There are two “levels”, or gateways, in Hades II, ones that take you further into the Depths of the Underworld, while another grants you access to the Surface — aka. the realm of the living. The Underworld is available immediately and poses as the primary route of the game. The Surface is blocked off by a magical Ward, as it is off-limits to someone like Melinoe. However, with her Olympian family requesting her aide, you’re motivated to find a way to make it to the Surface — and it’s not easy. Here’s what you need to do in order to access the Surface levels and survive long enough to play them!

1. Permeation of Witching-Wards Incantation

At a certain point near the early part of the game, you will learn of the Permeation of Witching-Wards incantation. This will break the seal barring Melinoe from the Surface. You will need three ingredients to perform this incantation: Cinder, Shadow, and Moly.

• 1 Cinder: Available after beating Headmistress Hecate at the end of Erebus.
• 3 Moly: Flowers located throughout Erebus.
• 1 Shadow: This item must be concocted via the second tab. Ingredients required are: 3 Fated Fabric, 30 Ashes, and 30 Psyche. These are all obtainable throughout your runs or for purchase from the Broker.

Unfortunately, this will only allow you to access the Surface; however, you’ll soon discover the Chthonic Fate curse, which drains an insane amount of health. This will only let you last for a couple of rooms. While you’re up there, don’t get discouraged and pick up some moss along the way!

2. Unraveling a Fateful Bond Incantation

You will continue to suffer this curse and make little to no progress on the Surface until you obtain all the ingredients for the next incantation: Unraveling a Fateful Bond. This will be made available soon after your unsuccessful jaunt on the surface. Here is what you need to do to break this curse:

• 2 N-Shade: You need two of these purple flowers, of which you grow in your garden after obtaining seeds throughout Erebus. You’re able to dig for these nightshade seeds once you access the Silver Spade.

• 2 Lotus: Grab two Lotus flowers from the Oceanus level.

• 2 Thalamus: Once you open the gateway to the Surface and perish from an attempted run, be sure to find the Chaos gates in your runs in the Underworld. These are brightly covered covers that require a small blood sacrifice. You will meet Chaos, and after mentioning your predicament on the Surface, they gift you Origin seeds. These also can be dug up via the Silver Spade in dirt patches when traversing through these Chaos gates. Plant these in the garden and collect two for your incantation!

• 2 Moss: Moss is located on the Surface, so your trips haven’t been a total waste of time. Grab two.

Once you have all your items, perform the incantation to allow you to finally explore the Surface without worrying about a life-sucking curse!

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Featured Image Credit: Supergiant Games