Summary
Hades 2’s technical test was just released, which means that its Early Access is just around the corner. The protagonist ofHades2 is Melinoe, Princess of the Underworld and the sister of Zagreus. Zagreus was the protagonist of Hades, and is almost guaranteed to show up at some point in the course ofHades 2. However, one key question is how the sequel will go about addressing Zagreus' love interest fromHades, as there were three options, with the possibility of Zagreus romancing all three options at once.
Players had the option to romance Meg, the first of the Furies, Thanatos, the personification of Death, or Dusa, a Gorgon head. All three characters were popular with players, with each of the three options presenting different dynamics with Zagreus. The option to enter a polyamorous relationship with two or all three of the characters was also groundbreaking, as it was written in a respectful way that took all four characters' feelings and consent into account, with an emphasis on communication.
Zagreus' Romance Options in Hades
Megaera
Upon meeting Meg, it’s clear that she and Zagreus have a prior relationship thanks to their dialogue. If their relationship is nurtured over the course ofHades, they begin to open up to each other and become more understanding of their past mistakes and missteps. As theFirst of the Furies, Meg is caught in a difficult place between her job and professional loyalty to Zagreus' father, Hades, and her affection for Zagreus. Their relationship is compelling as it’s clear that their two opposing personalities and goals clash, yet complement each other at the same time.
Thanatos
Thanatos and Zagreushave a less turbulent relationship that still has a great deal of tension thanks to Zagreus' impulsive actions. When Zagreus decides to leave without saying goodbye to Thanatos, his actions create a rift between the two lifelong friends. The player can choose to repair the rift and pursue a romance with Thanatos, who reciprocates in kind. Their romance is more tender and kind than Megaera’s romance with Zagreus, though no less passionate. Despite Thanatos' prickly exterior, he shows up to help Zagreus escape the Underworld shows his commitment to Zagreus.
Dusa
Dusa’s relationship with Zagreusis complicated by the fact that she’s a servant in the employ of the House of Hades. She’s clearly starstruck by Zagreus throughout the course ofHades, and the two struggle to have a full conversation before Dusa flees in a panic. AsHadesprogresses, and if the player chooses to improve their relationship, the two decide to continue a platonic relationship that could be read as queerplatonic. Dusa clarifies to Zagreus that what she feels for him isn’t romantic or sexual in nature, but their friendship is deeper than what would typically be defined as such.
Canon Romances in Hades 2
Possible Canon States
Witheach romance inHadesoffering something vastly different, defining a canon state for Zagreus' relationship status, especially if any of the three romance options were to appear inHades 2. It could be that Hades 2 makes all three romances canon at once, or none of them.
The Best Option for Zagreus' Relationship Status
This will especially be important if any of the characters, includingZagreus, are encountered inHades 2. Supergiant Games will need to decide on a canon relationship state for Zagreus if his personal life is discussed in any detail, or even as a nod toHadesveterans. Luckily, polyamory among the ancient Greek gods wasn’t unusual, and it wouldn’t be too far a stretch to make all three romances canon for Zagreus.
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 may brave escalating challenges for greater rewards, and prove just how divine you really are.
