Supergiant Games’ Hades 2 builds on the strong narrative and relationship systems of the first game, introducing Melinoe as the new protagonist. Just like Zagreus before her, Mel can form deep bonds with characters across the Underworld and beyond. Some of these bonds can blossom into full romances, offering unique dialogue, lore, and character interactions that enrich every run.
How Romance Works in Hades 2
Romance in Hades 2 functions through the Affinity system, similar to the first game. You’ll build relationships by giving gifts, and eventually unlock unique cutscenes once a character’s bond reaches the romance threshold.
Key Romance Mechanics:
- Gift Items: Nectar, Ambrosia, Bath Salts, Twin Fishing Lures, and other unique resources are needed to advance Affinity.
- Special Activities: Taking characters to the hot springs, fishing together, or completing incantations tied to them will deepen bonds.
- Bond Progression: In the character menu, a heart-shaped arrow indicates when romance becomes possible. Continue giving offerings past this point to unlock the romance scene.
- Multiple Romances: You can romance all four characters in a single playthrough. There are no penalties for pursuing more than one relationship.
See also: Hades 2 Arcana Cards Guide: Unlocks, Upgrades & Best Builds
All Romanceable Characters in Hades 2
At full release, Hades 2 features four confirmed romanceable characters. While other NPCs accept gifts and share personal moments, only these four have full romance storylines.
1. Eris – The Incarnation of Strife
- Who She Is: Eris constantly causes chaos, often fighting Melinoe directly. Her mischievous and confrontational nature sets her apart from the rest of the cast.
- Romance Path:
- Begins appearing at the Crossroads behind Moros.
- Requires 14 offerings, including multiple Nectar, Bath Salts, Twin Lures, and Ambrosia.
- After the final offering, a heart icon appears, leading to her romance scene.
- Romance Tone: Rivalry-turned-romance, defined by playful tension and strife.
2. Nemesis – The Goddess of Retribution
- Who She Is: A hardened warrior and Melinoe’s sparring partner, Nemesis has a strict sense of duty and a dominating presence.
- Romance Path:
- Found southwest of Odysseus in the Crossroads.
- Requires 14 offerings, with Nectar, Bath Salts, Twin Lures, and Ambrosia.
- The romance scene is tied to in-run encounters where Nemesis challenges Melinoe. It may only trigger after you’ve located the Fates.
- Romance Tone: A classic love-hate dynamic built on shared rivalry and respect.
3. Moros – Doom Incarnate
- Who He Is: Another child of Nyx and sibling to Thanatos, Moros embodies inevitability. Despite his grim title, he’s empathetic, soft-spoken, and drawn to Melinoe’s determination.
- Romance Path:
- Appears early at the Crossroads near the Fated List.
- Requires 14 offerings, mostly Nectar, Bath Salts, Twin Lures, and Ambrosia.
- To trigger his romance scene, Melinoe must die in combat. Moros appears to guide her back, confessing his feelings.
- Romance Tone: Gentle, melancholic, and emotionally intimate.
4. Icarus – The Fallen Survivor
- Who He Is: Found on the surface after defeating Polyphemus, Icarus aids Melinoe with aerial strikes and slowly reveals a shared history with her.
- Romance Path:
- Bond progression takes longer since Icarus isn’t guaranteed to appear on every surface run.
- Eventually relocates to the Crossroads near Hades’ statue once his bond grows.
- Requires 14 offerings, including a unique item: the Ectoplasmic Draught, crafted through the Nightlife for the Dead incantation.
- After gifting the Draught, his romance scene becomes available.
- Romance Tone: A bittersweet relationship tied to past wounds and rediscovered trust.
Can You Romance Other Characters?
Characters like Hecate, Dora, and Odysseus accept gifts and share special interactions, but they are not romanceable in the final release. These bonds enrich the story with additional lore and character depth but stop short of romantic development.
See also: Hades 2 Review – Gameplay, Story, and Why It Surpasses the Original
Romance in Hades 2 is more than just a side activity—it’s an extension of the game’s storytelling, giving Melinoe meaningful connections amid her fight against Chronos. Whether it’s the chaotic spark with Eris, the fiery rivalry of Nemesis, the gentle companionship of Moros, or the tender history with Icarus, each path feels distinct and rewarding.
For completionists, pursuing every romance not only unlocks extra dialogue and cutscenes but also highlights the breadth of character writing that defines Supergiant’s work. Play Now!
