Melinoe’s adventure inHades 2is 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, asHades 2retained 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 recentOlympic update,Hades 2added a couple of new Keepsakes, including one that turns locations into ghost towns.
Hades 2 Gives More Chances For Zero-Enemy Encounters
Roguelike games likeHadesare 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 theHadesfranchise, it also provides players with various in-game perks, from anabundance of Death Defiancesto 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. BothHadesgames have these zones, butHades 2steps 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.
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. InHades 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 2has 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, andchoose the right Boonsand 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 currentHades 2update, players can battle either Chronos in Tartarus orPrometheus 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.
Hades 2
WHERE TO PLAY
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 UNDERWORLDAs 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 SORCERYInfuse 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 MONSTERSMeet 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 ADVENTURENew 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 IMMORTALITYThanks to a variety of permanent upgrades and the return of God Mode, you don’t have to be a god yourself to experience whatHades IIhas 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.
