Melinoe's adventure in Hades 2 is a different experience with the addition of magic casts and witchcraft, and even the support of animal familiars. It also still feels familiar for avid players of the franchise, as Hades 2 retained many of the gameplay elements from the first game, such as Keepsakes.
Keepsakes are essentially functional trinkets that players can get by gifting Nectar to characters. Melinoe can equip them before embarking on her adventure, giving her some much-needed buffs and a chance to rarify certain Boons. In the most recent Olympic update, Hades 2 added a couple of new Keepsakes, including one that turns locations into ghost towns.
Hades 2 Gives More Chances For Zero-Enemy Encounters
Roguelike games like Hades are notorious for being tough to beat, but they make up for it with new upgrades and equipment to ease players' struggles, as well as additional storylines. In the case of the Hades franchise, it also provides players with various in-game perks, from an abundance of Death Defiances to safe zones where Zagreus and Melinoe can heal up.
Also known as the fountain area, these safe zones randomly show up in various locations, and can usually be unlocked through upgrades. Both Hades games have these zones, but Hades 2 steps up with more chances to encounter zero enemies with the help of Dionysus' Keepsake, the Fig Leaf. When equipped, Melinoe has a 50% chance of entering Encounters without any foes, up to four times per run, depending on the Keepsake's level.
- Fig Leaf: Most Encounters have a 50% chance to be blissfully free of any foes, 1/2/3/4 time(s) this night.
- How to get the Fig Leaf: Enter Dionysus' domain in Olympus and gift him Nectar to receive the Keepsake. Equip the Keepsake by selecting it in the display case located at the training grounds or in the rest area before entering a new location.
The Fig Leaf can instantly be triggered in random Encounters, where Melinoe will hear jazzy music instead of enemies' grumbling and a disco ball will also appear at the top of the screen, matching Dionysus' laidback personality. Once the Fig Leaf is active, Melinoe is free to grab Boons and forage items in the area. If the Keepsake is leveled up, there's a chance for it to trigger in consecutive Encounters.
Dionysus is the Olympian God of Wine and Ecstasy, known for giving drunk-themed Boons to Zagreus and now, Melinoe. In Hades 2, he's a secondary god located in Olympus who provides support Boons, just like Artemis, Hermes, and Athena.
The Advantages of Using the Fig Leaf
Compared to the first game, Hades 2 has double the number of enemies, as Melinoe has to save both Tartarus and Olympus from Chronos' forces. The Testament of Night also makes battles on both sides much harder, so it's really important to level up Melinoe's weapons, and choose the right Boons and Keepsakes to help her survive. This is why the Fig Leaf, paired with the randomly generated fountain areas, is a big deal because it saves Melinoe from fighting hordes of enemies in an Encounter, especially if her HP and Death Defiances are low. It can also be useful for time limit challenges, as it saves Melinoe from frustrating battles.
With the current Hades 2 update, players can battle either Chronos in Tartarus or Prometheus in Olympus -- both formidable boss enemies. Many would agree that they could be easy to beat the longer they play the game, but it still doesn't hurt to be mindful of one's HP and Death Defiances before entering the final battle. There might also be a chance that Melinoe might face a powerful foe after Chronos and Prometheus, or deal with more postgame challenges.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 95 /100 Critics Rec: 98%
- Released
- September 25, 2025
- ESRB
- Teen / Alcohol Reference, Blood, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Supergiant Games
- Publisher(s)
- Supergiant Games
WHERE TO PLAY
Battle beyond the Underworld using dark sorcery to take on the Titan of Time in this bewitching sequel to the award-winning rogue-like dungeon crawler.
The first-ever sequel from Supergiant Games builds on the best aspects of the original god-like rogue-like dungeon crawler in an all-new, action-packed, endlessly replayable experience rooted in the Underworld of Greek myth and its deep connections to the dawn of witchcraft.
BATTLE BEYOND THE UNDERWORLD
As the immortal Princess of the Underworld, you'll explore a bigger, deeper mythic world, vanquishing the forces of the Titan of Time with the full might of Olympus behind you, in a sweeping story that continually unfolds through your every setback and accomplishment.
MASTER WITCHCRAFT AND DARK SORCERY
Infuse your legendary weapons of Night with ancient magick, so that none may stand in your way. Become stronger still with powerful Boons from more than a dozen Olympian gods, from Apollo to Zeus. There are nearly limitless ways to build your abilities.
MINGLE WITH (MORE) GODS, GHOSTS, AND MONSTERS
Meet a cast of dozens of fully-voiced, larger-than-life characters, including plenty of new faces and some old friends. Grow closer to them through a variety of new interactions, and experience countless unique story events based on how your journey unfolds.
EVERY RUN IS ITS OWN ADVENTURE
New locations, challenges, upgrade systems, and surprises await as you delve into the ever-shifting Underworld again and again. Reveal the mysteries of the Arcana Altar, tame witchy familiars, and gather reagents using Tools of the Unseen to get closer to your goal.
THE PERKS OF IMMORTALITY
Thanks to a variety of permanent upgrades and the return of God Mode, you don't have to be a god yourself to experience what Hades II has to offer. But if you happen to be one, you can brave escalating challenges for greater rewards, and prove just how divine you really are.
SIGNATURE SUPERGIANT STYLE
Rich, atmospheric presentation and storytelling fused with responsive action is the hallmark of Supergiant's titles. Vivid new hand-painted environments, even smoother real-time 3D characters, and an electrifying original score make this mythic world burst with life.
- Engine
- Proprietary Engine
- Franchise
- Hades
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
