Unlocking and Using Companion Summons in Hades

Companion Summons, a unique feature in Hades, enable Zagreus to call upon powerful allies for assistance as he navigates the challenges of escaping the Underworld. These summons not only provide tactical advantages but also enrich the storytelling aspect of the game. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to unlock and effectively utilize Companion Summons.

Unlocking Companions

To access a Companion Summon, players must develop relationships with specific Non-Playable Characters (NPCs) by gifting them Nectar. Here’s how to do it:

1. Gifting Nectar: Offer 5-6 Nectar to the relevant NPC. Each NPC has a specific Companion associated with them. You can track your progress and see if a Companion is unlocked in the Codex, indicated by a heart with a keyhole.

2. Companion NPCs:
– Sisyphus: Grants you the Companion Shady after you complete his favor, which involves steps like voiding his sentence and accessing the Administrative Chamber.
– Others: Various NPCs, including Megaera, Nyx, and others, also have associated Companions. Interact with them and continue giving Nectar to unlock their abilities.

Using Companion Summons

Once you’ve unlocked a Companion, you can start utilizing their powers:

1. Equipping Companions: Before embarking on your escape attempt, equip a Companion in the courtyard. This is a permanent choice until you complete your run, as you cannot switch Companions mid-journey.

2. Summoning Companions: You can summon your equipped Companion once per chamber. Each Companion possesses a unique skill – for instance, some may inflict significant damage, while others can provide healing or utility effects.

3. Upgrading Companions: To enhance the effectiveness of your Companions, use Ambrosia to upgrade them. Upgrading a Companion not only improves their abilities but also increases the number of times you can summon them in a run. It typically costs 10 Ambrosia to complete an upgrade, allowing up to five summons per encounter.

Restrictions on Companion Use

There are certain limitations to keep in mind when utilizing Companion Summons:

– Against Hades: Companions cannot be summoned in battles against Hades unless certain conditions are met, such as achieving specific dialogues through repeated encounters or completing particular milestones.
– Against Charon: Companions are also unavailable during encounters with Charon.

Tips for Effective Use

To maximize the utility of Companion Summons, consider the following strategies:

– Choosing the Right Companion: Tailor your selection based on the enemies and challenges present in each chamber. For example, if facing multiple foes, opting for a Companion like Antos can prove particularly beneficial due to their area-of-effect capabilities.

– Upgrade Wisely: Focus your upgrades on Companions that align with your preferred play style and the combat scenarios you often encounter. This strategic enhancement will make your playthrough smoother and more enjoyable.

By following these guidelines for unlocking and using Companion Summons, you can significantly enhance your gameplay experience in Hades, making your escape attempts not only more enjoyable but also more strategic and diverse.