In the firstHadesgame, Zagreus was given plenty of ways to cheat death through the Death Defiance mechanic, which saw him revived upon taking a fatal blow. That same mechanic has returned inHades 2, offeringits protagonist, Melinoe, plenty of ways to avoid death. SinceHades 2is a Roguelike and therefore resets players' progress upon their death, Death Defiance gives them an undeniable edge against the game’s toughest challenges.
Just as there were inHades, there are plenty of ways players can obtain extra Death Defiance charges inHades 2.Hades 2employs methods like its unique Arcana Card system to give players more than enough chances to survive the night. In fact,Hades 2is arguably even more generous than the first game when it comes to offering players ways to cheat death.
Hades 2 Is Generous With Death Defiance
Melinoe Can Gain Extra Death Defiance Charges With the Eternity Arcana Card in Hades 2
One of the most dependable methods for obtaining extra Death Defiance charges inHades 2is through unlocking and upgrading the Eternity Arcana Card. Eternity may not be the cheapest Arcana Card to unlock, but fourGrasp is a small price to payfor the benefits it provides.
At its lowest rank, Eternity allows players to enter a run with one Death Defiance. However, when it is fully upgraded, Eternity offers players three Death Defiance charges. As such, thisHades 2Arcana Cardalone can turn the tide of any run, even without the help of the other methods the game provides.
Melinoe Can Gain Even More Death Defiance Charges Using Keepsakes in Hades 2
InHades, players could equip the Lucky Tooth Keepsake to give Zagreus an extra shot at defeating his foes, but Melinoe is given even more inHades 2. Players can equip Schelemeus' Luckier Tooth Keepsake to give Melinoe oneextra Death Defianceper night, and it can even be upgraded to replenish more health on Melinoe’s revival.
Players can also equip Moros' Engraved Pin Keepsake for a Death Defiance of sorts, but with a catch. Rather than reviving Melinoe, the Engraved Pin makes her impervious for ten seconds. To remain alive, players must defeat all foes within ten seconds. Otherwise, they will perish once time runs out.
Toula Can Grant Melinoe Additional Death Defiance Charges in Hades 2
After making a decent amount of progress inHades 2, players will be able to perform the Faith of Familiar Spirits Incantation, which allows players to summon one of two animal familiars to aid them: eitherToula the cat or Frinos the frog. Both familiars have their own passive benefits they can provide Melinoe, but Toula grants Melinoe extra Death Defiance charges. Unfortunately, unlike a normal Death Defiance, Toula’s replenishes a very small amount of health. Nevertheless, it can prove helpful when a room is almost cleared.
Melinoe Can Gain Extra Death Defiance Charges From Boons and the Well of Charon in Hades 2
As if there weren’t already enough methods for Melinoe to cheat death, players can get even more Death Defiance charges from variousBoons inHades 2and the Well of Charon. With the Survive Survive Survive Plaintive Echo purchased from Echo, all spent uses of Death Defiance are replaced with ones that restore 50% Health and Magick, then less and less. Hermes' Close Call Legendary Boon allows players to gain one use of Death Defiance that makes everything else move 90% slower.
Finally, at aWell of Charon, players may get the opportunity to purchase a Kiss of Styx, which replenishes one use of Death Defiance. All of this makesHades 2much more generous than the first when it comes to letting its protagonist defy death, but it’s likely a welcome change for players who wanted a more accessible experience this time.
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.
