Table of Contents

Can You Be Polyamorous in Hades? A Deep Dive into Relationships in the Underworld

Yes, you absolutely can be polyamorous in Hades! The game offers a nuanced and surprisingly heartwarming exploration of different relationship dynamics, allowing Zagreus, the protagonist, to pursue and maintain multiple romantic connections. Specifically, Zagreus can enter into a polyamorous relationship with both Megaera and Thanatos simultaneously. This isn’t just a superficial element; the game delves into the emotional complexities and philosophical underpinnings of these relationships, making it a truly unique aspect of the Hades experience.

Exploring the Romantic Landscape of Hades

Hades isn’t just about escaping the Underworld; it’s about the connections you forge along the way. While you can give Nectar to almost every named character, only three are available for romantic pursuits: Dusa, Megaera, and Thanatos. Each offers a unique perspective on love and relationships. What’s particularly interesting is that romancing all three doesn’t lead to jealousy or conflict. The game embraces the idea that relationships can be diverse and fulfilling in different ways.

The Key Players: Dusa, Megaera, and Thanatos

Dusa: A shy and hardworking gorgon head who works as a cleaner in the House of Hades. Her relationship with Zagreus is more about friendship and mutual support than traditional romance. Dusa is aromantic asexual (aroace).
Megaera: One of the Fury sisters and Zagreus’s former lover. Their relationship is complex, marked by past history and a fiery passion. This relationship offers a look at what happens when love isn’t enough.
Thanatos: Zagreus’s childhood friend and a skilled reaper of souls. Their bond is deep and intimate, built on shared experiences and mutual respect. Their romance is slow-burn and emotionally rewarding.

Achieving Polyamory: The Megaera and Thanatos Path

The journey to a polyamorous relationship with Megaera and Thanatos isn’t straightforward. It requires building individual relationships with both characters by gifting them Nectar and then Ambrosia to unlock their hearts. Once you’ve maximized your relationship with both of them, a special scene will trigger in Zagreus’s bedroom.

In this scene, both Megaera and Thanatos will appear, presenting Zagreus with a choice. Selecting the “Go To Them” option initiates the polyamorous relationship. The characters then have an honest and open discussion, setting the stage for a unique and fulfilling dynamic.

No Negative Consequences: A Refreshing Approach

One of the most appealing aspects of Hades’s approach to polyamory is the absence of negative consequences. Unlike some games that punish players for pursuing multiple relationships, Hades embraces the idea that love can be multifaceted. There’s no jealousy, no heartbreak, and no forced choices. It’s a celebration of different types of love and the freedom to explore them.

Philosophy of Relationships in Hades

The game subtly weaves different philosophies of love through each romantic character. Dusa represents platonic love and unwavering support. Megaera embodies passionate, fiery, and sometimes tumultuous love. Thanatos embodies deep and understanding love. The option to choose a polyamorous relationship with Megaera and Thanatos blends these two aspects of love, showing it’s possible to find fulfilment in multiple connections that fulfill different emotional needs.

This narrative depth, combined with the addictive gameplay, makes Hades a fascinating case study for scholars at the Games Learning Society and other institutions that study games and their impact on society.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Romance in Hades

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about romance and relationships in Hades, providing even more detail and insight into this fascinating aspect of the game:

Can I romance all three characters (Dusa, Megaera, and Thanatos) simultaneously?

Yes, you can pursue romantic relationships with all three characters simultaneously without any negative consequences. However, with Dusa, the relationship will end in a platonic outcome.
How do I give Nectar and Ambrosia to characters?

You can gift Nectar to characters by interacting with them when they have a dialogue bubble above their head. You will get the option to give them Nectar. Ambrosia is given the same way, but can only be given after unlocking all hearts by gifting Nectar. Nectar can be earned and purchased from the Wretched Broker. Ambrosia is earned through completing bounties from the Fated List of Minor Prophecies and later in the game by clearing higher heat levels.
What happens if I choose the “Ease Off” option during the Megaera and Thanatos scene?

Choosing “Ease Off” means you decline the polyamorous relationship. You can still maintain individual relationships with Megaera and Thanatos, but you won’t enter into a shared romantic dynamic.
Is there a “best” character to romance in Hades?

There’s no “best” character to romance, as it depends on your personal preferences. Each relationship offers a unique and rewarding experience. Dusa offers a platonic friendship and unwavering support, Megaera offers a fiery passion, and Thanatos offers deep emotional intimacy.
Does romancing one character prevent me from romancing others?

No, romancing one character does not prevent you from romancing others. You can build relationships with all three romanceable characters simultaneously.
How many times do I need to give Nectar to max out a relationship?

You need to give six Nectar to max out a relationship and unlock all hearts. After that, you must give Ambrosia to max out a character relationship completely.
Are there any benefits to romancing characters besides the story elements?

Yes, romancing characters unlocks Keepsakes that provide Zagreus with powerful bonuses during his escape attempts. These Keepsakes can significantly enhance your gameplay.
Does Hades (Zagreus’s father) have any opinion on Zagreus’s romantic relationships?

Hades rarely comments directly on Zagreus’s romantic relationships. His focus remains primarily on Zagreus’s repeated attempts to escape the Underworld.
Can I lose progress in a relationship if I don’t interact with a character for a long time?

No, you cannot lose progress in a relationship. Once you’ve gifted Nectar or Ambrosia, your progress is permanent.
Is Dusa truly asexual?

The game portrays Dusa as aromantic asexual (aroace). She explicitly states that she is not interested in Zagreus intimately, but values their friendship deeply.
How do I trigger the special scene with Megaera and Thanatos in Zagreus’s room?

To trigger the scene, you must first maximize your relationship with both Megaera and Thanatos individually by gifting them Nectar and Ambrosia until all hearts are unlocked. It may take multiple escape attempts for the scene to trigger after maxing out both relationships.
Does the polyamorous relationship with Megaera and Thanatos affect gameplay in any way?

The polyamorous relationship does not directly affect gameplay mechanics. It is primarily a story element that adds depth and richness to the narrative.
Is there any fanfiction or fan art based on the romantic relationships in Hades?

Yes, there is a vibrant fan community that has created a wealth of fanfiction and fan art based on the romantic relationships in Hades, particularly the relationship between Zagreus and Thanatos (ThanZag).
How long does it take to fully romance a character in Hades?

The time it takes to fully romance a character varies depending on how frequently you encounter them and how quickly you can acquire Nectar and Ambrosia. It typically takes several hours of gameplay to max out a relationship.
Where can I learn more about the themes and analysis of relationships in Hades?

You can find more information about the themes and analysis of relationships in Hades on gaming websites, online forums, and academic resources, including the GamesLearningSociety.org website.

Conclusion: A Refreshing Take on Relationships in Gaming

Hades’s exploration of polyamory is a refreshing and welcome addition to the gaming landscape. It showcases the potential for games to explore complex relationship dynamics in a thoughtful and nuanced way. By allowing players to pursue multiple relationships without judgment or penalty, Hades encourages experimentation and a deeper understanding of the diverse forms that love can take. It reinforces the idea that relationships aren’t limited by traditional norms and that genuine connection is what truly matters.

Can you be polyamorous in Hades?