Much like its predecessor, Hades 2 has a memorable and unique cast of characters who will accompany protagonist Melinoe on her journey to defeat the Titan villain of all time, Chronos. But who are these Hades 2 gods and characters exactly?
That question isn't easily answered, as Hades 2 has only just launched into early access and will no doubt add even more characters as the game continues to be worked on by Supergiant Games.
However, that doesn't mean we can't point out some of the incredible Hades 2 characters you'll meet along the way. If you're struggling to beat the game, get a firm understanding of all the Hades 2 Weapons, Weapon Aspects, and Keepsakes that will help you out in combat.
All Hades 2 Gods
The Hades series clearly loves its Greek mythology and often leans into its most interesting aspects to help tell not just the main story but also the character stories.
What's more interesting is that these stories and traits of Gods and Goddesses are then transformed into features and abilities, like the Hades 2 Boons, that'll help you either in combat or through other gameplay mechanics. This makes each encounter memorable and unique.
Below, we've listed all of the Hades 2 gods you'll meet during early access. Be aware that things may change as the game continues to develop.
Aphrodite
Everyone's favorite charmer is back and looking better than ever! Aphrodite is the Goddess of Love, and her history and background are still among the most well-regarded in Greek mythology.
Like she was in the original Hades, Aphrodite in this game is portrayed as a nude woman, her pink skin covered tastefully by her flowing hair.
Apollo
Poetry and music wouldn't exist without dear Apollo, and Hades 2 would not feel as good without him. Sporting a handsome smile and a do-good attitude, Apollo believes it's only a matter of time before the Gods overpower Chronos.
Artemis
Artemis, the Goddess of the Hunt, returns in Hades 2 and is as graceful, serene, and cunning as ever. This time around, she and Hermes have a close connection with Melinoe, making them friends and steadfast allies.
Chaos
Everything and everyone has a role to play in Hades 2, and Chaos is no exception. Players will remember that Chaos is non-binary, so their appearance is a little different this time around, but that hasn't stopped them from helping (and harming) their charges with powerful boons and curses.
Charon
The lone Stygian boatman that ushers people into the realm of Hades. Our favorite skeleton man seems to be doing worse for wear than he did back in the original game but is still floating around, offering Melinoe the opportunity to buy something all the same.
It is currently unknown whether, like in the original Hades, you'll eventually be able to fight Charon.
Chronos
Death to Chronos isn't just a cool catchphrase that Melinoe throws around to her fellow conspirators at The Crossroads. Chronos is the big bad of Hades 2 and is the figure that Melinoe, as well as everyone else, is out to put into the ground - for good.
The God of Time, Chronos, is most likely a little bit upset about being imprisoned. This explains why he's kept Hades, Zagreus, and Persephone under his heel and why Melinoe has been eager for revenge since she was a child.
Circe
Known as the 'Witch of Changing,' Circe offers Melinoe features known as 'change and fortunes.' These can vary from shrinking in size to allow more of a chance to dodge (and making Melinoe's voice transform into a chipmunk) to upgrading Melinoe's Arcana cards at random.
Demeter
The Goddess of Harvest, Demeter, was first encountered in the original Hades game. She, among a few others, was very keen for Zagreus to reach the surface to reunite with her daughter, Persephone.
In Hades 2, Demeter continues to be the best grandmother around by supporting Melinoe in her quest to defeat Chronos. She gives her granddaughter the power of ice and blitz, making her one of the more useful Gods for providing Melinoe with a boon.
Eris
Eris is known as 'Strife Incarnate,' and considering that she's one hell of a boss to tangle with, it's not hard to see why. She doesn't pull her punches, and she's extremely powerful. Unfortunately, Melinoe is fated to get on her bad side as she's the final boss before you can ascend to Olympus.
Hades
The main man himself. Hades was a controversial and complex figure in the original game, and whether or not you liked him, his relationship with his son and wife was one of the most fascinating aspects of that game.
In Hades 2, however, Hades is noticeably missing. This is because he, along with Zagreus and Persephone, has been in the grip of the villain Chronos for a long time. Melinoe is desperate to get to them and take revenge for the sake of her lost family.
Hecate
Supergiant Games decided to bless us with Amelia Tyler as a ripped, smooth-talking witch goddess. That goddess is known as Hecate, who is known for her prowess with magic, spells, the night, and most importantly, the moon.
Hecate has been taking care of Melinoe ever since she was a child, teaching her the ways of combat and witchcraft. All of this is to prepare her for her fight against Chronos.
Even so, Hecate has a clear soft spot for Melinoe and looks out for her whenever she can.
Hephaestus
Known for his skill at crafting, Hephaestus is the God of the Forge who offers Melinoe a way to improve her weapons and armor. He is kind and regal and sits in a wheelchair, most likely referring to the Greek myth depicting him as being born lame.
Hera
Alongside her husband, Zeus, Hera rules over Olympus as its Queen. Unlike Zeus, Hera feared the day that Chronos would return to take his revenge on them all. And now that day has come, Hera has made it her priority to provide Melinoe with powerful boons to give her an edge against everything Chronos is willing to throw at them.
Heracles
If there's one thing for certain, you can't miss Heracles. He's tall, wears a bear pelt, and doesn't know the meaning of 'backing down' from a fight. This makes him one of the more memorable characters you'll meet during your time in Hades 2.
Melinoe has the opportunity to earn rewards from him by beating more enemies than he does.
Hermes
Like Artemis, Hermes' knowledge of Melinoe's existence has been kept secret up until the start of the game, where our protagonist is out to hunt and kill the Titan, Chronos.
In this game, Hermes is not encountered until later on, where players learn that he has become a spy for Olympus and has infiltrated Chronos' army.
Hestia
Feisty and known for not having a fondness for people, Hestia is The Goddess of the Flame and, as such, offers Melinoe fire-based boons. While Hephaestus's boons can 'Scorch' an enemy, Hestia's can set them on fire long after.
One of Chronos' children, alongside Hades, Hera, Poseidon and Zeus, Hestia doesn't let her family lineage stop her from helping Melinoe on her quest for vengeance.
Hypnos
Now, if you're looking for a sleepy guy, look no further than everyone's favorite sleepy boy, Hypnos. Currently, Hypnos has been unable to be awoken, but we're sure there is a real purpose for his presence at the camp of Hecate and Melinoe at The Crossroads. As early access continues, we will no doubt find out the answer.
Icarus
Now this is a God that truly needs to wear some shades before getting too close to the sun.
Known as a Free Spirit and voiced by Sex Education's Asa Butterfield, Icarus is trying his best to slow down Chronos' army and wishing that everyone else could do their part so he wouldn't have to do most of it. Apart from that, we don't know too much about Icarus' story in Hades 2.
Moros
Moros, also known as 'Lord Moros' by Melinoe, is considered to be 'Doom Incarnate'. This makes sense, as Moros first appears once you use your incantations to call on the Fates. After doing that and then dying, you'll encounter him for the first time.
Moros is the son of Nyx and the brother of Nemesis. Considering both have their own ways of helping Melinoe in her quest, both siblings no doubt have some level of history with one another and Melinoe.
Medea
Medea is a witch that Melinoe can encounter in the City of Ephyra. She is the niece of Circe and the granddaughter of Helios, the god of the sun. There, she offers her own boons in the form of curses, which are extremely helpful for Melinoe and her quest.
Melinoe
Melinoe is the daughter of Hades and Persephone and the younger sister of Zagreus, our previous protagonist in the original Hades game. This time around, however, we take on the role of Melinoe and her quest for vengeance against the Titan Chronos in Hades 2.
Melinoe is a determined, soft-spoken Princess of the Underworld. She has been brought up by her mother figure, Hecate, who has taught her everything she knows about magic and general witchcraft.
Her combat style varies depending on the weapon equipped, but overall Melinoe is known for her precise use of magic during battle, making her a deadly adversary.
Narcissus
One of the most legendary Greek myths revolves around Narcissus, a vain fellow who grew to love himself so much that he was unable to leave the pool that showed his own reflection. Trapped for eternity, yes, but, in his mind at least, with a great view.
In Hades 2, Narcissus offers Melinoe rewards and items. He does want you out there stat though, as helping you means he has to stop for a moment to look away from his own reflection.
Nemesis
Nemesis is Melinoe's ally, and can often be found at The Crossroads alongside Oddyseus, Hecate, and various shades.
What's quickly established in Hades 2 is that Nemesis does not take kindly to not being selected to face Chronos. Considering that Melinoe was, there are a number of tense interactions between the two despite Melinoe's attempts to heal the rift between them.
Poseidon
Poseidon is the God of the Sea, and the uncle of both Melinoe and Zagreus, making him the brother of Hades.
As the head honcho of the sea, his boons offered to Melinoe often focus on the water theme. Boons such as 'Sunken Treasure' give players an array of different items and rewards that'll help them get ahead.
Selene
The Goddess of the Moon—also known as the 'Moon Incarnate'—Selene is an otherworldly individual who offers Melinoe boons that work slightly differently from those of her fellow deities.
Her Curse is Morph, which allows Melinoe to transform the enemies she meets in encounters into harmless critters. This effect doesn't last long but can be the boon needed to escape life-or-death situations.
Zeus
Zeus is one of the most controversial figures in Greek mythology, and that hasn't changed at all by Hades 2. Unlike his brother Hades, Zeus is still very much kicking around in Olympus, making sure Chronos' armies don't overtake everything.
His boons to Melinoe are lightning-based and can give the enemies you face a nice little zap for their trouble in crossing swords (or magic staff) with you.
All Hades 2 Characters
While the majority of the Hades 2 characters you meet are gods or goddesses, some are simply heroes that are either content to help Melinoe in her quest against Chronos, or eager to strike her down to prevent that from happening.
Arachne
If someone had told us that spiders could be cute, we wouldn't believe them. However, Arachne may actually have proven us wrong because not only is she adorable, but she's also very useful to have as an ally in Hades 2.
A small spider, but with the gift of weaving her web to create armor and other cuirasses out of silk, Arachne provides Melinoe with multiple options that can help make her tougher in combat.
Cerberus
That's right, everyone, best boy Cerberus is back! Players of the previous Hades game will remember that Cerberus, the three-headed dog, is Zagreus' playmate, pet, and best friend.
In Hades 2, however, it seems as though Chronos has left the poor hound out into pasture, and he isn't at all the friendly goofball we fell in love with previously. Maybe Melinoe can help with that?
Dora
Shades are a huge part of the Underworld, but none are quite as memorable as Melinoe's friend, Dora.
Known as the 'Listless Shade', Dora is a cutesy shade which gives Melinoe advice whenever she asks for it. In return, Melinoe lets her friend Dora practice scaring her in her other form, which resembles a spooky ghost looking to feast on the souls of the innocent.
Frinos
Also known as 'best boy,' Frinos is a large frog who greets Melinoe during her first death in Hades 2. He doesn't do—or say—anything at all, but it's obvious that Melinoe sees him as a faithful companion, and she often tells him her troubles.
And, most importantly, you can pet him.
Odysseus
Odysseus is one of Melinoe's fellow conspirators who resides at The Crossroads alongside Hecate and Nemesis.
A former king of Ithaca and a warrior in the Trojan War, Odysseus is considered a mastermind and skilled tactician of warfare. He also has had quite the reputation of having more than a few lovers. With all of these skills in mind, his expertise will be valuable for Melinoe in her quest against Chronos.
Polyphemus
A cyclops and the son of Poseidon, Polyphemus can be encountered by Melinoe during the City of Ephyra. There Melinoe will need to fight him, but unlike many other bosses faced, he will be knocked out rather than killed.
Schelemeus
Fans of the previous game will remember Schelemeus, who was previously known as Skelly. Like how he was in Hades, Schelemeus is your combat trainer and will often call on Melinoe to fight him as she makes her way into another trial of encounters.
Scylla
Syclla and her fellow siren sisters are awaiting Melinoe when she descends into the city of Oceanus. Despite telling her fellow sirens she has tons of fans, the fact so many of them seem to drown straight after seems to be lost on Syclla.
Melinoe later learns that Syclla was cursed to look the way she does by a witch. As you may have guessed, Syclla and her sisters aren't too fond of witchcraft or witches in general. Awkward.
She does have one hell of a voice, though, and her boss fight is easily among the most memorable.
Well, that's all the Hades 2 gods and characters that you will run into on your journey through the Underworld and Olympus. As you can see, there's no shortage of personalities. While some are your allies, some have sided with Chronos and make up the many Hades 2 bosses that stand in your way.