can be purchased from the Wretched Broker for 30 Bones per unit, with a limit of one purchase per Broker encounter.
- Charon also offers Nectar for sale in exchange for Obols.
- Nectar can be found as a reward for clearing encounters marked with the Nectar symbol in the Underworld.
- Summoning Moros, the Harbinger of Doom, also rewards you with Nectar.
- Finally, you can brew Nectar using the Golden Apple through the Sweet Nectar Alchemy recipe.
- Bath Salts: Bath Salts are available for purchase from the Wretched Broker at a cost of 50 Bones. However, this option unlocks after completing the Rite of Vapor Cleansing Incantation, which also rewards you with your first Bath Salts.
- Ambrosia: Ambrosia, a rarer gift, can be bought from the Wretched Broker for 500 Bones each. Access to Ambrosia purchases is unlocked after completing the Rite of Social Solidarity Incantation, which, like other Rite Incantations, provides an initial Ambrosia as a reward.
- Twin Lures: Twin Lures become available from the Wretched Broker after completing the Rite of River-Fording Incantation. Completing this Rite also grants you your first pair of Twin Lures.
By understanding the different types of gifts and how to acquire them, you can effectively build relationships with the characters in Hades 2, unlocking new facets of the story and gaining valuable gameplay advantages through Keepsakes and deeper connections. Make sure to experiment with gift-giving to maximize your interactions and fully experience the rich world of Hades 2.
