Step-by-step guide on how to reach the Surface in Hades 2

Reaching the Surface in Hades 2 is one of the most memorable moments in Melinoë's journey, but also one of the most challenging. The game improves upon everything that was already interesting in the first title and adds new layers of exploration, including a path that deviates from the traditional underworld. Getting there isn't so simple, so we've put together a step-by-step guide to help you reach the game's surface. 

Check out the tutorial to reach the surface and progress in Hades 2

As you probably already know, reaching the Surface in Hades 2 isn't part of the standard flow of initial attempts. The path there involves specific encounters, important dialogues, and the correct use of resources available at camp. It all begins with a familiar character: Hermes.

The messenger of the gods appears occasionally throughout your quests. After you defeat Hecate for the first time, the chances of encountering him increase significantly. In one of these conversations, he mentions the possibility of reaching the surface, but doesn't provide a detailed step-by-step guide. This hint serves as an initial push.

From then on, it's important to speak with Hecate whenever the opportunity arises. At a certain point, she shares the recipe for an essential enchantment to advance. This spell is what allows you to break the barrier that prevents access to the ladder leading out of the underworld.

With the recipe unlocked, go to the cauldron at the crossroads and prepare the necessary enchantment. To do this, you will need to gather some items:

• 1 Ember (obtained by defeating Hecate);
• 3 Molly (yellow flowers found in the scenery);
• 1. Extraction of Darkness (produced in the cauldron itself with Ashes, Psyche, and Threads)

After gathering everything, simply begin the process. The enchantment takes some time to complete, requiring you to traverse several rooms before its conclusion. When finished, the passage will be clear, finally allowing you to ascend to the Surface in Hades 2.

How to survive on the surface in Hades 2?

Reaching the surface is only half the challenge. Upon arriving there, Melinoë suffers from a curse that slowly drains her life. This means that, even without facing enemies, her survival is already compromised. Therefore, it's not enough to just reach the location; she needs to find a way to stay alive long enough to explore and advance. The solution lies in another enchantment.

The first time you die on the surface, Moros appears and gives you the recipe needed to remove this negative effect. This new spell eliminates the loss of life, allowing you to remain in the area without that burden. To prepare this enchantment, you will need to gather:

• 2 Thalami (obtained by planting seeds from Chaos);
• 2 Mosses (collected directly from the surface);
• 2 Lotus (common flowers found in the scenery);
• 2 Belladonna (grown from seeds found in Erebus)

The trickiest part here is usually the Moss, since you need to collect it while still under the curse's effect. Once you've gathered all the items, return to the cauldron and complete the enchantment. From that moment on, ascending to the Surface in Hades 2 ceases to be a race against time and becomes a more controlled exploration.

Tips for progressing after reaching the surface

With access granted and the curse removed, a new stage of the game begins. The surface presents its own challenges, different enemies, and unique rewards. To make the most of this area, certain strategies make all the difference.

First, choose your blessings wisely before leaving the underworld. Having abilities that increase your resistance or deal quick damage can greatly facilitate your first encounters on the surface.

Next, it's worth observing the enemies' behavior. They have distinct patterns compared to those found in previous regions, so it's worthwhile studying their attacks before rushing forward. Also, don't be hasty. Even after managing to reach the Surface in Hades 2, progress in this area may take a few attempts to become more natural. Each attempt serves as a learning experience. It's also interesting to invest in permanent upgrades at the crossroads. Strengthening attributes and unlocking new resources greatly helps in adapting to this new environment.