Keepsakes return inHades 2, allowing you to customize your loadout with passive buffs and blessings that may save the day. Unlocking Keepsakes uses the same method in the sequel, so that means you better stock up on Nectar. Here are all Keepsakes inHades 2and how to get them.
Keepsakes are items that grant things like passive buffs and are offered by some NPCs inHades 2. They can be equipped before a run and can be swapped between Regions after activating the necessary incantation. Each Keepsake can be leveled up in rarity twice, making them even more powerful.
Keep note that this guide may include spoilers; scroll at your own risk.
Hades 2: All Keepsakes and how to earn them
There are 29 Keepsakes to gather inHades 2. You can claim them by gifting Nectar to allies and, erm, frenemies in the Crossroads and the Regions beyond. Like with the original, most of the time you’ll have to first make a character’s acquaintance before you get the option to offer them Nectar. Generally, by the time you meet with a character a second time, you should be able to earn their Keepsake — so long as they like you.
Check below for the list of Keepsakes inHades 2, who offers it, and what it does.
I’ve bolded the parts of the description that will improve when the Keepsake’s rank increases. Scroll to the bottom for tips on how to earn two hard-to-get Keepsakes from a couple of onery sisters.
How to get the Keepsake of Nemesis
There will occasionally be a tough nut to crack, like Nemesis. She takes a while to accept offerings from Melinoë, her longtime rival. Keep speaking with her and tempt her with the Nectar as a gift, and soon enough she’ll grumpily accept and give you her Keepsake in return. If you’re having trouble, continue progressing the story while checking up on her. She’ll submit to Melinoë’s charms eventually.
How to get the Keepsake of Eris
Eris, Nemesis’ cavalier sister, is another character whose Keepsake is tough to earn. You’ll need to make your wayonto the surfaceof the game andcast the Incantationthat allows Melinoë to stay there indefinitely.
To get the Keepsake, you’ll have to face off against Eris, who’ll fight you as the Guardian (boss) of the Rift of Thessaly — the second Region on the surface. Win or lose, your match with Eris should convince her to visit the Crossroads. She’s been allowed to stay there, but had been off on some wild tangent or another until now.
Eris appears in the Crossroads and proceeds to taunt you and throw Rubbish on the ground. Yeah, she’s kind of a brat. But with her at the Crossroads, you’re able to gift her some Nectar for her Keepsake:Discordant Bell. She’s far more willing to take the Nectar than Nemesis, which is good seeing as Eris’ flighty personality means she’s not at the Crossroads all the time. Eris also has a relationship path with Melinoë, so be sure to give ourRelationships guidea look.
Best Keepsakes inHades 2
We now have the full list of all the Keepsakes in the game. But,ah, what are the best Keepsakes inHades 2? It’s a big question, and most answers will be subjective. It can depend on your weapons and play style, or if you are delving into a resource run without much desire to beat the final threat. That’s okay, and I have some ideas on the latter.
But there are some Keepsakes I find myself using more than others. These can certainly be regarded as the best the game has to offer if you’re playing it to finish regular runs.
Luckier Tooth
Among all the Keepsakes in your possession, arguably the best is the one that keeps you alive and puts you back in the fight. The Luckier Tooth, gifted by Schelemeus, is theequivalent of one Death Defiance, bringing you back to life while restoring a chunk of health. At max level, you’ll heal for 101 Life. Also, it should be pointed out that this is the,eh, upgraded version of Skelly’s Lucky Tooth from the first game, luckier in that it gives youone morelife point. Thanks, Skelly.
Knuckle Bones
Gifted by Odysseus in the Crossroads, Knuckle Bones is an exceptional Keepsake for those of you who may struggle against the late-game Guardians ofHades 2. At its default, the Keepsake makes it so the next Guardian you face loses 5% Life. Leveling it up adds 5% to that total, up to a maximum of 15% Life. You’ll also take -15% damage from said Guardian, giving you what feels like a small health buff.
Silver Wheel
The Silver Wheel has seen some changes, but no matter the form it’s still one of the best Keepsakes inHades 2. Presented by Headmistress Hecate, the Silver Wheel slows time momentarily as you charge your Omega Moves. For a game that so favors fast, twitchy movements, having a moment to breathe and think of your next move is ideal. If you’re getting frustrated with a speedy boss or a Region swarmed by mobs, consider taking things a bit slower with the Silver Wheel.
Ghost Onion
I consider the Ghost Onion, the Keepsake gifted to you by our friendly tent spirit Dora, to be a great one to use if you’re feeling that early-game struggle.Hades 2is hard, make no mistake about it. In those starting hours, I had many runs where I was barely limping into Oceanus. The Ghost Onion heals you after exiting a Location up to a certain amount. I don’t feel the Keepsake is worth it after you learn the dance, but it’s fantastic for those who still fumbling with the steps.
Engraved Pin
Moros, the bringer of Doom, also brings you this Keepsake after gifting him a bottle of Nectar. Despite being the one thing all mortal men fear, Moros is actually a pretty chill dude and more forgiving than you’d realize. His Keepsake is the epitome of this, as dying with it equipped gives you one more chance at life — if you earn it.
At 0 Life, the Pin keeps you alive and invulnerable. Clear the room of enemies in under ten seconds and you gain 30 Life. If equipped, the Pin basically makes it so you don’t die or lose a Death Defiance if you have one charged. You can view it as a second chance for your second chance, allowing you to save a precious Death Defiance for another fight.
Moon Beam
Do not sleep onthe Path of Stars! The Path of Stars upgrade tree is one you should definitely consider for each and every run. Some upgrades let you increase your dodge chance percentage or give you more speed and damage. One gift can heal you and make you temporarily invulnerable after putting in some points. Moon Beam, given by Selene, makes her gift more likely to appear and gives you +3 upgrade points to put toward your next Path of Stars visit. The amount of points increases every time you upgrade the Keepsake.
Transcendent Embryo
Like deals with Chaos, using their Keepsake is a gamble; one thatcanpay off. Equipping the Transcendent Embryo grants you a Chaos Boon that gets replaced after eight encounters. You can end up leaving the first Region with a powerful Boon that buoys your entire run. If you’re willing to take the chance, the Transcendent Embryo is an excellent Keepsake.
How to upgrade Keepsakes inHades 2
You upgrade Keepsakes inHades 2merely by using them. Each Keepsake has three levels, which you achieve after completing a certain amount of Encounters.
All Keepsakes in the menu tell you how many Encounters you have left to clear before they level up. Level 2 requires you to finish 25 Encounters, while Level 3 is acquired after clearing 50.In total, you’ll need to complete 75 Encounters with a Keepsake equipped to fully max it out.
