Hades Who To Give Nectar To And Which Characters Are Worth Befriending
Navigating the underworld in Hades requires more than just sharp combat skills and quick reflexes. Managing your relationships with the realm's colorful inhabitants is equally crucial for long-term progression. By gifting Nectar to various figures, Zagreus unlocks powerful Keepsakes and deepens story bonds that enhance every escape attempt.
Top Priority Characters for Early Game Keepsakes
When starting your journey through the Underworld, certain characters offer immediate gameplay advantages upon receiving their first bottle of Nectar. Cerberus is an exceptional early choice because his Old Spiked Collar provides a massive boost to maximum health. Similarly, gifting Nectar to Skelly grants the Lucky Tooth, which offers a vital extra Death Defiance during tough boss fights.
Another essential figure to prioritize early on is Eurydice, whom you encounter in Asphodel. Her Keepsake, the Evergreen Acorn, significantly reduces damage taken from final encounters in each region. Securing these defensive items early creates a solid safety net while you learn enemy attack patterns and mechanics.
Befriending the Olympian Gods for Build Control
Gifting Nectar to Olympian gods allows you to influence which boons appear during your runs. Each god rewards you with a unique Keepsake that guarantees their presence in the next chamber and boosts the rarity of their offerings. This mechanic is essential for crafting specific builds and synergies tailored to your favorite weapons.
For instance, gifting Athena yields the Owl Pendant, making it much easier to secure powerful Deflect abilities early in a run. Meanwhile, Zeus and Poseidon offer Keepsakes that help build high-damage elemental setups right from the start. Distributing Nectar evenly among the gods ensures you can direct your run strategies reliably.
Deepening Bonds for Companions and Story Progression
Beyond standard Keepsakes, continuing to gift Nectar opens up deeper narrative arcs and unique legendary summons called Chthonic Companions. Key figures like Thanatos, Megaera, and Achilles hold some of the most rewarding storylines in the game. Maxing out relationship hearts with these characters eventually requires Ambrosia, but Nectar lays the essential foundation.
Befriending Thanatos is particularly rewarding, as his Companion Mort delivers massive area-of-effect damage against bosses. Achilles and Patroclus also feature a compelling storyline that unlocks powerful combat support items. Investing your resources into these core figures transforms both the narrative depth and your combat effectiveness in Hades.