How to unlock the Ares boons in Hades 2 – Destructoid

While making your way to the House of Hades and the summit of Mount Olympus in Hades 2, Melinoe can call upon the help of many Olympians. And while many fan favorites will aid the princess from the get-go, Ares will take a bit of convincing.

Here’s how to unlock the Ares boons in Hades 2.

How to unlock the Ares boons in Hades 2

Much like how you can only access Demeter’s after making your way to the surface in the original game, you can unlock Ares and his boons in Hades 2 by defeating Prometheus and reaching the summit of Mount Olympus once. There will be no need to defeat Typhon there but I recommend trying to at least reach the boss to make the most out of the chance. Upon the end of your run, simply start another to receive the first Ares boon and unlock the ability to get them in all following runs.

Make sure to also give the god one Nectar as soon as possible to get his Sword Hilt keepsake/relic. Although getting good amounts of Nectar will most likely not be a problem for you, you can make your own supply by performing the Sweet Nectar Incantation. To learn the incantation, defeat Eris and then select a couple of Aphrodite boons while carrying a Golden Apple and having her at +1 affinity (at least).

How to defeat Prometheus in Hades 2

A tough fight but only a preface for what is to come, Prometheus will offer a straightforward challenge where you must keep your guard up and get the most out of the openings he leaves following his devastating Liu Kang-style combos, projectiles, and AoE blasts. The true challenge. however, will start once he decides to take to the sky before raining fire upon Melinoe three times (or five once below 50% HP).

To avoid the attack and its 70+ DMG per hit, simply pay attention and move accordingly to the red markings shown in the arena, which will mark the path of the fllames and highlight their order.

If you still have a hard time with the attack’s timing or just cannot trust your short-term memory —like me, sometimes— activating the Dark Side Hex or triggering any Impervious effect before the blasts can allow you to completely nullify them. If you have the gold to spare, Hermes’ Paid Dues legendary boon will also allow you to get out scoot-free, even if hit.