Breaking through the Underworld isn’t just about skill — it’s about persistence, luck, and knowing when to listen to the gods. In Hades 2, Melinoe’s journey toward the surface world is one of the game’s most complex undertakings. Between incantations, crafting rare resources, and battling curses, this part of the story transforms from a simple goal into a test of patience and mastery.
Let’s walk through what it takes to finally touch sunlight — and what dangers await once you do.
Unlocking the Path to the Surface
Early in your runs, you’ll notice a mysterious gate near Melinoe’s quarters. Interacting with it will reveal that powerful wards block your passage. The only way forward is through magic — specifically, the Permeation of Witching-Wards incantation.
To unlock this, you’ll need to progress through multiple encounters and conversations with Hermes, Hecate, and Moros. Their dialogue hints at what’s happening above — Olympus is under siege — and soon enough, you’ll gain access to the recipe that begins your ascent.
Required Materials for the Permeation of Witching-Wards
Before you can cast this incantation, gather the following:
- Cinder (1x): Dropped after defeating Hecate in Erebus.
- Moly (3x): A golden herb found throughout Erebus.
- Shadow mote (1x): Crafted through alchemy at the cauldron using 30 Ashes, 30 Psyche, and 3 Fate Fabric.
The process takes time. While the crafting is active, you won’t be able to create new spells or upgrades — so plan your dungeon dives wisely.
The Curse of the Chthonic Bloodline
Once the wards are gone, Melinoe can step onto the surface. Unfortunately, the freedom doesn’t last long. Her health begins to drain the moment she breathes the air above. This isn’t a bug — it’s a curse tied to her lineage.
Known as the Curse of the Chthonic Fate, it punishes Melinoe for leaving the Underworld. To survive for longer periods, you’ll need another incantation: Unraveling a Fateful Bond.
Crafting the Unraveling a Fateful Bond Incantation
This second incantation is crucial if you want to explore the surface world beyond a few fleeting minutes. After a few failed runs, Moros will confront you and offer this new spell — but it’s not cheap.
You’ll need to gather rare materials across multiple biomes:
- Lotus (2x): Found in the Oceanus region.
- Moss (2x): Grows near cliffside areas on the surface; gather them during brief excursions.
- Nightshade (2x): Requires the Silver Spade tool to dig up seeds in Erebus. Grow and harvest them at your Crossroads garden.
- Thalamus (2x): Found only in the depths of Chaos.
How To Get Thalamus
Thalamus is one of the trickiest materials in Hades 2. To find it, look for Chaos portals — they appear randomly as ornate floor sigils shaped like two eyes. Inside, Primordial Chaos might grant you Origin Seeds, which can later be planted at the Crossroads to grow Thalamus.
It’s RNG-heavy, so expect multiple runs before you collect what you need.
The Surface World Awaits
Once you’ve lifted the curse, Melinoe can finally explore the surface without her life draining away. The first area you’ll encounter is the City of Ephyra, a haunting ruin filled with spirits, bronze resources, and Olympian sigils.
You’ll notice blocked passages protected by pylons. Destroy six pylons to break the barrier, but be ready — each destruction unleashes waves of enemies. These battles are some of the most chaotic in Hades 2, pushing you to adapt on the fly and make the most of your boons and crafted gear.
Between encounters, check smaller chambers for hidden rewards — from crafting materials to rare enhancements for your Nocturnal Arms weapons.
The Rifts of Thessaly — Aboard the Ghost Ship
Defeating the City of Ephyra’s boss opens the next chapter: the Rifts of Thessaly. Here, the combat shifts dramatically. You’ll fight aboard a drifting ship, clearing waves of enemies before claiming your next boon. But every boon you choose summons a new horde — a dangerous trade-off that tests your risk appetite.
Each successful voyage brings Melinoe closer to understanding her divine heritage — and to the secrets Olympus hides. However, as of the game’s early access build, the story pauses beyond this point.
Final Thoughts
Reaching and surviving the surface in Hades 2 is more than just a milestone — it’s a narrative and mechanical evolution. It pushes players to experiment with incantations, resource management, and exploration like never before.
Whether you’re farming materials in Erebus, navigating the Chaos realm, or mastering the trials of Thessaly, remember: every failed run is another step closer to defying fate.