Melinoë’s journey through the depths of Hades 2 isn’t just about slaying foes and defying fate — it’s also about connection. Between each escape attempt, you’ll encounter familiar faces, powerful allies, and yes, potential love interests. These relationships aren’t just for flavor — they open new dialogue, story arcs, and sometimes, rewards that make your runs even more compelling.
Below, we break down everything you need to know about romancing characters in Hades 2 — from unlocking key incantations to choosing the right gifts for your favorite denizens of the Crossroads.
Understanding Romance in Hades 2
Romance in Hades 2 works through gifts, incantations, and repeated interactions. The deeper your bond grows, the more the game rewards you with unique scenes and keepsakes. But don’t expect instant chemistry — relationships take time, luck, and more than a few trips back from the dead.
Like the original Hades, runs are semi-random. Sometimes your favorite character won’t appear at all, or you’ll be missing the item you need to trigger the next step. Patience is key — every interaction counts.
Unlocking the Book of Shadows
To track your relationships, you’ll first need the Book of Shadows, unlocked through the Empath’s Intuition incantation. It’s essentially your social codex, showing how your connections evolve with each gift and encounter.
To perform Empath’s Intuition, gather:
- 1x Fate Fabric — buy from the Wretched Broker at the Crossroads.
- 3x Myrtle — collect from the Fields of Mourning.
This incantation might not be immediately available. Keep progressing through runs, as it often unlocks later in early access. Once active, the Book will reveal affection levels and hints about each romanceable character.
Reading the Relationship Hearts
Every heart in the Book of Shadows represents a step in your growing bond:
- The first heart grants a Keepsake after gifting Nectar.
- Plain hearts indicate standard interactions through gifts.
- Silver bottle icons signal hot spring scenes unlocked via Bath Salts.
- Twin fish icons mean shared fishing outings with Twin Lures.
- Ambrosia can also deepen intimacy once you’ve reached higher affection.
If the Book says a character “wants nothing more for now,” that means you’ve hit the current story cap — expect more content in future updates.
All Romanceable Characters in Hades 2
Not everyone in the Underworld is open to more-than-friendly relations, but several key figures can be romanced. Most gods and spirits will accept gifts, but only a few allow truly personal connections — typically those stationed at the Crossroads hub.
Here’s who you can currently romance:
- Hecate
- Odysseus
- Nemesis
- Dora
- Moros
- Eris
Some characters appear sporadically between runs. If someone’s missing from the Crossroads, try re-entering Melinoë’s room or completing another escape attempt to reset their presence.
Nectar — The Foundation of Every Relationship
Nectar is your go-to gift for just about everyone. It’s the first step toward building rapport, and the first Nectar you give often earns you a Keepsake — an item tied to that character’s essence.
Subsequent gifts continue the relationship, though some characters may politely refuse if you’ve reached a story checkpoint. Don’t worry — Nectar is never wasted, and new dialogue will eventually open up again.
Hot Springs and Bath Salts
When you’ve built enough trust, you’ll unlock Rite of Vapor Cleansing, granting access to the Crossroads hot springs — and a new layer of intimacy.
You’ll need:
- 2x Moly — found in Erebus.
- 2x Lotus — found in Oceanus.
- 2x Nightshade — grown in your garden after unlocking the Silver Spade.
Once completed, you’ll get 1x Bath Salts and can buy more from the Broker (one per Crossroads visit). Offer them to eligible characters to share a quiet soak — a serene break from all the blood and shadows.
The Tavern and Ambrosia
If you’re more of a social butterfly, build the Crossroads Tavern through Rite of Social Solidarity. This incantation brings new opportunities for deeper bonds — and stronger drinks.
You’ll need:
- 2x Nectar
- 2x Garlic (dug up in the City of Ephyra)
Finishing it rewards 1x Ambrosia, a rarer, more potent gift that symbolizes true affection. Ambrosia can also be bought from the Broker once unlocked, letting you express your feelings in the most divine way possible.
Fishing with Twin Lures
When it comes to relaxation, few things beat fishing — even in the Underworld. To invite someone to fish with you, complete the Rite of River-Fording.
Ingredients required:
- 2x Cattail — found in Oceanus.
- 4x Driftwood — gathered on the surface, in the Rifts of Thessaly.
You’ll earn 1x Twin Lures and can purchase more later. Give these to certain characters to enjoy a rare moment of peace — just you, your companion, and the rippling waters between realms.
Final Thoughts
Romancing in Hades 2 isn’t just a side activity — it’s part of the emotional backbone that ties Melinoë’s journey together. Whether you’re trading Nectar with a ghostly friend or lounging in the hot springs with a god, each interaction adds heart to the roguelike chaos.
So take your time, savor the conversations, and maybe — just maybe — you’ll find love somewhere between death and destiny.